I like the cutout how it is. The open concept has many drawbacks - I'm not a fan. :)

I would remove this wall and make it looks nicer

Living Room · More Info

Cottage on Keowee · More Info

Your brick is beautiful. Love the idea of making the space functional by adding a counter and some barstools.

By any chance, do you live in the south? Your brick looks like brick you would find in New Orleans.

No, please do not paint it. It's beautiful and light and complements your wood floors. It also adds charm and character to the room. I would simply add a counter and bar stools so you can utilize it. Find a stone that complements the brick. What counters do you have in your kitchen?

BTW, we live in New Orleans and have brick that looks very similar to smithsonian called New Orleans Hard Tan. We love it!

Love the brick! Please don't paint it; it is a beautiful natural element as is. If you paint it, you will never be able restore it to its original condition. I would not be concerned about resale; if, and when, you sell your home, the buyer can make his own decision about it. Could you provide pictures of the entire dining room and the kitchen side of the cutout? I don't think that there is enough room for bar stools as your dining room is presently configured. A countertop would be a good idea, however; you could then use the cutout as a pass through.

I don't think anyone has asked if this wall is in fact structural. If so, you will need an engineers advice before doing anything. Check with city hall to inquire if you need a permit. Is there electrical outlets in the wall? Have you thought ahead about what to do with the flooring if you remove the wall also. There will be an unsightly mess left behind that you will need the budget to address. Don't tackle this without getting pro input first!

I suggest not only leaving it but adding custom made shutters to demarcate the rooms further. Open concept is great but not always practical. Glass shutters will not kill the light yet add more elegance to both rooms.

It's perfect as is. Unless the picture is misleading, I don't think you have enough room for stools.

no, and seating areas on both side of wall already!

Please don't put seating on the dining side. No need to step off a stool into a dining chair. Overkill.

ti, you did a beautiful job! Don't tinker with perfection. You have a lovely home. Enjoy it!