I would spend the extra cash(ok alot of extra cash) to have the furnace and water heater moved to the side which would mean replacing them for direct vent versions. This would open the basement up even more, you could then think about floorstanding speakers or at least the larger bathroom with all that extra floor space.

Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70