To start real ship lap was never meant to be interior walls I have no idea how putting on walls makes on bit of difference in the appearance of ceiling height . Paint the walls and ceilings the same color gives that illusion just as well. Accent wall are best designed with real thought and after all other things are in place you decide if you really need an accent wall. This a new to you space my advice live there for at least 6 months before doing anything major and remmebr if you remove a wall what do you do with the stuff on that wall now . I am not sure about the exterior changes , but often townhouses are part of an HOA or condo type unit where you do not own the outside walls and cnnot change them

Any tall person will tell you nothing other than same paint color will make ceiling seem higher. I am not over average height but my spouse and children are all very tall. Now, t hat popcorn ceiling may need some attention.

Adding french doors to where? Also they will make arranging the furniture more difficult as you need to swing space free to open and close them.

I agree the popcorn ceiling needs to go for sure and idally before you move in I also agree french doors create their own issues

1. Shiplap will look too busy in this smaller sized space and not achieve what you are hoping for because the real visual perception issue with ceiling height in this room is due to lack of wall space between the top of your windows and the ceiling. Add cornice boards to the tops of the windows to give the illusion of wall space between the top of the window and the ceiling. Also scrape the popcorn, paint the ceiling the same color as walls and cornice boards, and remove the pendant/ chandelier. Don't hang any lighting for the ceiling in here.

2. You will eliminate a usable furniture wall and severely limit your placement capacity by adding sliders or French doors. You'll also have to layout your furniture with unobstructed walking paths to the new door. French doors will constrain your layout even more because of door swing. How does one currently access that outdoor space?

3. Please post kitchen pics. Taking down the kitchen wall will reduce your storage capacity by eliminating whatever cabinetry is currently on that kitchen wall.

It sounds like you want to make this space feel larger and more open. Post all pics of the space and let us know how many people will live here, eat here regularly, and come to visit and use the space. We can likely find other good ways to make the space feel more open and usable.

There is no access to the backyard at this point. Only access to the driveway on the side of the house. I just retired and this will be a second home so storage is not a priority. Just me and my husband. I’m planning on adding a screened porch with seating and dining space thru the French doors. I’m also considering bifold doors but I’ve read leaking can be a problem.

In the kitchen area I’ll do L shaped banquette seating with drawers underneath. That way I won’t need to place a table and it will leave space in front of doors.

These pictures are of the unit beside mine. It’s the exact same layout, with the exception of front door placement and this unit was recently renovated. I feel there is not enough space for an island and a table. So I will forgo island seating for banquette seating similar to the last picture.

Make sure you are clear on family room furniture layout with the new doors you are considering

Love that look

Double check the French doors and porch idea are allowed. It sounds like they will give you far more useable space and I think would be lovely. Also love the idea of opening kitchen up as it’s really hidden away now.

I hate banquette seating and even more so as I age much rather sit on a stool than scooch my butt over to get in and out of some cramped banquette

I am not seeing enough available wall space for a vertical wall treatment. I think there are too many angles and openings for it to make sense.
I think your best bet is to use paint and light color furnishings to help the space appear more airy.

I see none of those that make the ceiling feel taller add some art you love and that will take your eye away from the ceiling

You did not buy a single family home. You will not be allowed to make most of the changes you are talking about. Not going to happen. And you shouldn’t be doing any shiplap. That was not a good look even 10 years ago when it was kinda in style.

Would advise against shiplap but do agree with the other poster who suggest batten strips. Not sure even that will make ceilings look and feel higher but certainly think it is a better treatment than shiplap.

Painting the walls or wall treatment and leaving a white border at the top of the wall will make the ceiling appear taller.

Thanks for the ideas and pictures!

Not for everyone but vertical blinds would be nice as well bringing a bit of a height visual for you with the board and batten. There are so many styles now for the vertical veins, lots to choose from vs the plain white plastic looking ones. You may not want or need window treatments after you have your screened porch add on? All painted including ceiling same color. Love the room btw.

Curious is the flooring in the kitchen the same? If you remove a wall there may be some added flooring you’ll need to continue between both areas.

I love painting a room all one color I've done that and several rooms one room I don't do that in with my bedroom I like the Cozy feeling there

The flooring on the first floor is all the same. I will be removing it. Visually it doesn’t work for me. I appreciate all the helpful comments. Just picked an architect and have begun permitting for the outdoor space. I’ll try to post pics as we go. The project is on an 18 month timeline and Houzz may close this thread.

Very exciting Christine! Just chime in as you can on progress, thoughts or concerns here. That will keep your thread alive :). Btw I like your flooring but understand everyone likes different things. Still with that said, please keep us updated :)