@apple I’m going to play with google sketch up. I’d forgotten about it since playing with it when it first came out! Thanks so much for reminding me! @mama I am kind of loving the idea of breaking up the windows... I did this last night with 2 windows on the north and south walls to maintain the symmetry the house really exhibits elsewhere. I think it works both around a big range and a large tv wall? I moved the fridge a bit so it would contain a bit of a butler’s pantry/pantry access behind it. I could store stemware in glass cabinets in there... I don’t know at what point an island is deemed too long, but I feel like traffic flow would really be from the tv to fridge, and then the work triangle, so the rest of the length would serve as extra extra prep space and loads of island dining for my kids and their friends. I’d seen this (attached) kitchen before which has a Long Island leading to a butler’s pantry and it felt nice to be in it. I also thought the upper cabinets being from the counter to ceiling were kind of a cool vibe in an area that doesn’t need full depth counters. @newideas funny you should mention a bar area - the original floorplan had a large wet bar in the FR. That door behind the couch is a secret door in the wall that leads down to a wine room (which we’ve repurposed as a library). The prior owner removed the bar... and we’re working on a cellar under the house.

Photo for inspiration as you have not given measurements for each area: Position the back of a loveseat with back facing kitchen area. Possibly you could put a sofa table behind. Entering, the area will look spacious and welcoming.

Do you need another eating place ? If not why not a couple of nice chairs and a coffee table for a spot for morning coffee or for guests that like to visit while you cook. I looks like opening the wall to the DR would make another eating space a bit useless . Can you post pics of the new kitchen layout

Although you have a lot of natural light during the day, you need to plan for good kitchen lighting at night. I would put recessed lights in at least the kitchen area, along all the outer areas the the island. Skip island pendents due to your beams, and just use a hanging fixture over your dining table. You can have more ambient light in the living area, with wall sconces built into the storage areas. Add a floor plug so you can have a floor lamp next to the sofa. I don't understand the kitchen at all. Your sink only has one open side, so you're putting dirty and clean dishes in the same place? And the dishwasher seems like it's in the island with the stove? Move the stove to the outer wall so you can have a regular vent, and put the sink in the middle of the island so it's usable. Put the refrigerator on one of the ends of the cabinet run where it's better accessible.