I'm running out now, but I wanted to quickly show you what LRy511 did in her kitchen. I'm also building from a modified Don Gardner plan and I'm changing my kitchen to an L-shape with an island. I had the sink on the island first but struggled with the openness so I moved it to a wall where it would be blocked by the island a bit from the great room. Here's a draft of my plan to give you an idea. Without seeing your plan, I doubt you need a door from the kitchen to the dining room. Can you easily cut through the foyer to get there? My current kitchen/breakfast nook/family room is almost identical to the one in the original plan. My kitchen seems dark, but that is because there are only 4 can lights and 2 pendant lights over the peninsula. Make sure you have plenty of can lights and under cabinet lighting and you'll be fine. I think you're wise not to have the 2-story living room. You'll still get plenty of light from all those windows on the back. BTW, my current house plan is very similar to the one you are proposing, except we don't have the first floor master. In our plan the stairs go off the the bottom left corner of the family room and take up the space you have as a hall between the LR and FR. That opens up the foyer a lot. It's something you might consider if you can find another doorway to the master. Of course it might not work with your second-floor layout, but I thought I'd mention it.

Here's a thought with the walls down. When I got the sink out of the corner, more possibilities opened up. The semi-automatic dishwasher still has a nice view. And doesn't have to step away if another person wants to have a second at the sink. Here is a link that might be useful: IKEA 3D Planner - link good for 5 days

The biggest problem with the original space was the lack of countertop/work space. Moving the refrigerator will definitely help. I'm guessing you'll add a dishwasher too? Maybe a mini (24") so you can also have a narrow cabinet for baking sheets or a pull-out spice rack. Looks like you might have room across from the kitchen on the opposite wall for a 12 in deep floor to ceiling pantry, the width of the kitchen for extra storage. And a small rolling cart with a butcher block top could be stored by the window, but brought out into the center for an extra work area. Depends on how much you need to store, and how much you cook. If you're in New York or something and don't cook much. I'd keep things pretty minimal.

Hi Dough71, Beautiful fireplace, love the brick! I understand your thoughts about fireplace, wall units, etc. I think it really depends on the piece(s). And actually, depending on the unit, it could be interesting to intentionally match up the two. The wall unit would be on another wall and has another purpose, but sort of mimicking the fireplace could actually be interesting with the right piece. But there are so many ways you can go. You can find a style or build one in just about any way you would like. The sky is truly the limit. Plus, I see you have a great eye. Love what you've done in your place, already - furnishings, etc. Beautiful space. You won't have any problem finding the right combo for your wall. And you can light up just about anything these days, it's an LED party. ;)