make my downstairs living area fun for all the family

Briefing

We want to create a kitchen, dining and living area for the family to enjoy and entertain in. We need somewhere to eat and informally entertain. Our kitchen table is currently under a low ceiling and it becomes very noisy very quickly.
The middle room has nothing but cupboards, and the front room is equally large but empty. We'd like somewhere private downstairs to play instruments or watch TV or do homework, but we don't want to cut out any light.
We want to make the downstairs playful, light and airy but somewhere the whole family can relax in.

Our culture is casual but stylish. The area will take a lot of wear and tear - we have three pre-teen children. We want and area where adults and children alike can relax and enjoy being together or doing their own thing. The children love relaxed furniture, we are quite modern and don't want anything that feels too classical al and old-fashioned in style.

The ceilings are very high which can make the rooms feel a bit large and impersonal. We want to make this a cosier living space.
We are thinking the eating area might be nicer under the glass roof or at the front of the house.

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