Are they support columns? They may be just decorative. If you need the support, you may be able to just move the support beams further out and incorporate them into the current wall. Or, since it looks like you don't have a view into the hall anyway, maybe you could make the doorway opening end where the columns are now, and put glass panels on the sides to maintain the open feel. Or make a half wall between the openings and the where the columns are, with an updated pillar above. I think you have lots of options there without tearing the whole thing out. For the kitchen, if it works for you, but you just want it opened up, just remove those upper sliding panels. I would also remove the door. What is it you don't like about the layout?

Hi. Sure remove the columns you dislike.

Also I would remove the post that is holding up the ceiling over the peninsula. That would make things open enough without a major renovation. Won't be cheap, but big impact.

Also I would remove the door right next to this post that is beside the peninsula.

Do you know everything that I'm referring to?

And add a backsplash...I don't see one and would make a huge different!

If you remove all the walls then you lose the sink/dishwasher & refrigerator which means new kitchen layout. I would remove the columns and the panels that block the kitchen pass through & the door to kitchen & paint. saves $$$$

The only thing that looks weird to me is the panels on either end of the pass-through. Either remove them, enlarging the pass-through at no cost to the kitchen, or remove that high piece of counter and just drywall that all in, leaving a window of whatever size you actually want (where you can put some white marble or a cut-down piece of the counter material, as you prefer). Honestly, I'd prefer drywall to the panelling below that window too -- there's just no reason to make such a large feature out of that whole wall. My preference would be more opening, entirely less trim.

And yes, what to do about the columns depends on whether they're functional. Should be easy to write them out.