Thanks for the comments so far. Keep them coming! Cindy, yes, I was similarly concerned about the limited space between the sink and rangetop, as well as the lack of landing space near fridge. We originally thought the counter near the dining room would be close enough (within 48" across from french door style fridge), but that doesn't seem to be the case. We might be able to go with a 33" fridge instead (maybe standard depth?), then have enough room to the left of it to put the microwave over there... Something to think about. Moving the door or wall between the dining room and kitchen, however, aren't appealing options. This particular house really calls for a more formal dining space, and the traffic pattern would be too awkward if the doorway were to be significantly relocated. I believe it's also load-bearing, so probably not feasible at this time anyway. Dilly, thanks for the reminder to not rush into anything. Good advice, as we're definitely feeling the urgency. I LOVE the idea of and L shape and an island, but wasn't seeing how that setup would be very functional. I think my initial idea was similar to yours--put the sink under the back window (although it wouldn't be aligned very well), the DW to the right of the sink, then have cabinets/counters all along that long wall. It would be a bit awkward dealing with the unmoveable wall in the middle of that run, but I guess we could have a break in the countertop there and disguise the wall with some sort of built-in hutch or something. The range could then be shifted to the right a bit, with the ovens at the far left (or even a not quite so far left end to the kitchen if we bump the pantry out as you suggest). My concern was that the space really doesn't seem large enough for an island, does it? If we allow 36" space between counters and island (which seems pretty minimal, really), and another 36" on the other side, plus another 12' or so for some open shelving on the wall between the DR, can really only fit an island that's about 3 or 3-1/2' wide. That doesn't seem like much, since we'd also want it to provide counter seating (and in which case we'd need to make that "walk-thru" lane to the backyard wider, too. It also doesn't seem like the island could be very long, since we'd need to allow for both counter depth and walkway at the short L end, and we don't also need to keep the traffic lane open for folks heading to the pantry or basement (guest quarters). Oh, and I was also worried that it would seem impossibly far from the fridge to the sink, even without an island to navigate around. Probably about 15', with a turn. I don't see anyplace else to put the fridge though, or any better use for that little corner between DR and basement stairs. Ugh. I'll think some more about these ideas. Looking forward to hear any other suggestions for this challenging space! PS - We like to use the DR for family dinners, as well as the "adult" dining when we have guests. Not enough room in there for all the kids, so really do want some eat-in space in kitchen, even if only for 3 or 4 people.

Sheer curtains for the windows. Layout will be tricky because of the FP and the heater/ radiator. I think we’re looking at a couch on the wall with that radiator. Maybe a console behind it to block the box. Or a couch lengthwise. Facing the door. A rug, coffee table, maybe a bench or some chairs. Start with what you can. Very charming home. Love it

Does "formal" imply you have another space for tv watching? A family room? Or is this the only room for tv? If the former? Make the tv more secondary........use an adjacent wall. Better by far as the need for built in expense will be less, and same with media console and tv. As below...and I will hope that is the case. - you've another tv spot. Truly....... the view into the room is far better this way in EITHER case. A room needs to make CONVERSATION possible; nobody wants to shout at another off in the distance. And that love seat can just as easily be two VERY comfortable chairs. One quarter inch to a foot below. Don't forget a great rug.....9 x 12. Lighting matters.......art matters. : ) The very last thing you need? An accent wall via paint. One paint color will do it.....please. You will get more help if you post some inspo pics of rooms/styles you love. There are no mind readers here...

Turn your sofa to face the TV/fireplace. You may not have any space between the wall and arm of your sofa. Maybe get a narrow table for behind the sofa for lamps. If you get a new sofa, don't do crazy oversized -- 84" is plenty long (I bought a 3-seater that's less than 72"!). Place your loveseat where they had theirs, next to the sliding doors. You now have L-seating great for conversations, and TV. I would suggest a sofa or loveseat with 2 chairs or one larger chair & ottoman if you purchase new instead of a sofa AND loveseat. And don't buy a sectional! If you could get dimensions of the space and your furniture, and photos of your furniture, that would be helpful. Their set-up looked great, though I don't understand the sofa placement unless sizing was an issue.