Build a closet on either side of the big window and a window seat in between the two closets. Put the tv and some storage or bookcases on the big wall. Couch on the railing wall facing the tv. Two big chairs on either side of the stairs.

That's a whole latta railing ya got there.

How extensive is your budget to update this home?

It looks like there are a lot of extra "things" that you could just remove like catwalks to nowhere with railings that block cool windows.

I wonder if most of the brick stairwell wall can just be removed.

I'd be tempted to replace a good bit of it with more pony wall as seen on the 2nd floor landing. I also think I'd close up that hole in the brick wall and cover all of that wall with drywall. The other one is sufficient for a touch of brick interest. Get rid of the Victorian front door for sure and broaden and close the steps down into the living area. Paint will save the day once the railings disappear.

If you have the budget, I think your house is an excellent candidate for leveling up the sunken living room. Since it's open to spaces on three sides, I imagine if the foyer, stair landing and the room to the left were allon the same level it would totally improve how you're able to use the space.

My parents built their house in '81 with two steps down to the living room. I think they've regretted that design choice for a while, but there's no possible way to fix it like you can. Their foyer is on the sunken level.

I dig the sunkenness of it, and I dig the railing. My thought is to pull off the faux brick and paint something that's not white or white-ish, then live in the space for a while and see if the railing grows on you.

Nice area, too. When my wife and I moved back to Chicagoland in 2001, we rented a couple of blocks away from here while we looked for a house.

Oh my. Why - just why?

I can’t figure out the large picture of railings (??) on the right-hand side of the second picture you posted. Or is it an opening with railings beyond in the next room?? Or a mirror reflecting railings? The whole thing feels jail-like to me.

I love wood as much as anybody, but that’s just too much.

I would un-sink the whole room.

That is a lot to take in!

If you could open up the wall with the staircase and get rid of the brick, I think it starts to look better.

Here's a quick and dirty photoshop.

Maybe add or move the stairs to that wall instead of the front door so that you can go from this living area to the upstairs more easily.

Fill it in and remove the pinkish brick. Only the one big window will need to be changed for safety. You could add French doors there instead.

What's the purpose of this room? Is it the only living room? Is this where the TV is going to go?

When you are looking at the couch, what is the room to the left? Would closing off that opening to give you a solid wall to put a TV on be appropriate?

It seems weird that the front door opens directly into that space. Maybe a sketch of a complete floorplan would help to give people some ideas.

Thank you all so much for the suggestions and advice, I am taking each into consideration.

The space is very confusing to see via pictures.

To clarify:

The first 2 above pictures have the kitchen to the left of the couch in the photo. The open brick wall on the right side exposes the staircase to the upstairs loft area you see in the last 2 above pictures.

Here is a view of the kitchen that is cut off now by a brick wall although there is another 'cut out' spot into the living space.

I'm so confused. It looks like a wood funhouse. I would heavily add sheetrock to give the eye someplace to rest.

What a cool house! It might be worth hiring a designer who can assess the entire space for the best options that, depending on your budget, you could implement in stages. Good design will make this house beautiful. It would be really interesting to speak with the original architect!

What is the scope of your project? Are you just looking for a light update or do you want to significantly transform this place?

If you do not have a separate dining room, but rather just this eat-in kitchen next to the living room, it's definitely worth making raising the living room floor a priority.

First order of business is to have a structural engineer come out and identify what elements can be removed without load issues. This is what we did and it was the best money we spent that launched us into our renovation planning.

IMO, the more you can open up the kitchen/dining/living/entry/stairs the better. If you can lose the brick walls, the entry ceiling, the catwalks and raise up the living room floor it'll be great.

I am going to be total opposite. I absolutely love your house and wouldnt change much of anythng. It is gorgeous. I can see it all done up with mid century modern furniture. It would be stunning. I dont mind sunken living rooms and in fact, had one once. Your house also looks to be in excellent condition. I even love all the brick. Your house is unique. You are lucky, it doesnt look just like all the others and is a refreshing change, from white kitchen cabinets, and gray or tan walls, and neutral decor, with no color and a bit on the boring side.

I think greg is on the right track. Those brick walls are likely not supporting. The beam may be but not the brick. I'd take it down or drywall over it.

There are too many levels, stairs and railings but it might be a post and beam house.

You can either paint all the railings white OR

Consider changing the railings to this design which appears a bit less busy visually.

Have you considered metal railing? Cable railing is thin and would make the room feel more open! Here's an example of blackened cable railing we recently did!

This is a unique, beautiful layout, but - Holy Cow - there's way too much going on. Simplify.

As others suggest, raise the living room floor and get rid of the step down and railing. It would combine the entry and living room and really open up the space. It would be safer, too, because it's easy to forget situations where there's one or two steps, especially for guests.

Paint the brick. Easier and cheaper than drywall and would retain the interesting texture.

Lighter color railings would help.

The hillbilly front door has got to go.

I would raise the floor up to the level of the entry. What is the purpose of sitting in a pit?

Sorry, but I love the "funkyness" of the house. Maybe remove the brick. I definitely wouldn't paint the wood railings. The front door does not appear to match the house.

I think it's great. I'd probably consider painting the brick and for sure swap out the Victorian style ceiling fan with one more contemporary, but otherwise there's nothing wrong with it.

The front door and the ceiling fans don't fit the style of the house. The stairs down into the sunken room look like a temporary, lightweight fix. Closing the risers would give a more substantial polished look.

REPOST (original did not include photo!) Have you considered metal railing? Cable railing is thin and would make the room feel more open! Here's an example of blackened cable railing we recently did!

Blackened Cable Railing · More Info

Blackened Cable Railing · More Info

Blackened Cable Railing · More Info