sena01 - it is also the 2nd as far as the writing. They just seem to put the text below the picture for some reason. Had me confused at first too, but I didn't understand the table reference with the 3rd so kept looking.

I agree, switch the stove and fridge from the first to the second. I have a 10 1/2x15 1/2 kitchen and think it is plenty big! I also have two windows as we have no side neighbors (well, an elementary school). The size is quite adequate, esp with that nice, open island. You could always make the island bigger if you don't think you'll have enough storage. I sometimes look at the huge kitchen and think about how many steps they must take when making a meal! I've got 3 kids and make almost every meal at home, so I'd say your kitchen is a fine size.

Lots of things to think about, and believe me when I say that I’ve thought of nothing but. Thanks to everyone for all their suggestions / ideas. Lisa, I loved the idea of the pantry, but try as I might, I don’t see it working in my space. It might be okay if I didn’t have the wonky ceiling heights but that limitation really killed it, I think. You have a great pantry and I’m sure that you give thanks for that space on a regular basis. Thanks for sharing the photos, they made it even more difficult to put the idea aside. Laughable, I hear what you’re saying, and I’m using that argument to make it easier to put the idea aside. Sena01, with no pantry effectively bumping the dining room wall closer to the island, there isn’t an issue with the oven or dishwasher or whatever is put in that corner, so it won’t be necessary to close that doorway in. And while we may use the back door to enter the house, it is the entry that you suggest blocking off that we use multiple times every day, so I’m glad it’s not necessary to consider blocking off from a functional perspective. Funkycamper, after all the years that we’ve been in the house, it never occurred to me that there could be some privacy issues with the bathroom off the kitchen. It is tucked away, and after reading your comments I had to go and take a closer look. What I discovered is the way that the bathroom is situated, there is nowhere in the kitchen that you can stand and see anything in the bathroom except for a small sliver of the sink. I guess that’s why it’s never been an issue before! So for the last day I have been playing with each of the layouts that have been suggested. Lisa, I can’t thank you enough for all the time that you must have spent, and all the visuals you’ve given me. I think that adding the charging station to the top of the island is such a good idea. It is such a natural spot for a dumping ground, and it’s so hard to teach an old dog new tricks, don’t you think? I’m not concerned about the distance from the post (42”) as it replaced a much larger one that was there previously. The larger one wasn’t an issue in terms of traffic and at 8x8, the new one is a minor nuisance at best. I spent quite a bit of time figuring out all of the “paths” that I/we would be taking during the course of meal prep, serving, and clean-up. Funkycamper, I laughed out loud when I read your suggestion that we role play "I'm making prepping and making dinner while you're making dessert". I know it was only a “for instance”, but the only dessert DH would make is pouring chocolate sauce over ice cream. I did pay attention to what we actually do together though, and your suggestions make a lot of sense. Lavender Lass, thanks so much for your input. I always admire how your designs make so much sense, so I am sure that I am missing something with this one. Is it because I’m in the space that I can’t see? I can’t understand the reason for putting the fridge and microwave closer to the sunroom. I’m sure I am unduly influenced by my current routines, but when I start playing around with the various layouts, the ones that seem to make the most sense for me are the ones that have the cooktop behind the island. That’s because I will prep at the island, to the right of the sink and from there I can easily turn to tend to anything on the cooktop. It’s the shortest distance from the sink to cooktop when a pot needs to be filled or drained. It also keeps me closer to the better views outside, my coffee and computer in the sun room (for my breaks) as well as to any guests that we may be entertaining. Back to mulling over all of this. I know there has to be a solution in here somewhere!

I'd tell her to price it and then I'll make up my mind. As to whether it would work, I think it would and it's not her kitchen. I'm not so sure about coffee but as a charging station it'd be great, so put an outlet in there, too. Tell her to take a W2130 with a decorative side panel, turn it sideways and mount it on a toekick. Have them fix or stabilize the shelf that will be at seat level and cut out for a receptacle on the side that faces the wall. She may be able to order the cabinet side flush with a panel or she may have to skin the side of the cabinet and put a decorative panel over it. You will be missing some storage space, but a 12" drawer base is almost useless. The interior of the drawer box winds up being about 7" wide and doesn't give you a lot of good storage. Then remind her again that it's your kitchen!