Also, I been in a house that had nice wicker swing like people have on there porch in the living room. I thought that was the coolest thing. The homeowners said they liked it as well, so my next house will have a swing in the living room and a big utility room.
You may want to also consider a Florida room if you have small kids, its basically a playroom/party room in the back of the house that seals off from the rest of your house.
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...om&FORM=HDRSC2