I am expanding by adding a family room beyond the current living room— they will share a fireplace (not working) wall; currently the wall features two small windows that look out. I am conflicted between 1) putting sheet rock on either side of the fireplace for both rooms effectively closing up windows, using wall space for bookshelves etc or 2) keeping windows or the openings to let in light/keep a flow between the rooms. Here are pics to maybe help show the issue. The first one shows the brick fireplace and 2 windows in the existing living room. The second shows the outside space that will be the new family room (white wall is the other side of the fireplace wall). Thanks.