Referencing the "wall of beams" I'd call them columns. Live with them for a while and see how your natural traffic paths tend to run. You can always close up a few of them with drywall to make more of a traditional room. They do limit your ability to place furniture against walls. Once you've figured out how the house functions for you, you might want to close some of that up and could have a spot pre-wired for a better TV location as well.

you could make book cases up about 2' with a nice top as a display shelf on maybe just the 2 ends. Then from the celling you could hang some large glass panels on detective chains so as to see thru and let the light and other room show thru.

Put outlets in the floor if you can. I would keep furniture away from the walls. Floor to ceiling bookcases with ye olde fireplace. Yes, traditional but can also be modern.

Are those load bearing posts? Maybe a wall was removed to open space up but left the supports?

"Are those load bearing posts?"

Most assuredly.

They do look load bearing.
It would probably be possibly, but costly to have them pushed into the ceiling.
I’m thinking maybe you can get the center into the ceiling and close in the two sides. With built ins or something pretty. Other than that your ideas sound nice.

Leave the posts white - you won't find anything salvageable underneath. Instead of laminate, you might consider saving for hardwood, or using LVP. Laminate has a hollow sound when you walk on it. Before you change the floors, I'd consider taking out that wet bar completely. It's very outdated, and you may be able to use that space in a better way as an office space or built in storage. I like the suggestions to incorporate the posts with countertop height shelves or dividers. You could also incorporate your TV into the shelving. Move in and live in the space for awhile with your furniture to see how the layout works for you. They had a very odd furniture arrangement.

Betsy · More Info

In looking at this room I can't imagine anyone sitting on the sofa and being able to watch TV. Sometimes the open concept is not the best thing for a home. Maybe the room could use a few walls.

You all are fantastic, thank you. Some notes:
The home has 5 bedrooms and quite a bit or storage, so no need to really use the wet bar space for anything. I was heavily considering flipping it along the wall (I’d have someone build the cabinets, etc.) that way it’s more versatile. I should also note that the wall the couch and brown chair are facing has a beautiful white brick fireplace a couple windows that look out over the pool and lake and the backyard door is along that wall as well.
Good call on the floor outlets!
I did look into LPV, but I’ve heard it can dent? I also don’t know if there are hardwood floors under the carpet.. home was built in 72 so I’m thinking unlikely.
I do love the idea of some built ins on the ends there!

I would sheetrock part of that wall at least. There is no good furniture placement in there, with that all open. Leave the big part in the center open. That will allow the nice light from that window, to come through to the living room part. I agree, with poster above, sometimes open concept, isnt always the best thing. Congratulations on your new home. It looks very nice.

Someone decided they wanted open floor plan with out really thinking about what needed to be done. I would lose the wet bar completely , and before doing flooring I would work on a layout for furniture that actually makes sense. I hate floor plugs they dictate forever where your furniture goes and IMO you live in a space for at least 3-6 months before changing anything major since how you think the space will function and how it actully does can be quite different.