Like I see, the niche in the wall was for the flat panel TV so the living room.

Possibly before, the space for the dining room was near the kitchen and limited by the corridor corner wall.

Because this big open space, like a "J", I think the configuration could be the same but...

Is it possible for you, and is it your goal, to do a big hole in the kitchen wall with or without touch the actual kitchen cabinets to open space and view?

Maybe do modification to open wall and modify the bottom cabinets in an island?

It can be possible but the sink is there. Off the kitchen is the family room in the back.

Not sure

My opinion, the niche for the TV could desapear because the circulation will be (And was) between the TV and people in the couch.

The TV must be installed in the oposite wall (Outside wall) so the circulation will be rear the couch and no distraction during movie.

Another choice, install the TV in the inside wall to be see from the dining room and maybe, if BIG, from the kitchen... Except if this wall is for a bedroom.

Thanks for the pictures, I have now a better idea of your house.

Your "Family room" near the kitchen should be use to watch TV or a relaxing room to read, drink a coffee (Possibly beer and wine).

You could open the wall front of the sink but verify firts if nothing inside...

Maybe also take off the cabinet upper the sink to do a big opening touching the ceiling.

The mid-wall in the opposite side of the sink... is it really to stay or, if not an electric outlett, it could be destruct to open view with your family room and to add more sunrays in the kitchen?

Are you going to use the niche for the TV? If so, then your furniture would be arranged around it. The dining room area seems to be pretty much mapped out where a table would go under the chandelier. I'd change the flooring to hardwood or luxury vinyl tile.

A lot depends on how you will use the spaces. You certainly don't have to use the TV niche; it would be easy enough to eliminate.

You have zero ideabooks. I suggest you do two things before you invest in furniture. Decide what function each space will serve, and make an ideabook for each space and save your favorite pictures to them. That will give you some direction to start.