Help is needed.

My room is an open room (23x10x8) with one open side wall(3x3 window and 7x7 doorwall at the end) and open back wall(3.5x4.5 window in the middle).

Other than speaker upgrade, can I do anything to improve it other than blocking the openings (wouldn't get approval from wife without asking)?

Placement of bookshelf speakers with stands. Should they be placed differently than floorstanding? Currently use cardas method.

I will attach the layout image of the rooms right away. I am wondering if I should put the speakers in the long narrow living room or in the family room where I can integrate with home theater.

The family room is quite open on the right side with 2 windows on the left side. The speakers would be pulled out a lot and possibly block walking which is not wife-children-friendly

Any suggestions are appreciated.