We are planning on renovating our kitchen but the most difficult part has been trying to figure out how to adjust the layout for a more efficient space. The kitchen is located in the center of the house on an interior wall. To the south, there is a large great room with a window wall to the lakeview, unfortunately, this is obstructed by a partial wall which has the double ovens and fridge on it. The second floor ends here and we at least have to leave a weightbearing post, but would like to remove as much as possible, and have only lower cabinets with a bar top there possibly. To the east, we have a living room and the main traffic in and out of the house. To the west is a dining room. To the north, an opening to a hallway with office opposite and guest bath on the same side as the kitchen "unused area". There is a HUGE island which leaves little walking space in the main kitchen area, and just enough space to open the fridge doors. We have low ceilings so it really is like a cave. We also don't have a pantry (we use the hall closet outside the kitchen). The bar top really encroaches on our narrow living room area. Here is a drawing of the existing kitchen. Ignore the "bathroom" tag on the island - oops!

Any ideas for best layout? So lost as to what to do! I cook a lot, and need a lot of storage space, as well as a dog food/water station (possibly on the end of the island?). It really needs to be opened up so we get more light from the greatroom, and possibly reduce or eliminate the cabinets towards the living room. We are considering eliminating the doorway going into the hall to allow for an uninterrupted wall for the stove, fridge, and cabinets, although we do tend to use the doorway a lot going from the office to kitchen.