On the plus side, your present layout of kitchen appliances is in a good working order (fridge, sink, prep space range) so you may be able to save $ by not moving any of those items or not moving them much. While I don't mind the older cabinets (I have an older, vintage style myself), there are not that many of them, and it may be within your budget to replace them. Without measurements, my thought would be a peninsula off the wall between the windows to increase counter space or possibly a small, movable island. I have the small island but it just fits and your space looks a tad smaller. There might not be room for a peninsula - why measurements would be helpful. You are correct that the style clash is not helping:) Realistically, a table that is the only eating area and part of the kitchen will probably need to be less formally dressed. If a peninsula wide enough to hold a couple of eating spaces fits, smaller meals and snacks could happen there, and then the dining table can be a bit formal. I think if you change out the cabinets, counters and backsplash to a less country style, you and your husband can find a style that is a better mix of your taste. If this was my space I would also consider at some point putting the same flooring throughout - for me that would be an ordinary solid hardwood.

I wouldnt use that fireplace. By what it looks like in the picture, is that the chiminey has been sealed off, and is no longer usable.

I just had this question for our new build as we have a large unusable attic space. The code here in Indiana is 15 # psf for garage ceiling load, but to be a useable space it is required 40 # psf. To do this the builder would have to add trusses and change the ridge line $$$ or add a steel beam in the garage to hold the weight and there would be a pole in garage that attaches to a pier below ground. Since this home is an existing home I am not sure what can be done. I know for my new build it’s an extra 15k for the beam construction. Needless to say, we are over budget so this is not an option we are going with.

Sally. It would help if you would post a few photos.