You could use this as an office area with an armoire that folds out of site and stores your computer, printer etc, and you can also put in bookcases. I have a formal dining room as we entertain on a weekly basis but I realize that nowadays that is not trendy, but you will definitely need an office space for all of your house attending needs. You can also put in a murphy (wall) bed with a hutch for guests if you plan on housing any relatives/family sometimes. Hope this helps and good luck.

change to wood floors?

I used dark blue in my home but only as an accent wall, otherwise it makes the room feel small and dingy. Here you have an airy space with beautiful windows and I think the paint job is pretty decent. Yes, for health reasons I am opposed to carpets. Maybe there is hardwood under that rug that you merely have to sand and refinish? Try to take off a corner and peek under to check. We did that with our first rental.

I see it as a place for a game table. Great view, maybe you play board games there, maybe it's extra seating for when the breakfast nook doesn't hold everybody.. Desk of course another possibility, or a separate TV room, or a place to practice a hobby, or . . .

thanks, y'all!! one final question....we will most likely tear up that carpet and put in hardwoods. the hardwood in the house has to be replaced because it was a botched job. what floors do y'all see in this house if I keep the kitchen cabinets (not a fan) like this?

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/113-Proprietors-Ct_Summerville_SC_29485_M61700-16761

I don't think you should use the same floors in the entire house, perhaps only in the first floor you should have the same floor because of the layout. I am always a fan of stone tile in the kitchen because it is easy to clean and withstands lots of abuse. Get porcelain tile (it is more expensive but worth it in case a heavy object drops on the tile). Most people do not like or cannot afford tile in their entire house, but I have friends that did this and loved it because the whole house is a breeze to clean. I couldn't afford tile (and I don't have radiant floor heat so I was concerned stone tile would be too cold for the bedrooms etc) so I opted for LVT (luxury vinyl tile) specifically the long and thick one that looks like wood (I got the mannington one).

I will be honest with you, you are talking a lot of renovations with this house, I just hope you realize that taking out the kitchen is a major expense, plus redoing floors in the entire house, painting etc. Just hope you know what awaits you, and also hope you understand that if you redo the floors in the kitchen you will most likely have to replace the kitchen. You could do in theory without tearing out the kitchen but it is much better to tile and then put the kitchen on top of that. You have to look at your budget and see if you can swing the expense now. If so then definitely do it. If not, then you could do a mudjob over the wood and then tile over that for now and then redo the kitchen area later on.

Looks like a cute house, good luck!