If you don't have a photobuckets account, do that first and upload your pics to it, it's free. Once you do that click on the the 3rd line and copy it. You can paste it in your question and the pic will appear : )
It will take a few minutes to set up photobucket but it's great for questions/suggestions/ideas.
Good luck
saskatchewan girl

Here is a link that might be useful: Photobucket

Yes -- photos would be wonderful so we can really see your space!

Is the woodstove necessary -- or can it be re-done or removed????

Of course -- the cabinets can be painted -- perhaps to a fresh simple white? And then add color with a black painted island?

New flooring throughout the space would seem to be the first step -- and would change the look of the whole area and make it seem more cohesive.

elisa.. We don't have much transition from one area to another, but here's our open concept kitchen/family room