Okay, if you're going to dust that soffit, attractive or not, it'd better at least have lights. I really like your house's architecture. It deserves a new kitchen. As for removing the typical homey "before" clutter, truly what doesn't cost a cent is usually a very significant part of the remodel. The "after" kitchens these days are so gorgeous that I've literally never seen one returned to its previous state. People give service to their beauty gladly. :)

Your sitting room does look like a waiting room as Groveraxle said. I like the idea of a built in banquette around the perimeter of your sitting room. It could be used for lounging or dining. Also, I think what's throwing me off (and maybe you too) with your open concept is the big couch closing off the kitchen from the tv room. Because your big couch acts like a barrier, you end up with a noticeable dance floor between kitchen and tv room. If this were my house, I'd move the big couch to the wall where you have a chair and move your 2 chairs where your couch is. That way you can move your chairs further towards the kitchen to use up some of that dance floor space. It's kinda hard to tell but I think the rug in the tv room is too small, your furniture looks all crammed around it. From your photos it looks like you have a nice spacious kitchen and breakfast nook then big furniture crammed around a small rug in your tv room.

I wish I had photos. My childhood kitchen had a wood burning franklin stove in one corner, with a loveseat in front of it on a diagonal. That loveseat was my father's office. He'd sit in that seat all winter, from morning to night with his New York Times, answering calls and doing business and even having family chats & business meetings (he was an entrepreneur - working from home long before it was commonplace.) It was a lovely little spot right in the middle of the hubbub of family life. I love your fireplace and think it can be a wonderful spot for you & your family.

When does one buy lights? Have open concept LR DR kitchen and entrance hallway. Kitchen cabs not getting installed till end of summer. Am thinking lights should be tied up together by some concept, right? How does one goes about tying all elements together? I know i want to follow simple scandinavian design with clean elegant lines at modest to moderate prices. I am looking to replace entrance hall lights and I need 2 of them. Not sure how to go mixing and matching other lights though... Any suggestions? There is no rugs or furniture or floors yet. I am not buying furniture until floor is installed and not getting floor in until kitchen cabs in. However hallway LR and DR are painted. https://www.menards.com/main/p-1551684577476.htm?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic-shopping&utm_content=3518453&utm_campaign=Patriot+Lighting&gclid=CjwKCAjw-qeFBhAsEiwA2G7Nl8ZbvsCWvypTP9aw6nFW17euCLuBUalA3nOhn_8b9tVQneG196PkkhoCYpAQAvD_BwE