Hi, all design gurus,
I just purchased a townhouse and have no idea how to decorate this weird space. Any help is appreciated in finding the right furniture and layout. I prefer more modern, contemporary look for a single man. Also the recommendation for window treatment is also need.

The only thing in the living room is a 42" plasma TV. I attached a 3D model for the room's layout. Great room dimension is 12'5" X 18'2", 9' ceiling (thanks to Froo for the correction).
All windows in the great room and dinning area open to a great view outside. Lots of trees there. I love it.

Thanks a lot in advance.

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Update: I have tried furniture layout tool such as those offered at American Signature Furniture or MyDeco.com. The problem for me is more about finding the proper layout for furniture and keep the open feel of the great room. A detailed instruction will be nice. :P
Thanks, Froo. I will try to use the guidelines.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: outbackvandy,

Welcome. First, let's clarify that you have a 9' ceiling vs. a 9" ceiling Secondly, does your window in the great room area come w/ a notable view? If so, play it up as a focal point and keep treatment minimal opting only to use some to soften and for privacy. That could be specialty blinds or shades. If the window's view is lacking, create a focal point, the tv being one and perhaps another such as a wall or floor fountain (contempo in feel of course). Focus the main conversational grouping toward the focal point. Anchor it w/a rug. A rug can also be used in the dining area, but it need not be identical in size/shape or pattern as long as the scheme is maintained to a degree since the spaces are open to each other.

To establish an open concept scheme, draw inspiration from a printed source such as art, a rug, an upolstered chair, etc. Cues to colors you love are apparent from your wardrobe.

Compile a notebook of elements of designs that appeal to you from furniture styles to room layouts and accessories/art. Include samples of elements you're using from carpet fibers to fabric swatches and paint chips. Do not overlook the impact of lighting (task and ambiance) in your overall design plans.

Factor in your lifestyle and the functions of each space. Shop wisely for pcs. that are flexible in a variety of spaces, offer storage and organization as well.

Be sure to feature some pattern and textural interest along w/ touches of black for depth/drama and sheen via metallics/glass, etc.

Importantly, be sure to keep within your budget, have patience and do evoke your personality into each space. Your furnishings should be of sleek lines, tailored or streamlined, and comfortable for you. Do your homework re. materials, inner core construction, and manufacturer's rep along w/ store polices. Be sure to measure your entrance and where the intended larger pieces will be placed so that won't be surprised after the fact.

Perhaps someone here can direct you to a site that offers virtual furniture layout tools. If not, you can use graph paper and furniture cutouts to scale to plan your layouts.

Much happiness in your new digs.

Here are some sites that offer the virtual furniture layout tools. I haven't tried any of these so can't say how user-friendly they are.

http://furniture.about.com/od/buyingtips/fr/tk.htm

You got some great advice from Froo Froo; nothing I can add here except good luck & I hope you will come back & post about what you are doing!

I just went & played a little with the Jordan's Furniture Planner; this was the one the writer of the article said he enjoyed most.

Very easy to navigate...

This is a really fun site to lay out furniture.

Plan 3D rooms

Yeah, I love MyDeco.com as well. The 3D rendition I created is using Google's SketchUp. It's free and super easy to use.

Can you give me a sample how to setup a nice living room space? As you can tell, I'm clueless and design principle doesn't help me much so far...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: outbackvandy,

I think to lay it out would depend on where you put the TV. You may want to measure out the space where you want to put what (sofa, tables, etc.) and put down painters tape to get an idea of size. In the furniture stores things don't look as big as they are in our homes.

I think a round table would work nicely in your DR.

There are 3 positions for TVs only.
1. on the left wall; 2 at the corner of left and bottom wall; 3. at the bottom wall.

If using opt.1, that means it will block some view from the windows. But it's easier to setup couch by the bottom wall. For opt.2, nobody on any sofa can have a direct view of the TV, although the space is saved for other stuff. For opt.3, it's a good position for TV, but the couch can easily block the open feel for the great room and the entrance to kitchen and dinner area. That's my dilemma, there is no perfect layout for this room...

Opt for some pieces that are open backed or swivel. Those will take advantage of multi positions in terms of conversation and viewing focal points. Keep traffic flow in mind also. Sectional armless pcs. that can be broken down are also your friend. Flexibility and scale re. furnishings is key.
Space saving options like coffee tables that stash ottomans for extra seating, nesting tables for end tables, a credenza to house electronic equipment and utilizing vertical space all should be considered.