Thanks for the replies! So counter height is the way to go then? Hmm, the reason I was thinking bar height was because we're a fairly tall family and thought that higher would be better, but I haven't lived in a house with a bar height island before. As for lowering the opening, we just finished ripping out the oak trim and pillars that the original owners had in it this winter, so I really don't want to start with that job again. I guess I really should have paid more attention to the height of the opening then, but just kept the original diamensions, so Hollysprings you're right that it would have been nicer to have a larger work space. Maybe putting a granite sill on each opening and dropping the counter 4"-5" would be my best option. So if I did that, would it be better to go with the same granite and do a thin backsplash to unite the sills with the counter, or I still have some of the tile left from the kitchen backsplash that could go on there? Which way would be better? Boxer, thanks for your comments on the backsplash. I love it too, but had no idea how much work it was to put up that kind of tile. What I thought should have been a one day job turned into three. It was such a relief when I had the job done and looking great! :) Thanks for the ideas. Laurie

Look for a vintage set (table and chairs) in a wood tone similar to the top of your dining table. I think that would lighten up the kitchen and yet connect with the other rooms. I would get backless stools for perching, remove or lighten the shade on the door and find a more colorful rug for under the kitchen table or even paint the base of the table a bright turquoise or apple green. Can't quite tell what other colors you have as accents.

Correct. The gas and water lines are stuck on that wall and crossing them over each other would be expensive and I'm not sure it would buy me too much. I considered moving either the sink or the range to the other wall, but since I couldn't do anything with the space above it due to the breaker box and front door buzzer (building doesn't allow moving it) I felt kind of stuck. Also, it's not the best thing to walk right into when first entering the apartment. Range is gas. There is a hood vented to an air duct that runs the whole building - here's another view: As far as the fridge is concerned - it's not counter depth. It has a pantry to the side followed by a small base cabinet, and a small cabinet above it (you can barely see it in the picture. The issue with a 24" sink cabinet is that it doesn't fit with the wall cabinet above it, which is 30" (smallest IKEA has with double doors - again I can't win).

The sideways idea is interesting. Also, I had thought about drawers but I think for our needs (soda cans, beer bottles, sometimes white wine and maybe some small snack platters) I think shelves will be better. I could live without the panel-ready feature (I see now that the choices are limited) as long as it is a nice looking door. If we could spend under $2,000 that would be my preference. Anyone have a Kitchenaid, for example? or the GE?