We haven’t shared an update on this room since the post a year ago about hanging our oversized chandelier. Time flies, but this space has functioned well from day one. We designed it to be multi-purpose: a cozy movie area, a spot to lounge and read, a workspace for us, and an arts-and-crafts desk for the kids that also stores their papers and creations. We also needed storage for board games and work papers. It was a lot to ask, but the room is large and felt perfect for all of that. From the start we knew where the TV would go — there was literally one great wall for it, thanks to the large windows that fill the rest of the room.

That wall helped create a distinct TV zone on one side of the room, while the other half serves as our office and kids’ art space. The layout has worked really well.

We used the opposite side of the room for the office/art area, and it’s been ideal for both work and creative projects.

Photos don’t fully capture how spacious this room feels—most visitors say it’s even larger in person. For reference, the sofa sits on an 8 x 10 rug, and the room is roughly 25′ long by 16′ wide.

There’s plenty of floor space—another 8 x 10 rug could fit without touching the TV area.

Turn around with your back to the sofa and you’re looking at the office and art area. This room has come a long way since we bought the house in early 2020.

The long wall originally had a wood treatment we loved, but mildew along the top needed attention. The house had been vacant for four years, with no working HVAC or water, so we tackled leaks, mold, and soggy drywall during renovations.

Now that side is clean and refreshed. The damp drywall was replaced where necessary, and the wood wall simply needed a thorough scrub—no hidden moisture or mold behind it, which felt like a small miracle.

Recently we made three updates that improved storage and efficiency. Below are the changes and what they did for the room.

Update #1: Moving the Bookshelves from the Kitchen

We relocated two large Fjalkinge bookcases from the kitchen to this room. They originally served as a makeshift pantry and now provide excellent office storage. The drawers hold work papers, receipts, and tax documents, while the kids use the drawers beside their desk for art supplies and finished projects. The scale of these bookcases fits the long wall nicely and makes the space feel complete.

Update #2: Central Air for the Entire House

We finally routed HVAC ducts to this room and connected the whole house to central air. When we bought the house there was no working HVAC, and initial plans to reuse existing ducts hit structural obstacles. After consulting multiple HVAC professionals we briefly used mini-splits in two rooms, but ultimately we found a viable duct route and installed central air throughout. The change synchronized temperatures across all rooms, reduced humidity problems we’d had with oversized mini-splits, and simplified maintenance. The drywall repair below the family room was part of the transition, and the total cost to finalize this update came in under $1,000 after selling back the mini-splits.

If you’re renovating and pivoting plans as new information emerges: don’t beat yourself up. Houses throw curveballs, and sometimes the best solution takes time. Trust experienced contractors, and celebrate the outcome when it’s right.

Update #3: Moving the Desk Into the Window and Creating Faux Legs

We shifted our long-standing parson’s desk into the window by replacing the original legs with simple faux legs in the back. This allowed the desk to recess into the windowsill by about seven inches, improving sightlines and aligning the desk depth with the flanking bookcases. The desk has been a reliable, flexible piece for 15 years and remains one of those timeless items that can move with you through many rooms and uses.

Plants thrive in this bright room—our neon pothos in particular loves the light. Storage, flexible furniture, and clear zones for work and relaxation are what keep this room functioning well year after year.

We filmed a short, silent video walk-through to show the space in motion—sometimes a quick video captures the room better than photos. Overall, after a year and a half, the layout we chose—one side for office and art, the other for cozy family time—continues to work beautifully. As life changes, some areas may evolve, but for now this room checks all the boxes for function, storage, and comfort.

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