We have an old (1870's) house that's been expanded haphazardly over the years. We are doing a full gut/remodel of the kitchen in the spring and are trying to improve the overall flow from the back door.

Primary point of entry is through the Mudroom, up six stairs, then into the kitchen. There are two doors side by side... one into the DR and one into the school room, and from there you wend your way through the house.

The issues are:

Too many doors!

Relatively unused School room. Due to a PO enclosing two exterior porches, it's a completely interior room now, dark and dreary. We are moving the laundry from the kitchen to under the stairs, so the room will at least be used.

Its very confusing. People don't have any idea which way to go.

We'd like some ideas of what to close off, or open up to help improve flow. Any input is welcome!

In the photo below, the red walls are load bearing. And yes, there are a number of offset bearing walls!