I'd figure out a way to incorporate storage in other ways so you can remove it. It's weird.

Until any major decisions are made, can you remove the spindles? I think that would be a great start.

That was a popular design back in the day, we had this situation in a place we had years ago. And end up tearing it out, drove me crazy..

I’d take everything out n figure out other spots for those items. I rearranged my cabinets several times before I settled on a solution, n believe me - where there’s a will, there’s a way. :)

It looks to me like you have a space where you have a table . Is that the only eating space because if not take the table out put in a couple of nice pullout pantries or even a set of base and overheads to use for storage and get rid of those hanging ones they close in your kitchen and make the whole space feel awful This pic shows how nice it is when those cabinets are gone.

To answer your question as to what I like...nothing. It's a dated look, the spindles reduce the useable counter space, and the white finish seems to scream kitchen cabinet in a living space.
Can you remove the spindles and reface the wood that faces the living room?

Save your dollars and efforts for the full gut remodel that is needed in order to correct the half dozen major issues just in that one photo. That isn’t salvageable even if the upper cabinets were removed.

It does look pretty daunting; however how about embracing the space (we all need as much storage as possible), remove the spindles, frame and smooth the surface, then do some type of lovely calligraphy art or mural? All the best.

Oh, Marguirite, we agree! I had not seen your suggestion before I wrote mine.

Oh I'm with you Nickodemus! This idea of open kitchen to the world is crazy. They all say they need to keep an eye on their kids while they play and be "part of the action" when they entertain. Kids and all that entails just to get meals on the table and clean up- who wants to see all of that. The "reveals" on the reno shows never have real meal prep going on in these kitchens. Give me a wall any day!

I'm one that couldn't afford a full gut remodel, but I still might want to improve my space in some way. If this was my home, I think I would add some tall bookcases either all the way across the space or on both sides of the larger opening if covering that makes the kitchen too dark. Congrats on your new home.

Sorry, but it’s a fire hazard. And the slapdash coat of paint from the seller may actually be hiding charring if the wood. A boiling pot of greens getting nudged directly into the person sitting on the couch isn’t safe either.

The whole thing is a gut. It isn’t safe to use.

That looks rather peculiar, like someone's amateur attempt at open concept a few decades ago. I agree it seems terribly unsafe, especially if you have small children. I worry enough about a kiddo pulling a hot pot or pan off the front of the stove, let alone something being pulled or knocked off the backside. What about splatters or boil-overs into your living area? I'd really look into either moving the cooktop or enclose that wall with a proper backsplash on the kitchen side.

What does it look like from the kitchen side? I like the idea of putting up a wall - use a fireproof material behind the stove area. Then you can do a backsplash from the kitchen side if the kitchen is in good enough shape. Even if you do a tile backsplash, you still need fireproof material behind the tile in the area behind the range/ stovetop because tile won't stop the heat from penetrating the wall and causing a fire.

You should put up a wall or remove the upper cabinets completely. If you decide to stick to this you should relocate the stove as it is a safety hazard.

Save your money and build a full length wall of bookshelves in front , or just cover the wall up with whatever wood or ( dry )wall you can afford .

There is no question ... those upper cabinets have to come down as part of whatever remodel is going to be needed in that kitchen (I can't see enough of it to comment any further). And you cannot put a couch next to a kitchen for a variety of reasons, safety being one of them, cleanliness being another.

Three ideas I can think of if you don't want major changes:

1. One simple solution is to place tall house plants behind the sofa, it will distract from the kitchen area. Or, a slim console table behind the sofa with plants or table lamps on it.

2. Cover the whole back side with some wood, and wallpaper it ( false wall look).

3. Redesign it, up grade it by removing the spokes and repainting.

Thanks for all the replies. No kiddos here, so safety is not the issue. Also it is a house I do not own so removing spindals is the only chance of any type of remodel I might have, sadly. To everyone who said it's hideous and suggested full remodeling ...I am well aware :) I'm trying my best to work with what I have unfortunately because I have little creative freedom. May just paint a life size mural of cats sleeping at this point

If just renting you could add sliding fabric panels that hang from a rail attached to the ceiling...IKEA I think has a good selection with colors and prints...just have fun with it!