Given the machines' depth and that window's width, the obvious option for stacking would be where the picture is on the 8' west wall. They would be a straight visual shot from the kitchen, just beyond the pellet stove and TV, and I am not especially keen on that sight line. Considered risers, and discussed ergonomics with DH yesterday. We prioritize staying limber and flexible as we age, and for now the bending/squatting seems a good thing. Same thinking has me keeping my cups and glasses on the highest shelf in the kitchen- short friends can't even reach them, LOL. Re: risers, DH concluded: "So you say now these machines last 10, 15 years? Next set then maybe we'll raise them." I agree. And I really like the simplicity of a continuous 8 foot counter, especially if I lose a bit of that to a sink. Oops, *but* a sink couldn't be set into a removable counter for machine access, so...there's a problem...raising the machines *would* allow logical segementing of the counter with a sink in the stationary part...hmmmm. Back to stacking, maybe 2' of cubbies for baskets by window, 2.5 W/D stack and 3.5 folding counter? (Existing counter is 3'9"). Have to ditch both uppers......hmmmm. Or, leave tub and washer as is, tuck dryer next, then cabinet(s). 6' removeable counter over that stops at tub. Center the wall cabinet over W/D with open shelving to sides....hmmmmm. All above options preserve the critical utility closet and chase. It does help to talk this through.

By cafe curtains, do you mean the tiered set? I'm just not sure what that means? I always think of kitchen curtains! How would I mount a curtain rod from the ceiling? I once had regular curtain rods before I put in the seat, but with the roller shades, there is no place to put the rod hooks. I don't want to block off the windows as in the first photos-I mostly need to be able to block the extreme sunlight and provide some evening privacy if needed.

It would be very helpful if you posted something different. Your IKEA layout isn't enough. We need actual measurements of all walls. I suggest hand drawing your kitchen space without cabinets with each wall/window/door/doorway marked and labeled (including trim) as well as the distance between each wall/window/door/doorway. Label where rack l each door/doorway leads. Then, post a sketch of the entire floor so we can see how traffic flows in and around the kitchen. The Layout Help FAQ has a sample layout. (I'll see if I can find one on my phone but if I cannot find one see the FAQ below. How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information-should-i-include

Tanya, stylewise all the chairs you've posted above will work. The key will be size. I'd look for something no larger than 33" wide and 33" deep. You might do two matching chairs and then use the rocker for the third chair. You can fudge the measurements a bit if you go with a smaller table. Just keep in mind you want 18" between the seat and the table edge. To keep the room in balance, you don't want enormous chairs and a teeny table. You also don't want to push the furniture sizes to the point where it looks like it's crammed into the room. And you need 3' of walk space to get between seating and piano.