One Change and Why

Our house is the perfect starter home.  Or a home for someone who is downsizing.   But for a family of four, it is less than perfect.   If I could make one change to it, it would be to open up the kitchen so I can see into the living room. 
I love to cook, but my kitchen is tiny.  If two people are in my kitchen, there is no chance of doing something like opening the oven door, or the dishwasher.  Everything is very.....compact, to say the very least.  The other problem is that it is very closed off from the rest of the house.  I can't see what my family is doing in the living room, or talk to them without yelling. 
Sometimes isolating myself in the kitchen is a good thing.  I can lose myself in cooking up a storm, trying a new recipe, making a mess, and not having to answer to anyone.   However, most of the time, after a long, quiet day at home by myself, I'm more than ready for some interaction with other humans.  
I guess the thing I would want would be a mostly open kitchen, but one I  could shut off if need be.  (After all, I don't want to give away all my secret recipes and stuff.) 
The main problem with trying to break through the wall dividing the living room and kitchen is the fact that it is a dreaded, very useful load bearing wall. You know, one of those walls that can't be taken down be, because it helps hold the house up.  It can always be worked around, but it is expensive and incredibly time consuming. 
On my wishlist for my next house, I want a more open concept for my living room and kitchen.  With a lot of light.  A LOT of light. 
What would you change in you house?