Very cool space. I agree to live there for a while.

What is your budget?

Do you like a totally open floor plan so you don't feel sequestered? Or do you like the separation because of clutter, etc? Also, when you have an open floor plan, the kitchen cabinets, counters, everything have to connect really well with the rest of the room. In your situation, white cabinets may not achieve this goal. Continuity in design choices are key.

What is going on above- loft area with Mediterranean metal scroll work? That seems out of place..............especially with the contemporary windows in the A frame wall.

I think it has it's own charm. Messing with it will leave you with a house with no identity.

Is it a second home?

FWIW, I love it the way it is....there's very little I would change....maybe the kitchen cabs.

(p.s. please no mirror above the fireplace...it takes away from it.)

It is very stylish with the iron work in the upstairs area. You might consider just doing an approx. 4' cut out opening above the stove. It is probably a support wall and to open it up would require a post which might look awkward. With a pass through it gives you some privacy from noise and such in the kitchen but still gives you a connection to the family room. Gives you an open feel without sacrificing the character.

I personally find it disconcerting to have exterior contemporary style architecture combined with Mediterranean iron work inside.

Love the idea for a cut out in that wall.

Best.

Great inspirational pics, Flo! I hope the homeowners like them as much as I do - this is a chance to polish up this diamond in the rough.

Best.

As the photos I posted show, I would probably concentrate on that space and half walls/railings above the kitchen area first. That is a dominate feature that needs updating. I would remove all the iron stuff except around the fireplace. It is designed for that fireplace so should probably stay. If you want a more modern look, consider staining the existing wood a whiter tone. Then with lighter furnishings, you would have a modern, but cozy Mountain retreat.

The inspiration photos show alternative railing approaches on the area over the kitchen that would enhance that area.

Congratulations. Really nice home with lots of charm.

Agree with mimimomy.

Before you make any truly major changes, especially structural changes, perhaps you should live in it for a while -- even a full year (through all four seasons) so you know more what works and what doesn't work for your lifestyle -- and give yourself a chance to find out if you need to prioritize your remodel budget on necessary items before setting a budget for remodeling for preference reasons.

Minor changes are a different matter. Changes to the kitchen where you're not considering opening up a wall could be on the early "to do" list.

If you already know you want to open up the wall between the kitchen and adjoining room, find out if it is a weight bearing wall.

This might be worth considering -- incorporate the posts for support into the design:

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6b/17/b9/6b17b9355e4a0675fd1fa3096bf215b3.jpg

In the meantime, focus on your landscaping and creating a space for indoor/outdoor living. You might consider adding/facing the downstairs posts and creating a porch/patio there.

Filesw, that looks great. It will give your guests another gathering place and you won't feel so isolated in the kitchen..

whatever you use over the fireplace a square format or less narrow format would be better. i've extended the drapery panels on the windows.

Eliminate the cranberry rug.

I am so happy to see what you like! That inspiration pic is awesome for your home. Moving in the transitional/contemporary/rustic direction is the way to go IMHO.

If you have the budget or can save for it, I would do a gut job on the kitchen - it is not something you will regret.

If you don't mind people seeing the inevitable kitchen clutter from the living area, then by all means do it. I do have some friends who do not have clutter in their kitchens............

You can use your inspiration pic as a guide- great kitchen for your home.

https://www.potterybarn.com/products/eagan-multipanel-large-mirror/?pkey=call-mirrors&isx=0.0.200