I don't think your living room will be in any way harmed by being able to see another three inches of your kitchen. And you can put stools at a counter-height overhang anyway...

The big difference is that you will be able to see your sink more without the bar height counter. If you are concerned about the messy look you will see from the living room side I would reconsider changing it to one level. I personally think it will look much better but you have to be ok with dishes stacked up next to the sink, etc. One height will certainly give you much more useable space.

You can lower the area behind the sink AND still keep a sitting area. Some support might need to be added for this area, but it's entirely doable. Counter height is around 36", so you could use chairs with 24-26" seat height that would fit below the counter. Bar stool seat height is around 30".

Thank you guys so much for giving me the confidence to do this!! I'm so excited! Will post a pic once it's done. Thank you thank you!!!

Please get rid of the two tiered counter! not at all functional. You’ll have much more useful space with one level

"Please get rid of the two tiered counter! not at all functional. You’ll have much more useful space with one level"

Meanwhile on a six year old post......................