You have to settle on a budget first. That’s the most limiting restriction. So, the 63K average gut and redo? The average 125K upscale redo? The average 250K Houzz top 10 photo shoot redo?

I think at most, I would go up to 100K

You should post a complete floor plan of the house. The kitchen should wind up proportional to the rest of the house, and it is hard to judge what would be proportional without seeing the rest of the house. What is the overall square footage and how many bedrooms?

Yes, agree with Jillius about whole floor plan. Also information about your family size and lifestyle would be helpful.

the living room with fireplace, large sunny window and generous walkway to kitchen area is a nice space. Leave it. It has great possibilities being close to kitchen yet can have a presence of it's own, once you get used to a small, defined living room like that.

I agree with herbflavor. The living spaces are proportionate to each other and the living room is very pretty as it stands. What other living space do you have in the house if you were to eliminate the living room?

I think the kitchen is the perfect working size and layout. I would consider keeping the same footprint and layout and spending the money on the best cabinets with organizers and drawers, nice appliances, countertops, and lots of recessed and undercabinet lighting. Use a designer to help you get the most bang for your buck.

Do the comps and neighborhood warrant a 100K investment?

thanks for the help !

The house is two-storey 2500sqft 3bed/3bath

I have another large family room as a living space !

You might consider expanding the kitchen into the dining room and changing the living room into a dining room. Post your layout.