You could place your dining table, which can also serve as an island in the middle to better separate the rooms - I would recommend a bar height table. I would also suggest getting an apartment sized sofa - they are smaller in length and depth

Not my choice of sofa or sofa table but it is just to give you the idea.. The small kitchen table I would put close to the wall that the kitchen is on...

I would use a sofa as a divider. Place the back facing the kitchen. Enjoy your new apartment!

Those counter stools facing the wall are sad! If you could find a way to use that area as storage instead, a bar height island with seating would create a nice separation as well as extra counter space. It looks like a nice space, enjoy!

Agreed, an island would be a great divider giving additional countertop space & storage

Maybe a Peninsula

I agree with an Island, That was the first thing I thought. Island with seating and storage perfect and it creates a great inviting entertaining space.

I would put in an Island ...

Definitely use a sofa (loveseat would be a better size) as a room divider, back to the kitchen, facing the short wall, and a drop leaf table that is used as a sofa table behind it, which can be pulled out and used as a full table when entertaining. Put the tv on the short wall and a pair of chairs with a table between on the long wall. The nook under the window would be a good place for a desk and work station/home office.

I would put an island or a sofa as a divider

What is on the wall to the left of the kitchen? Can you post a pic of that angle as well?

We would have the sofa back to the kitchen and buy a small console piece behind it so it helps divide the room, it can also double as a desk if you're in need of one, just make sure the console table doesn't have anything blocking the chair. Or a small island with some bar stools will help. Once you put a dining room in place it will feel like it's own space.

I would design an angled peninsular to come off the section of wall on the left. This would provide a natural division between the two zones, but maintain the rooms open feel. Incorporating some bar stools here would create a social space in the centre of the room. An island would not really work due to the angle of the walls and the lack of space. It would narrow the walkways too much and make the room feel small.

Big Island!

An L-shaped sofa, then behind it is the accent wall/divider (you know like zen style with those lines and openings) where you have a view of the dining room too. You can also put a floor lamp that extends from behind the sofa to the center table. (Those curved stainless steel floor lamps)

How about adding open shelving between the spaces? It will divide the areas without interfering with heating or a/c and can be easily changed! Here are three different examples, in different finishes & sizes....

Can we see a photo of the after? Just want to see how much all the recommendations helped.

I like the idea of the island working to separate the spaces, I think I would put locking wheels on it so it would be easy to change the space according to needs.

I agree with this idea, It's hard to tell from pictures but I think a sofa with back to kitchen might cut off room too much and feel too small..

If you want to put an island bench, you could always put one that is moveable as in it has wheels and then you can push it across to the wall when you don't need it.

Interesting that everyone thinks they want an "open concept".....

I would remove the bar top, two stools and shelf and replace with usable cabinets. I would then put a peninsula at a 90 degree angle dividing the kitchen and living room. I agree with putting the back of the sofa facing the kitchen with or without a sofa table behind it.

Definitely an island with locking wheels. You get extra counter space and extra storage, as well as the separation you want. An ice cream parlor-type table and chairs would provide a place to eat, but would not take up a lot of visual room. Instead of a sofa, consider a pair of wooden rocking chairs with an end table between them. Again, the rockers don't take up a lot of visual space because you can see through the spindles in the back, but they provide separation and seating.