Keep or knock the wall?

Today we are starting by removing the wallpaper but husband and I are stuck on if the wall needs to (eventually) come down. I really like the sitting room (the wall it shares) as it is now and I think open concept would take away a lot of its charm- but the kitchen is dark without the natural light and feels so drab. Any ideas to bring back to life while keeping the wall as is? I think the counters and tile are dated but cabinets are in excellent condition.

The wall the island juts out of