You are all so dynamic with your ideas and generosity in assisting me. Thanks to everyone. I am feeling much better than in my original post. In all of my other projects there have been hiccups which turn out to be brilliant in the end. I don't doubt that this will be one. I cherish your outside opinions to shed light on the ideal solution. There are definitely challenges. The kitchen is small, basically 2 parallel walls (10 linear ft/per) with a 3ft. "jog" at the far end for the gas range and built in conv./ micro. **igloochic- great insight in an almost identical scenario. The funny thing ( ) the corner can has been my only "good" cabinet, until of course we has this "minor" misunderstanding. **kitchenredo- I am forbade to use either a chain or table saw after my "accident"- believe me it truly did cross my mind. You king 'kidding' was an uncanny way to remind me of my great fortune. THANK YOU! Btw, Love LV- huge fan for years. ***fori- Oh my, I couldn't stop laughing. The "other side " is an exterior wall (w/ new cedar lap siding). The idea of cutting an access hole, I just LOVE! In jest, or not, for some it would be an ideal solution. FOR ME, I imagined my own personal 'Green Acres' with the closet door that opened directly to the 'farm-fresh air'. I so needed a laugh and imagery of Arnold Ziffle, Mr. Haney, Ralph and Alph on the other side of my kitchen door. Laughter is remarkable medicine. **rob_p. Thanks for the link (I'm still trying to post the link 4 my layout- not sure exactly how). I have printed it 2 discuss with my cabinet guy tomorrow with any other realistic options. I'm definitely up for anything that will work. REV-a-shelf apparently has a distribution headquartered here in Louisville. I may also. Check into their options. If it would work it would be a super quick solution. Your empathy and guidance are treasured . Thank you once again. When I figure out how to post my layout I would like to hear other specific constructive opinions. -September

I think that Stampin Up might carry these.They have heart, star, and snowflake design edge, and are approx. $10.00.THey also carry scallop, zig-zag, and ribbon slot punches for the same price. Look like they could be fun, have never used them.

OK Here is another idea, I might make a new post out of it- what about a corner easy reach that is taller than the other cabinets and extends lower than the rest- but not all the way to the counter. That way I would get more storage without the hassle of figuring out how to get the countertop installed, and just put a basket or two underneath for hidden storage of more pantry items? I know that height of upper wall cabinets is often staggered, but the ceilings are low and cabs butt up to the ceiling. Would that look weird? I don't really see any photos of that look. Thanks!

Thanks for the ideas so far. The window wall in the kitchen faces south and looks directly at a neighbor's bedroom but we do want more natural light. We are definitely including solatubes in the plan and there is the slider plus the windows in the family room to help. blfenton - the raised bar is angled since that opening into the kitchen is line-of-sight from the front door. We experimented with the iso view with it straight and it looked disconnected from the rest of the kitchen, almost "floating" between the kitchen and family room. We're still working to figure out what will be best there. I will try to get a pic of the overall floorplan. MG - we aren't fans of speedcooking ovens (have one in the RV and don't like the result) so we do want a set of double ovens and a separate microwave. That's what I've had for the past 20 years (in 2 different homes) We were also thinking more windows. I hadn't considered a sink in the corner; that might make for a convenient place for the espresso machine. I tend not to like to have my back to the family room which is one of the reasons the rangetop was placed on the side and the small prep sink somewhere in the island. I like the idea of the fridge closer to the family room. (fun face you drew on the island ;-) - those eye circles are supposed to be pendant lights) lharpie - the rectangular island is 4' by 4' 9" plus counter overhang so it's pretty good-sized. The prep sink we'd planned would be maybe 16" or 18". We had a similar arrangement 2 houses ago so that's where this comes from. bpathome - yes, most glassware will be in the uppers above the wine fridge. Special occasion glassware will be in the flex/entertaining area. Dishes would be in drawers in the island as you suspected :-) We'd mostly eat at the counter and family room. The flex space will have a table in it and will have a slider that goes to the (large-ish) covered front porch. Folks in the community tend to gather on each others' front porches to socialize and the flex space is there to give us some inside options. Thanks, Michelle