I did try various looks for the curtains, lowered the pull backs, raised them, allowed them to just hang; the way they are now is was what looked okay to me. As the room evolves, these ones may get swapped out; for now they'll be fine. I also tried a heavier white curtain with white dots in the fabric which was too much as well as a valance that was totally hideous. Ohmygosh, the table is incredibly useful!!! I'm a huge fan of small, versatile pieces of furniture like tables and benches that can easily be moved around if need be, so this one was ideal. Many tables like this have a bottom shelf which I'm much happier without.

You need a rug, for sure. I like this one because it has the black, white, gray of the room, plus a hint of the warm floor stain. Also, notice the size of the rug in the inspiration room photo. Suggest a camel tone leather sectional. Actually, I like all of these pieces for your room from Burrow. Is there a reason why you haven't put the t v over the fireplace? The room looks large enough and the mantel low enough to meet measurment requirements for watching in comfort.

I can see option 2 working the best, but hopefully there is some flexibility at this point. Consider improved functionality, as well as (eventual) resale. You can gain a wider area between kitchen/seating area by changing the opening on lower right to be near kitchen. Now seating area can be moved down! Suggest an island (longer than peninsula if possible) to gain access on both sides, added storage, wider if possible for better entertaining (ie: buffet). I’d move sink/dishwasher to be near dish storage and to keep island/peninsula clear. People will gravite here. A focal wall with built in electric fireplace would feel spacious, be a great feature in your open concept, and keep that space uninterrupted to get to opposite side of room. Opposite wall idea. There is a lot to consider and thinking about overall functionality is key before furniture placement. Hopefully you have a floor plan with exact dimensions, structural components and space requirements to make the best decisions. Good luck.

How about this idea? You position a trellis or old gate and plant in front of it...to make it all yours. Just in case wonderful neighbor moves, there won't be an issue or removing something that you are spent time on designing. My daughter found 3 trellis at a re sale shop. She uses them between evergreens to finish off a lot line.