Thanks - it may feel less defined when the entire space is engineered hardwood. A pony/half wall has been suggested to provide definition between the entry and the dining area. Thoughts?

I do not see the use/purpose of either. A pony wall may block it in more? I think the same flooring throughout is going to make the space look more open. If you like separate spaces, keep it the way it is, or add the pony wall. Depends on your personal preference. I just happen to prefer open spaces that flow into one another.

I would remove it! Hopefully it is just decorative and not structural, one thing to consider would be any electrical in the posts.

Oh you have to cover that thing in 6x6 mirrored tile, or rip it out.

If I was a potential buyer and that thing was still there I would have second thoughts about purchasing. Especially if new hardwood floors had just been installed around it! I would want to remove it asap, but with new flooring it would mean replacing the new floors. Unless I hated them too, it would be a pass as too much work. Just my opinion.

I would make the entrance hall into a separate room with a closet ...just draw walls between the pillars and voila a new look and a functional new room . It takes nothing away from the living room ...it makes it warmer and more functional in my view. Good luck!

I would remove it. Your home is beautiful and will look even more so with the new floors.

remove, no second thought.

I think the bigger problem is the first thing people see when they entered your house is the back of that loveseat. I would switch the loveseat in the chair so guess have a little bit of a nicer view when they enter your home

truey - I think that is a distorted view as it isn't how it functions in reality. But, taking the thing down may dictate other arrangements anyway. Thanks!

If it's not structurally necessary I would definitely remove it. It reminds me of those plant ( or whatever they're called) shelves that were so popular in the 80's.

If it were me I'd have the pillars meet the ceiling, still defining the entry. Wood throughout like you mentioned but use a combo of travertine and wood in the entry creating a pattern defining the entry better.

Use moulding to make it a feature. Talk to someone who knows historic styles - or who is inventive in a contemporary way.

Cinar - thanks for the suggestion of wood and travertine. I was considering how I might define the floor space there other than with a rug and only thought of wood options...herringbone, other pattern, etc. I will have to search for some good examples of the travertine/wood option as I lack good visualization skills.

Thanks for all the good ideas!

Here are few photos for inspiration.

Thanks - the top one is nice and simple but the second one is a stunner!

Paint it orange for a few months before you rip it down

If you are going to do all the floors, I would definitely remove that ceiling-less foyer. It is very odd. You will then have a VERY open floor plan and maybe should consider recreating some type of entry area, as said, even with an area rug and console table.

Ryan - very creative ideas :).

sunnydrew - yes, the VERY open floor plan is what makes me a bit anxious. I want it to flow as suggested further up the thread, but I don't want it to feel like you are walking straight into the room like some old apartments I had. I need a hint of a foyer at least. I've gotten some good ideas here about how I might go about achieving that that may work. Open to others.

Thanks all - concensus seems to be to take that *#* odd thing out!

You can use a cowhide patchwork rug to add texture, light and elegance.

https://www.shinerugs.com/white-cowhide-toto-design-no-293

Take a look and let us know

thanks

John

Shine Rugs