UPDATED:

I am posting an update from my original post last year. I took photos in similar spots for comparison purposes. I am especially proud because I did all the work myself! Literally. All of it. As a stay at home mom with a business, it was a handful and definetly got some "have you lost your mind?!" glances. But, in the end, its just what I wanted! Removing the half-wall is not a decision I regret. We move so much easier through our main level living area. I STILL have to finish the kitchen cabinetry touch up, baseboard touch up, I want to put a light fixture over the dining table (Room & Board) and add some artwork/photos.

List of what I DIYed: Skim coated walls/ceiling, Painted (SW Greek Villa), modified drywall to be FLUSH baseboards (my favorite feature!!!!)- coped baseboards, installed floating floors (Coretec Conch ash) (after intensive self leveling of floors), modified lighting, painted fireplace brick and added fireplace surround with insert.

Would love some suggestions for new lighting over the dining table. I was thinking maybe a Danish style mushroom light?

Thanks for reading!

Original post:

EDITED

Long story short… my dishwasher flooded my kitchen and my flooring is getting replaced. I already planned to do the work, but it’s happening sooner now. It’s a 70’s split level ranch.
I find the peekaboo wall between the kitchen and living area to be really awkward and ugly. My husband thinks there may be a way to keep it and make it look nicer? I think removing this wall would open the area up and allow us to have more room for a proper dining area, and modernize it to a more open concept area.
The major deciding factor for my husband is whether removing this wall would increase our resale value.
I appreciate any and all input!

EDITED to add dimensioned sketches And additional photo of odd shaped living area.