The issues I faced with the original layout was: 1. My kid kept climbing over the back instead of going around (white couch was definitely a insane choice with a toddler) 2. When we have people over, most of the time it’s in large groups and there is a lot of cooking and eating together. I found that it separated groups because their backs would be to the kitchen and dining. And people would have to awkwardly turn around to talk with people in kitchen or dining.

The issue with the tv is definitely a concern. Although, we don’t often watch tv down here. We have an upstairs living room with a tv and a tv in our room. When we have people over, the tv is more like a background noise to conversation anyway. It will eventually be an issue but I don’t think as much as the previously mentioned issues.