Are you planning to keep the dining furniture shown and also the rug/stair runners?

No

If Dining has no molding, I'd paint molding in the living room, or remove it.

Refinish the yellow floor to match the lower floor. Replace the railings with something more modern and paint railings, all walls, doors, steps, woodwork the same color.

Agree with Susan. Once you have done those things, you will have a cohesive empty space to work with. I would also plan to replace the ceiling fan and the window treatments.

IMO there is no such thing as modern country so forget Joanna Gaines and think about what you like in a home . IMO this house is quite modern in design but not cohesive .You need to provide us with your furniture choices so we can really get a feel for your style. I went to your idea books but honestly do not get a feel for your actual style. I do agree the trim all painted will be agood start since none of it is worth high lighting. But for now just prime it white . The railing for sure need to go but I need a to scale floor plan of that whole main living space .It is an odd design for sure not your typical split level home . Can you also post pics of the exterior. Please post all of this in this post in commnets do not start another post.

First thing you need to do is determine what style furnishings you love and fits your lifestyle and a color palette that makes you happy.

These are things only you know. I am an introvert by nature and find busy patterns and busy places exhausting. I like Mid Century Modern furniture with straight and simple lines. I like large, bold splashes of color. My favorite colors are purple and wine red with teal greens.

My sister is an extrovert and although her home is lovely, it is busy. She has a mixture of Queen Anne antique furniture and rustic/industrial furniture. She has busy patterns with stripes and animal prints and different things everywhere. Her favorite colors are fall colors, mainly greens with touches of copper, orange reds, golds.

My sister in law is not an extreme extrovert or introvert but is somewhat old fashioned. She has a very rustic, farmhouse, country feel to her home with oak furniture, a plaid sofa and solid blue recliner, cream walls and soft peaches and light cornflower blue décor.

Nothing I own would work in either of their homes. Nothing they own would work in my house.

Each of our homes reflects our personalities and preferences.

Knowing what you love is the best place to start.

The pictures in my idea book are for my home . The pictures posted are for a home my parents just purchased . Trying to get ideas and suggestions . Thank you

I think the first thing I'd do is replace all the wrought-iron railings for something more up-to-date and clean-looking. I'd also paint out all the trim. The key here will be to treat the split level decorating as if was an open plan ranch house--everything has to work together.

Railing idea:

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In your case, have the handrail match the flooring.

Furniture style:

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I'd skip the decorative beams for your place, but the furniture is comfortable and stylish.

Love this

Budget is your first decision, then decide on the type of separation, which will have a major influence. Consider what furniture best fits your floor plan and meets your family‘s needs. Decide on a unified color scheme and flooring stain. Only then start purchasing.

You don't have to replace the railings. Paint them black...easy enough. Get the same matching, Roman shades for each space that will unite them visually. You like blue, get something with blue in them that will catch the eye. Order from Steve's blinds, reasonable, helpful and you can request sample fabrics.

https://www.stevesblindsandwallpaper.com/

Is there a Dining Room somewhere else? Turn the upper portion into the Dining Room. The wood crown molding is too defining. Paint it white to match the ceiling.

Put your plants downstairs and add comfy seating for a sunken solarium/reading nook. A couple of plant stands would be nice to add height to some of them. Get a blue carpet in there, it will also help unite the spaces and draw attention away from the differing floor colors. Add more blue decor throughout both spaces, the eye will notice only the harmonizing color and ignore all those levels.

If you don't need another dining room, turn everything into one big bi-level sunroom with plants. With all those windows it won't be difficult. Make the upper level a seating area, think cane and wicker, and the lower level a game table and reading nook.

I like the other comments, that bench table is fantastic.

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