Some photos would help make sure we are all on the same page envisioning the space--can you post some?

At 40' I do think the space needs to be divided up somehow. Are you interested in an architectural solution or furniture solution? Both could work.

I would also suggest rethinking how you use the two spaces. Do you really not use your formal DR? If not, then I suggest repurposing that space into something you would use, such as a combination music room/library. Then you could put in floating bookcases to divide the two rooms. Instead of the typical DR table and chairs, add in a smaller game table or round table with a couple of arm chairs to sit and read or play games. There have been several threads about this with pictures. I am linking one of them for you..if you browse through it you will see lots of pics.

Pics would really help though in addition to a layout of the rooms including windows and doorways.

Here is a link that might be useful: Repurposing formal DRs

I like the idea of columns above low shelving on both sides. Open for books, on the living room side, and maybe glass doors for dishes, on the dining room side.

Why can't you find room for the piano or curio? Are you lacking wall space? Too many windows?

The idea of a library/music room sounds great. A game table, that can be used for more formal dining, would be a good use of space. The question is, how do you want to use the rooms?

Thank you all for your help. I am going to try the library dining combo. I took pictures and was ready to post here, but can't seem to figure out how to do it? I tried the "test" post and it did have a place to insert pic. but it said file was too big. I had made the file 4x6 at 72dpi. What am I doing wrong? Thanks, Lisa

OK, I think I can post pic's now. I will give this a try. Please excuse the mess, we are remodeling the bedroom and everything is out in the living room. There isn't usually this much stuff in the room. The dividing wall you see was built as a temporary solution to hide away clutter. It is where I am thinking of doing see through builtins, bookcases, columns or ?.

I saw this photo and thought of your post.

I would definitely remove the temporary wall, as it is blocking the windows on that end of the room. If it was a temporary wall, then presumably it is not load-bearing, and may not be the best place for an architectural break in the room. It would seem more logical for the dining area to be near the opening to the kitchen, with the living area taking over most of the rest of the space. I could also see the piano being used as the dividing item, possibly with another item such as console table backed up to it.

How many openings into the kitchen? I see the one by the seating area, and it looks like one off entrance? Maybe the opening near seating area is not needed?

Wow, that is exactly what I was looking for. I was going to put some shelves in too, but like the open look of just the columns. I often thought about switching the dining area to the other end of room so it would be off the kitchen, but we really like the breakfast area and then we would have two tables right next to each other. there is a door in the dining room that leads through a tiny hallway into the kitchen. Where would you place the piano? BTW, thank you so much for your help. I truly am grateful. Lisa

I'm confused, what is behind the temporary wall?

It would help if you could draw out the entire space on paper with precise measurements, then make paper cutouts for furniture and move around in different scenerio's to see which one works best.

Don't worry about having your dining room next to your breakfast area. It's perfectly OK.

I notice your table is very large. Does it have a leaf that can be taken out or is that the smallest size of the table? Your cabinet, being so large, would definitely look better on a larger wall.

Good luck

Here's something to consider...

First, I would reverse the uses of the room, and put the living room furnishings on the end away from the kitchen, and the dining room where the living room is now. Then I would take the table and chairs out of the breakfast room and turn it into a music room, with the piano and perhaps a small game table there. With the dining room close to the kitchen, you could easily use it for your meals, rather than wasting space on a function you never use. And you could have coffee at the little table in the music room if you wanted to.

Then I would not add anything structural to divide the space. Since you have those large windows on two walls, you lose the end wall for furniture. I would place the china cabinet on the long wall beside the door into what is now the breakfast room, and let it establish the line between the two. (Its size would fit better on the long wall.) I would hang a large rectangular mirror vertically over a small table directly opposite the cabinet, thereby establishing the feeling of a transition space. That way, you gain the use of the china cabinet in both areas, and make a clear delineation much more economically.

I would arrange the living room furniture with the back of the sofa facing dining area, to establish the start of the living room and further divide the space, with a narrow console table behind it facing the dining area, which would give you room for a lamp, and add serving space when you need it.

I think you would find that arrangement more comfortable than if you added architecture to a nice simple room, and lost space doing it. And I also think you would find the house lives better if you are using all of it every day. There is something rather forlorn about a functional space, sitting in the midst of your life at home, that never gets used. What gives a home life is...living in it!

And that's my big idea! Let us know what you decide.