Our butler's pantry is a walkway between kitchen and dining room as well. We will have a beverage center fridge, wine slots, cabinets to hold cocktail glasses and adult beverages. We will likely use the blank countertop space during entertaining as a buffet. We have another area in the kitchen designated for our coffee bar, otherwise it would be in there too! I'm sure someone else out there has been more creative than I!

dang, 10 yrs empty! I hope you got a very good deal on it! My place was empty for 4 yrs in the desert and was filthy. Anyway, I do think I was looking at the architect's 'future to be maybe' drawings... ha! Going on your drawing of 'as it is now' - I can see the 'appl wall' now (wondered where an oven would be). If no bp now behind that wall, I'd see what space is usable once you line up the appl wall (if that's what you want to do). That and island placement. Having it as a place to stash extra drinks and pizza boxes (party time) would be a good thing. I did think of the bp for the birds too (cages, dishes etc). Don't think I posted that - I just left it at 'plants'. My oldest son had a bird for a few yrs and I didn't like him using the kitchen sink (we didn't have that much space and only the 1 sink). I thought I might just be weird about that. It would be a handy space to have - and keep that stuff out of your kitchen sinks. If there'd be enough space, you could have a back wall of shallow cabinets. pantries don't need to be that deep. If bigger things they could store under the cabinet run w/the sink in there. I'm posting that 'cause I have no clue how much space would be usable after you line things up (and I know that's important to you). And you need a wide enough walk area behind it from lower outside door up thru to the casual room. I'd probably want the whole one side as just counter and sink (no full height cabs). Space to work in. If you decide against a bp, it looks like you have some usable space in the laundry for a few cabinets for food supplies. And a sink in there for the dishes and cages. but if you have the space (and budget) I'd probably want to keep those things separate. I can fill up a laundry room so fast with other things myself - laundry baskets, sewing machine, ironing board... Also, if you get those things done that you want to do, I agree with maybe just getting the tile and then taking some time off from remodeling / construction to enjoy yourself and new (beautiful) home, gardens and views!! No reason not to even wait to get tile. The stores will still be out there ready to take you money in the future.

@rr4580 I'm not sure what you mean about changing my opinion? I would make the current fridge wall the beverage center. Most adult beverages are not being poured AT dinner - it's the casual appetizers and happy hour time that you want it accessible, when people will be in the great room. So I would put your wine fridge and ice maker on that side, and the fridge in the corner by the pantry. It won't crowd your range. The best kitchens are compact. Another thing you might consider - it's best to have your sink & DW pushed over to the end of the island so you have sufficient prep space next to the sink. Symmetry is overrated and only looks good on paper. My island is 10' as well. My sink and DW are at the very end (intentionally), leaving me 5' for prep. I use every inch. Next to the trash I have a 3 drawer stack with all of my prep tools. I've been in my house for 3 weeks and so far it's the most efficient kitchen I've worked in. It's also better not to have your sink & range lined up, as those are the 2 busiest places in your kitchen. Your DW door will overlap with your range, which means you will trip over it if you ever have it open while you cook (oven door may also interfere with the DW door). One more thing - make sure your overhang is at least 15" - otherwise your cabinets are going to get banged up and it won't be that comfortable to sit there.

If vents and window are staying, you don't have much choice for storage areas--3' on each side of window? Does the 7' measurement include the window trim? The measurements for the 11' wall don't add up, unless you are not including the section with the wall vent.--2'6" plus 4'1" plus 3'2" = 9'9". Here is my original suggestion for pantry and mudroom storage but with a window seat and some extra storage squeezed in. The vent on the hall wall will need to be relocated, but you are considering removing that wall, so I'm assuming you have a plan for the ducting: