I vote for hardwood or engineered wood through the whole space, including the kitchen. Opening the wall would be nice, but I suspect your appliances are arrayed along that wall? I'd paint the wall the same pale color as the living space, and hang a really big mirror on the wall if you can't open it. Then you open the wall visually, and reflect the light from the sliders back into the space. (I know...me and mirrors. They are great manipulators of space, particularly when you commit to making them big!)

Still searching for something to fall in love with to put over my living room sofa. Some ideas but nothing I'm ecstatic about. Dining room still needs wall art too. I decided against the PB mirror. Searching, searching. Please post ideas if you have them. Thank you!

Great, Sally. Hope we didn't overwhelm you with too much information. Most of us do go for a holistic approach to space since no single element exists in a room by itself; they connect through layout, style, finishes, palettes. Sometimes the "problem child" isn't the actual problem, or the only problem, and getting a bunch of alternative suggestions can be useful. Your room is lovely as is, frankly. If you are getting wood flooring, that will definitely modernize the room without your doing anything else. Feel free to post again with all the details at the outset--i.e. not loving the paint, getting wood floors, etc.--then people won't chime in with too much information. Good luck with your new home. You have beautiful pieces.

its large enough you can bring in botanical patterns or geometric patterned textiles. Color of your own choosing. The far wall w fireplace and clock in the living room would be nicer if lighter. You could take the same hue just lighter. It looks a little dreary/nearly gray which is going to be yesterday's aesthetic if not already...... then almost any color scheme would be nice or neutrals for that matter. More I look at it...ceiling is not high..I'd lighten that wall...others walls if you feel like it , and work w neutrals. Just a pop of blue for accents...or green....enjoy your new home!!!!