Need Ideas! Alternate Uses for a Formal Living Room?

The house we bought has a formal living room. I hope I'm not alone when I say that formal living rooms, IMO, are a waste of space. Especially in a house with young children. I do not want or need a formal living room.

Anyway, I've been wracking my mind for alternate uses for the space, to no avail. I really can't come up with anything. I've reached out to my mother's interior decorator and am waiting to hear from her.

The "formal living room" is located in the front of the house, on the right as you enter the house. It is connected to the family room by an entryway, making the two rooms look seperate from each other. However, the television in the family room will be visible from this space.

Does anyone have any ideas for me? I really want this room to be functional.

I'm going to try to post some pictures, but I am terrible at it, so most likely, you will need to view my "new house album" if you'd like to help.

TIA!!

ETA: Yes, just as I assumed, my picture posting abilty stinks. So, I have added the pictures to my "new house" album. They are the last 2 pictures. One is of the family room (the television will be mounted above the fireplace) and the other picture is a picture of the formal living room. You can see in the picture how the family room is attached.

Message edited 8/30/2010 11:56:22 PM.

Re: Need Ideas! Alternate Uses for a Formal Living Room?

another den or family room? Space to watch movies?

Re: Need Ideas! Alternate Uses for a Formal Living Room?

I love the idea of a library/reading room.

Re: Need Ideas! Alternate Uses for a Formal Living Room?

What about putting in French doors and making it an office/ library

Re: Need Ideas! Alternate Uses for a Formal Living Room?

I have the same problem. I have no clue what to do with the room.
For now, it is a "nicer" but not formal living room. My piano wiil be in there, a couch, and a nice area rug. I also plan on keeping the babies things in there so I don't have to constantly walk up the stairs. (pack & play, swings, bouncy seats, etc).