absolutely, that's a great point about the light fixtures. suggestions? there would not need to be an eat-in kitchen area as the formal dining is kitty corner from the island, not shown but in the right-hand corner of the photo. there is a small family room in the front left of the house

I would use this space for a little “keeping” room. Not sure what style you are considering. But I would replace the bar stools with more modern look along with furniture set up in this space. Wonderful spot to get creative. A couple inspiration photos. You could white wash brick and install mantel and ventless fireplace for cozy feeling.

Decide on style and furnishings then lighting can be determined.

thank you!!!

A little mock up of concept. Give more insights to us of styling and we can refine ideas.

With all the hard surfaces I see, a rug defining this space will be valuable.

I agree with the idea of a little sitting area to have coffee and chat or read.

one thing I should have added is that the chimney isn't flush to the wall but rather in the middle of the room

Very rough idea. You could possibly even use the cabinet buffet on the left for a TV if you wanted to make a TV viewing area. I would bring in swivel chairs and a round coffee table to break up all the rectangular angles in the space. Drop in a chandelier as shown. Anchor the space with a rug. Bring in upholstered bar stools to break up all the wood. Last Island pendents.

That posted so small you will have to click on it to enlarge. Sorry it wasn't saying for me so I had to do a screen shot.

Design South and I are on the same page. When you say fireplace is in middle of room you can still do seating arrangement. Can you post sketch of space and where this chimney sits? That would be helpful.

@Flo Mangan Are you using the app? I am having a nightmare of a time on the website with the sketch.

I would treat the chimney as if it were just a stone wall since it is the stopping point to this portion of the room and anything placed in this space will not be on the other side of it. There is no hearth or fireplace on this side of it is there?

Flo and I are on the same page here. Seating area for conversation and maybe some light TV watching or reading. Upholstery to break up the wood and soften the area. Lighting !

I see a lot of white in your ideabook pictures. Do you plan on painting?

Yes. The app on my iPhone is a disaster. I do need to upgrade my phone but That isn’t real problem.

I can definitely do a sketch in the am, thank you for suggesting that. this found help in the meantime in showing the space in front and behind the chimney

Flo yes, we definitely plan to paint. it's very beige currently 😏

no hearth or fireplace, just the brick all the way around. it encases the pipes that run upstairs and maybe some ventilation from the basement wood burning stove

Tasa this photo is helpful. Is that the family room on the other side of the railing there on the left? Where is the actual dining room?

When you say paint what are you planning on painting? Walls? Trim? Cabinets?

Is the family room a step down? I could see some opportunities there to create a back to back seating arrangement. Maybe a banquette bench and tulip table with upholstered chairs. But not sure of dimensions.

the family room is within the drop down, left side of the second photo. the dining room is to the left of the stove, far left corner of the most recent upload.
ideally we'd paint the walls to white and light grays and refinish the cabinets in the kitchen to white and the island to something fun and colorful. keep the suggestions coming, this is so so helpful!!!! thank you!

the family room looking into the space in question