It would be quite easy to add a screen of some type behind the TV to hide electronics and make it look finished in the hallway. Lots of products out there. I think that is a better place for the TV than above the chimney and it might not be even safe above the chimney area. The pipe probably runs from the center of the fireplace up that right side of the build out. I would leave the area above the opening toward the ceiling open, but close the back of the area for the TV off, then you probably need to create a grommet in the top of that shelf to drop down cables and wires for the TV and perhaps some speaker wires? Not sure what you have. If you go to Home Depot or Lowe's you can go to their lumber area and see what panels could be used to close that off with something decorative.

We completely redid an existing house and had to work w existing front upper window exterior that was in a weird spot. the lower ones couldnt be shifted more centered in room than what we did. you can see the ceiling drop in the pic and I am planning to move it a few inches to the left but not centered bt windows- to allow the table (96" normal length) and I planned to put a buffet (72" long under windows and slightly longer on right side to visualize space better. Opinion on that? Length of space from the left to right (to built in) is 15 1/2ft. but as you can see, if table enlarges, it will just overflow which is fine into open space. what do you think of the chandelier choices- would like to go w 9 light, but think 5 light is better sized for space...opinion on that? The picture is taken from the direction where there is a large island in kitchen area.

Thank you for all your suggestions! All were great ideas! So this is what Im going to try. Leave the current setup in front of the TV and just bring the sofa in a bit more to make space for sofa table and then creating another seating area with 2 chairs flanking the fireplace. Also move the chaise near the bar with a floor lamp. Perfect! One last question, should i place a small rug in front of the fireplace area( maybe a round one) or leave it?

I u sweat and why you want to take that piano wall out. It could be a game-changer in terms of expanding your layout options and being able to add an island is definitely worth serious consideration! But as other posters have pointed out, it does have some drawbacks. You are smart to listen to them all and weigh these drawbacks. The best advice is living in the space for awhile before making major changes. Think about what happens on each side of that wall and how you will manage without the wall there. If there are cabinets there, will the storage space you lose in those cabinets be relocated elsewhere, like the island? Will the type of storage function similarly? Island storage is low, and generally not as easily accessible as wall cabinet storage. There are pullouts and organizers that help improve function, but they only go so far. We’ve been in our home for 34 years and just recently (finally!) remodeled our kitchen. Our peninsula countertops had a stepped up design that I wanted dropped down to one level. I had to weigh the pluses of chopping that wall down: more open feel in a fairly small footprint, better use of space and more prep & serving area. The drawbacks: the stepped up area provided a spot for the coffee maker and other small appliances, had the disposal switch and two pairs of outlets and yes, did hide food prep messes and dirty dishes from view in the family room. I had to rethink where I would relocate the coffee maker and other appliances and how I would address the kitchen messes being more visible. And weigh each thing on MY scale, according to priorities. Ultimately I decided the more open feel and improved function of that work area was most important to me and I worked to resolve the issues that taking that wall down created. I have edited down the “stuff” I used to keep on my counters. We went from a double sink to a larger single bowl to have a better landing place for dirty dishes. Ultimately, after about 4 months time we are very happy with our decision to lose that wall and open up the space. Good luck with all your figuring and planning. This is such an exciting time!