Thought I would bring this thread up to date. Here's where we're at (at the moment). On Monday the support wall for the peninsula goes in so that electrical and plumbing rough-ins can finish. A few things we are looking to do, based in large part from helpful comments on other threads. counter height peninsula with seating for 4, including 1 at the end. 18" overhang provided. prep sink (15" wide or so) in the middle of the peninsula. This will divide the space into 2 prep areas, each about 4' wide. And for holidays we can make pies etc with our teenage kids on the same surface, using it from both sides. When we're working at that peninsula we'll be looking out over the family room to a vaulted ceiling with sky views. Fridge is 6 1/2' from the closest prep area at the end of the peninsula. The kitchen naturally is pretty dark because it is in the middle of the house. We'll put a solatube in the center to bring natural light in. We're probably going with a 36" range to provide more space on top for dueling pots and pans. We stir fry a lot so we'll get one with a center wok ring. This is a good central location and allows for a third prep area to the right of it between the range and clean-up. This is also a location where we can vent through the roof. We have plumbing for the pot filler and are 50/50 on whether or not to put one in. It would be handy for pasta, which we make probably 2 x week. Cleanup area is out of the way and near dish storage. Dining room is on opposite side of the wall from the cleanup area, so about as close as we can be to dining room, dishwashwer, and casual dining (peninsula). Interior designer (who doesn't cook) had wanted us to put the fridge at the end of one of the U's, but this would have reduced the cleanup area and cabinet space. Also visually from the family room I prefer seeing the fridge from the side, with cabinets around it. He wanted to do this so we wouldn't see the fridge from the living room at all. If this were a huge deal, we could get a paneled refrig, but we'd rather not. If the fridge were put there it would actually be a bit farther (by a foot or so) from the main prep area, but it would be closer to clean-up which would be somewhat better for food storage. Still thinking about micro / speed oven (probably on wall near fridge somewhere) and refrigerator drawers (probably not--will need all the drawers we an get in the peninsula). Comments still welcome. This is still mostly virtual but it becomes more reality every day. Will post some actual photos soon.

Here’s design 3. Downfall is the designer didn’t add a pantry cabinet Or a microwave. Two massively important items. Also concerned with the sink in the island. To me an island is for entertaining and laying out food, not for a main sink with washing drying etc. also the small space/walkway in between work area and around the island.

I actually did look at a couple 24" fridges in my price range and as much as I wanted them to work I decided the one I picked was better for me. I don't know how long I will live here but if the fridge lasts that long enough I planned on taking it when I leave.No dishwasher and for me personally it wasn't a big deal when I bought the place but I know they are a selling point. I find doing dishes by hand to be quicker and more efficient for me. I also prefer to have the cabinet space over a dishwasher when storage is that limited. With that said I hope to have room in a redo to allow for a dishwasher should the next owner want one. But for now I just want a kitchen that works better and is not an eyesore without investing too much. My improvements have to be budget-minded not only for me but because the house will only get so much in return no matter what is done to it. I know what it is to have so many big ideas and have to downsize everything to something more realistic :) Yes that is a deck that was added on to the house. It will also need redone in time and I would like to expand the porch some when it happens. I do like the idea of sliding doors or at least a full view door. It is amazing in the summer the difference with leaving the back door open. All the light that comes in really brightens and opens the place up.

Maybe, push peninsula even further back to give more space within. keep chairs with people out of walk way. need panel on right side of microwave hood. Keep same spacing on both sides of window to keep balanced symmetry around window. Stoves that close to corner is not ideal. make sure fillers in corner are wide enough so drawers don't hit handles