We had a similar layout change in our kitchen remodel and they used LVL beams (manufactured beams) and wood posts to replace the existing framed wall. The new posts were right on top of the existing steel beam in the floor, so keeping the proper load transfer to the basement footings was relatively simple. Our contractor made the design and we had the structural engineer sign off on the plans that went to the city. The tables for LVL beam size requirements were easy to understand, and they already assumed the load of one story above the beam. One option our contractor offered was whether to put the 2nd floor joists on top of the new LVL beam (like they already were on top of the existing framed wall) or put the LVL beam up higher and connect the floor joists to the side of the LVL beam (which would hide the beam in the ceiling.) We chose to just replace the wall with a beam under the joists, so there is still a "divider" that projects down about one foot from the ceiling. Bruce

I appreciate the supportive opinions! With respect to columns in the L/R, I foresee only one, about 5-6' in from front of the house and about 8-9' in from the left side. This is where the corner of the original house sits now. The I-beams will meet at this post and the other sides will be held up by the portions of the load bearing walls that will remain in place. If colums will be needed at those points to take the extra weight, they can be tucked away so that they don't or only barely show in the L/R. In any case there will be only one column to be worked around for funiture placement. With respect to adding value, yes I think both projects definitely will. Right now the house has a nice kitchen and a nice MBR. Everything else is small and kind of weird. Post-remodeling the house will have a good size L/R, a conventional D/R, an 11 x 11 room (TV room, office...), and three real B/R's. Not a McMansion by any means, but a liveable 3 BR house. So it seems I should start with an engineer...

Aw, those shelves are cute, Lavender. The first place we lived after we married had shelves like that. I loved them! I remember putting some tea pots and plants on them. They were very happy. : ) I drew up your sketch. I'm not sure how to "zone" it. Baking to the right of the sink? Or would that be the snack and sandwich center? I should mention that at 5' 4", I can walk under the landing of the stairs. If I was any taller, I don't think I could do it without hitting my head. Should I extend the pantry all the way under the landing, even if only for less frequently used stuff? The thing I'm hesitating about with this plan is that it's a lot of work of moving the heat run for a gain of an opening of the same size that we would have had if we did a layout similar to what Lyfia drew (without having to move the heat run at all.) Here are a couple of inspiration shots. The first one is similar to Lyfia's which is similar to what we had drawn up earlier. Where the windows are to the left of the stove would be a shallow pantry along the 6' wall. [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/crocus-hill-kitchen-craftsman-kitchen-minneapolis-phvw-vp~3317777) [Craftsman Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/craftsman-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2116) by Minneapolis General Contractors Full Circle Construction Inc. I laughed when I saw my description of what I liked under this picture in my houzz album: "Everything." (Although the curtains are a bit more formal than I care to be.) This is similar to the layout that I felt was so balanced above. Just put the fridge where the double ovens are located. But...no entry connection... [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen-island-traditional-kitchen-phvw-vp~1788863) [Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Princeton Design-Build Firms Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction Lastly, Catmom's kitchen dimensions are nearly identical to ours, so I've played around with her layout too. I hope she'll be ok with me sharing her picture. I've dissected her photos trying to get a feel for how this layout would work for our lives. Hmmm...where is her entry in relation to the kitchen? (It's a split level, right...how does that change the game?) I find Chinese Grandma's old kitchen inspiring, too. I like her pantry setup pretty well. Um, I kinda like the whole place, actually. ; ) Here is a link that might be useful: Chinese Grandma's kitchen from 2010

That does not look like a load bearing wall to me. I would expect to see studs in the middle, or a header at the top. Here is a drawing of a small bathroom renovation I am doing right now. The room is only 5'x6' but I am squeezing a shower in there too. I bought a wall mount toilet and wall mount sink to save space and keep the floor open. Combined with large format tiles I am hoping it will make the room look bigger. Just to give you some food for thought. Definitely get rid of that wall to open things up. Also consider a smaller vanity so it doesn't take up so much of the room. Maybe a bigger mirror behind it and some wall shelves to make up the storage.