Ok I am back..... Wow, I just read thro' all the responses and you guys rock !!! I love this forum :))) So far the consensus seems to be to open it up. To answer some of your questions.... oakleyok: The rooms are small. LR is 13 x 18 and FR is 11 x 18. So if we open it up, it will prob. be around 24 x 18 which I think is a nice size....Not too big nor small... bumbledoodle & jan in wisconsin: Thanks for sharing :) I am glad you love the openess....Its very affirming. We currently have a full set of furniture in the LR(Sofa, loveseat, 2 chairs, coffee & end tables). In the FR, we have a loveseat, 3 accent chairs and the TV which is currently on a console. One wall in the FR is dominated by a brick fireplace, similar to the inspiration photo that I linked. So I guess we will have two separate seating areas, even if we open up the rooms. Prob. one will be near the fireplace and another TV watching area.... lynninnewmex, nanny2a & bronwynsmom: Yes, I def. plan to check with an architect if its a load bearing wall or not. I've read (in cote de texas's blog) that if you put in a doorway, it wouldn't cause an issue to the structure as opposed to removing the entire wall. Is this right?? palimpset & pps7: Thanks for letting me know that traditional homes have open architecture...I never knew that. I didn't grow up in this country, so a lot of it is new to me......Now I feel better that I won't be really messing up with the integrity of the house :) Scanmike: Thanks for sharing your pics. You have a beautiful home. I really love your sunroom..I wish I had one and also some new kittens :) susanilz: I think we'll be here for atleast the next 5 yrs...Maybe 10 yrs...I don't have the energy to move anytime soon...So I guess, it makes sense to make it into something functional for us.... vampiressrn: We don't entertain a lot...But def. a few times a year, we have large gatherings for 30+ ppl....Maybe we'll be more prone to entertaining with an open area...I am feeling really pressurized cos we're having a formal gathering of nearly 50 ppl...Its a prayer meeting, so everyone will be sitting together in the same space unlike a party where ppl can move around... Initially, I was considering putting in only a regular doorway (with a french door or pocket door). But after committing to hosting such a large gathering, I am really at a loss on how we're going to accomodate everyone. This was the trigger to everything..... jamaraz: Thanks for sharing your experience...I am scared about the unknowns...Sometimes I think I am opening up a can of worms :) monablair: I am not sure it would work for us. Like I said, the FR has a fireplace and has a very cozy vibe..Maybe I could place some seating around it and have some bookshelves against the adjacent wall to create like a reading/library room (similar to the little reading nook in Somethings gotta give)....I love my books :))) awm: Thats exactly the look I wanted initially. But somehow DH is against the idea of french doors or pocket doors. He wants a more open feel I don't know if I should really listen to him. He doesn't hang out obsessively in design forums like I do, KWIM :)) He's pretty clueless when it comes to design..... How wide do you think that opening is in the pic?? I initially did want doors. But I am not sure how wide the opening would be if we put in doors(like I said, we're trying to accomodate nearly 50 in one space) Also, with french doors, I am thinking if it will hamper the space/furniture placement when we open the door. tomorrowisanotherday: Yes, I really don't want to lose real estate value...I will have to somehow figure this out and make it work.... dlm: Thanks for sharing your pics :) Your french doors are so gorgeous...I don't have any in my home and I really love the look of one :( teaforwendy: We do have a door connecting the FR to the breakfast nook & kitchen. Its not as open as I would like it to be but I don't mind it too much for now...Maybe it could be a project for the future...... kjmama: Yes, we did talk before :) Infact, I searched and pulled up your thread yday to get more ideas. How's the doorway working for you?? Are you done with decorating? Any pics to share :) Please keep the ideas coming...Right now, I am def. leaning twds putting in a doorway...Our "handyman" is coming to take a look tomorrow...But I need to check with an architect about the load bearing aspect of it before we start on anything....Will keep you all updated and will also, try to figure out how to post pics meanwhile..... Thanks once again :)

Well crap! Just got back from the CPA and he recommends we put the max into an IRA every year until we retire. Dh agrees with him, so while we are still going to add on that room, it is back to being a tight budget. Gee, just when I was really thinking up neat stuff to want! LL, I love that kitchen picture; I think I have it saved somewhere too. I saw it before we left to go to the CPA and was trying to think how to do something similar. The problem is, I'd rather have upper cabinets than lower ones (except the deep drawers). So for now, I need to decide what windows to put in that room, and what kind of ceiling. We had thought about putting a ceiling like this: Not the benches or anything else, just the ceiling. With all the windows, I thought the higher ceiling would help with the heat, and give the room a lot of interest. However, it will also be more expensive. Not that we would have to put the wood on now, it could be added later. But the shape would have to be done from the beginning. We have beams in the top of the vaulted ceiling in the living room and they would kind of adjoin, and we have talked about adding beams to the living room something like this: I also like this: And I think it would fit more with the rest of the house. I want the room to look like it has been here since the house was built. And I like this, in a way better than the rest. Only I would flip it so the flat beadboard part is in the kitchen, and the vaulted part in the dining room, separated by the beam: I also think this would be easier to build, and cheaper, than the cone-shaped vaulted ceiling. Which do you like?

Before you change out the flooring, bring some of your cushions, pillows, etc. from the living room into the kitchen and put them on the floor. See if there is some way you can bridge the difference between the two cool/warm colorations. You will probably be putting down an area rug in the living room, right? Perhaps the pattern in it can be that bridge, containing warm and cool tones. My reason for suggesting this is that many will say that you should try for continuity in the materials used in adjoining rooms in your home. I like your kitchen floors and see some warmth in them that could be a jumping off point into a warmer living room. But...it is your home. I would play around with fabrics, paint colors, rug samples first.... Good luck!

Did you ever find a solution to your problem? I’m dealing with the same situation. I DESPISE these shelves. I have put items that can be seen the same from both sides. (aside from the signage) For example, no picture frames. But I’m getting bored with my look. Looking for suggestions.