As per Carolyn's comment, I also am not sure taking wall down is necessary. The picture shows a large open space as is. If you have already taken down, c'est la vie!! I'm also not sure why you would remove the beams in family room ceiling? I like the room as is.
For ideas on dining room you would have to tell us whether you have large family dinners, dinner parties etc and attach a picture that shows kitchen, if DR is off kitchen.

If you live in area with snow in winter, switching the DR & FR may be something you would want to consider? In our last home, being able to see & hear a roaring fire when we were eating dinner, especially Thanksgiving & Christmas felt pretty special.

You describe a gold screen; however it looks deep bronze in this picture. Very nice as is. May want to move metal piece above it, on brick, as it is too light. Place elsewhere & get a darker piece to replace it.

The brick looks great as is.

Family room, I would look for rug in warmer colours, chocolate, burnt orange......soft leather couch in chocolate brown. The current furniture in family room doesn't add any warmth to FR. Also with such a big room, you can create separate areas, i.e. relaxing, reading area in front of fireplace; a games area further down/

If back East, you will want curtains on window to keep chill out, even just visually. Don't forget to hang the drapes high as possible to make ceilings higher and get more ooomph from curtains. With various stores having pre-made curtains, they don't have to be expensive. You want real texture.

Also put large rug under dining room table. New table will depend on what kinds of numbers you have for family, parties etc.

Enjoy your decorating!

HI -- First thing is this is a great room . I would Not remove the beams , they are a great architectural feature . Yes take the paneling off , it's best to check the electrical and insulation . Add some T&G between the beams and white wash or paint or use a nautural sealer. The fireplace is wonderful but I would get rid of any shiny old brass. I don't think you have to take the dividing wall out , there is a big enough doorway. Hang a showy hanging light fixture on the left side of the fireplace. The brick is great so please don't paint it. Find a big area rug , something with texture rather than lots of colors . For a sofa , a long 3 or 4 seater with a lounger end facing the fireplace. The lounger end to be furthist from the patio doors. Then add an accent lounge chair or two if you think you have room . Have the sofa with exposed legs and a plain color , then the chairs (maybe swivel )can be in something more colorful and maybe in a print or texture. Also some semi -sheer drapes for the patio doors. Any windows within view of each other should have the same window coverings.

Wow, these are great suggestions, we have already remove and beams/popcorn ceilng/paneling...We're currently doing the floors and will post new pics coon! I love all the design ideas and will certainly consider and incorporate! =)

....and YES walls are down, will post new pictures and start getting furniture and decorations. yay! so happy with all the great ideas and suggestions here. =D

Kudos for doing no TV. My family room is without a TV too, that's why it's called the family room after all!