@acman3, no update on the potential new room so some thoughts.
1. Have a frank discussion with your wife about her objections. As others suggested is it the size of the speakers or actually all the components in the living room?
2. If truly the size then show her the smaller options from Volti. Maybe if she picked the finish that would make her happy. This assumes you could accept a smaller version sonics.
3. If it is actually the audio gear in the living room then the only real answer may be the attic conversion to dedicated room.