Natwerk Designs

What would you do to re-design this living room/kitchen space? (pics)?

We just bought the house and would like to re-model the kitchen/dining and living room. The living room is a little too long and the kitchen is a little too small. The wall separating the two is load bearing so we cannot easily remove it. Do you have any interior design advice? Thanks! Floor Plan: http://s881.photobucket.com/albums/ac20/donnamabob/?action=view&current=justkitchenandliving.jpg Kitchen Pic: http://s881.photobucket.com/albums/ac20/donnamabob/?action=view&current=DSC09259.jpg Dining Pic: http://s881.photobucket.com/albums/ac20/donnamabob/?action=view&current=DSC09258.jpg Living Room 1: http://s881.photobucket.com/albums/ac20/donnamabob/?action=view&current=DSC09257.jpg Living Room 2: http://s881.photobucket.com/albums/ac20/donnamabob/?action=view&current=DSC09254.jpg

Public Comments

1. What's to remodel in the kitchen? The only thing I'd do is paint, remove the corner covers and replace the receptacle plates (they look colonial) for something more modern. You didn't say if you plan on changing the appliances but black or steel would complement the floor. Maybe change the lighting to something a little more modern too. Really though, it looks fine as it is. These are just idea's. The same goes for the dining room. Definitely remove the circle surrounding your hanging light. The room can be a different but complementing color from the kitchen. I like the living room. Again, those corner trims have to go. Change the switch plates. You have a nice window, don't block it but use it as a focal point. Windows and doors should always work as artwork. The view seen through them should be pleasing from every direction. Congrats on the new house. : )
2. Exchange all the lighting fixtures.Pick fixtures with a brushed nickle color. Paint the moldings a bright white. Paint for the living room and dining room :http://www.myperfectcolor.com/Benjamin-Moore-HC-153-Marlboro-Blue-p/mpc_bm_hc-153.htm Paint for kitchen :http://www.myperfectcolor.com/Benjamin-Moore-810-Blue-Dragon-p/mpc0006740.htm Pick any bright color to accent each room with furniture and accessories. This would look great in the dining room :http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Courtyard-All-weather-Sand-Polypropylene-Rug-53-x-77/4015579/product.html Living room rug :http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Resorts-Natural-Fiber-Natural-Beige-Fine-Sisal-Rug-6-Square/5524413/product.html Have fun decorating.
3. I would replace the light fixtures all around. A pendant light over the sink, something more modern in the middle of the kitchen and the dining room. That fan seems to be in a weird place--between the dining and den? I would replace that with something. Def replace the switchplates. The appliances def stick out, if you can I would replace them with stainless or black. Counters and cabinets and sink look nice so that's a plus. To be honest I think the kitchen flooring is odd, I would want to do tile. As for the living room I think it's nice. Maybe some bamboo shades on the window and place the tv so the window and the tv are adjacent focal points.