How to make open plan living/dining work

[WeAreOnTheRoadToNowhere]

I have sold my house to move to a different town. Unfortunately the house I wanted I missed as my buyer pulled out. Now have a new buyer and going through
I don't live in an area with much for sale. The house I wanted was open plan kitchen/dining with patio doors to the back garden
The only suitable house in my price range has a separate, small kitchen and open plan living/dining room. It has been done up to fairly high spec and the price reflects this so I don't want, and can't afford, to move kitchen and knock walls down
It really is a move into house but I am in a dilemma regarding the layout
I would definitely want to change the dining area window to French doors to allow access to the garden but couldn't change much more

It’s difficult to advise without seeing a floor plan, but when we had a flat with a big open plan living area, we used Japanese-style screens and modular shelves (Ikea Kallax) to create distinct areas- we had a study area at one end, dining table in the middle and cosy corner with the sofas and tv at the other end. They don’t need to go floor to ceiling to work.

Can you keep your sale and rent until a house you want turns up?

Rents are very sought after. I guess a winter let of an air BnB might be an option

Are you sure you need to go through with this one, doesnt sound like it meets your needs

I personally would hate a through lounge diner, we have a dining/kitchen room, mostly kitchen to be honest.

I would want to put the wall back in and knock through but its a massive job