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 :)

Hi @Maegan Coolbaugh. Sorry for the delay. I've generated a 3D build of your room. Placed your tv on the opposite wall with a panel behind it. A couch facing the tv and another one next to it forming an L shape.Two swivel chairs that can easily be rotated in any direction or moved away when not in use. Completed the seating arrangement by adding a rug. It is important to pull up the area together which can be aesthetically achieved by adding a rug that goes well with the items placed on it. If you are planning to take down the short wall near the stairs, great! Else you can simply place a see through bookshelf which can act as a partition to diving a small space dedicated to reading/work or serve as a private conversation spot. Placed dining near the window. It could also float a little more towards the kitchen. I placed a crockery unit to provide for some storage. You can add more storage based on your requirements. Let me know if this was useful or if you would want me to work on more layout for you.

Good evening, I’ve added some more pictures to get the whole picture. the layout is that you come in my kitchen door into the kitchen and dining and then an L shape into the living room. The demensions are as follows:left wall with the fireplace is 4 feet wall to the fireplace, 5 foot fireplace then 7 foot wall to the end of the room. The back wall has the windowed centered, window is 6 feet with 4 feet on with side, the right hand wall starting form the end of the room is 10 feet then the big window of 8 feet., then 10 foot wall to the end of the room.part of this wall is actually part of my dining room. I hope this makes sense. Let me know if it doesn’t. As you can see nothing is really centered except the window at the end of the room. I have beautiful views from all my windows, so really don’t want o be facing the fireplace all the time...thank you sooo much. N

Posting a floor plan with measurements of the walls, windows, openings, and furniture would help. I agree with getting rid of the corner shelves. I would see about hanging the tv on a swing arm in that corner (knowing it will likely overlap the window). Move the couch to have its back to the dining area and then put a comfy chair and side table on the right side of the bay window facing into the room. Again a floor plan would be helpful!