And so we begin . . .

So the new project is the family room--family and friends will know we just finished the basement, so we just put everything down there so we could do the family room. Here are the basics. It is almost a square room--about 18 x 17--with stairs coming into it, a window on one wall, a fireplace, and a hallway off of the wall at the bottom of the stairs. Here is a basic sketch.

And here are a few photos to give you a sense of things--obviously we have already pulled the carpet out. More below.

The intent is to:

1. rip out the two outside walls (fireplace and window walls) so we can insulate; 
2. rip out and replace the ceiling (and put in new lighting while we are at it);
   
3. reface the fireplace;
4. put a wall up where the railing on the stair-railing is; and,
5. install bookcases along the back "stair wall."

All comments on design features are welcome as we are not sure how to arrange the room in the first place.  So here are the questions:

• Room orientation (particularly TV/Audio arrangement)?
• Lighting Options?
• Fireplace design?
• Other?