It is no doubt that the Living Room or Great Room is one of the most difficult rooms to design.  Clients are always perplexed with how to deal with a fireplace, a tv and the seating in the space. My interior design brain goes into full on function mode right off the top. These are some of the questions I ask and you can ask yourself:

Who will be using this room? How many people are in the room on a regular basis?

Do you entertain on a regular basis or have lots of people who come over frequently? Small groups, large family gatherings, card clubs, etc.

I have heard it more than once and I'm sure you have too, my parents, in laws and others want to stay in their home if they possibly can as they age. The thought of having to move to a "nursing home" has people shuddering thinking about it. I think that there are some great options now that the world has realized that the baby boomers are ageing and needs places to go.