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 :)

It's a nice room and you've done a pretty good job. A few tweaks though,,,,exchange the short plant for a taller plant, in that corner. If you can't do a taller one, then hang the one you have from the ceiling or put it on a taller, mini table. put the plant on something like this. Target..Project 62 That sectional, (which really is too big for this room) in front of that door, really closes off the room (visually and literally). if you could, at some point, you could use separate pieces, that would be great. going w/a round, open style coffee table will soften some of those square edgesTarget. a single sofa against the long wall, some colored pillows, artwork, the coffee table/bench (using one like this that's 'open' looking, gives the illusion of more space) the blue velvet chair for some accent colors,,,,this is what you need in your space. for instance, imagine if you removed that smaller end of the sofa and had something like this against that wall or this one. BTW, these colors, below, would look great in your room. Do you have any artwork? Framed pictures, tapestry, shelving,,,anything? here is a simple example that you could do. Target has cute accessories like little tables, pillows, wall decor, etc, that you could use. bring in some color w/the arrangement like they done here, for behind your sofa. the pics behind this sofa are hung a bit high, but should give you an idea of how to accessorize your room. this would also be a better table for you. It's mainly that sectional that is really making this room heavy. if you need window coverings, I keep it sleek w/some inset blinds of some sort.

You need some beautiful drapes, rug, and some accent colors. I have 2 light beige sofas in my living room and the carpet is about the same color as the sofas (already there--not my choice). I painted the walls a silvery gray and my accent colors are white, black and burgundy. Even though I also have carpet, I purchased a gorgeous rug that is placed between the 2 sofas for color. I will eventually be making burgundy drapes and make pillow covers out of burgundy, cream, and black Japanese fabrics. Here is what my rug looks like:

thank you everyone! and Leslie I'll do a tester with the lights and see if a taller person doesn't get bothered by them before I decide what to do