Round and round on what to do...very familiar ground for most of us here! About your layout above... I get that you want: More counterspace (and, I assume, placed where it will actually be useful for prepping) Keep some form of FR in the existing space - is that b/c of the fireplace? Keep the formal DR as-is b/c you don't want to knock down the load-bearing wall b/w the kitchen & DR Keep the formal LR as-is since you don't want to knock down the load-bearing wall b/w the kitchen/FR & LR Have table seating in the kitchen itself -- or -- Have peninsula seating But... You have very limited space to fit all that in - that's why you currently don't have a lot of counterspace. So, if you aren't willing to add more space (by adding onto the house or by merging existing spaces), it's going to be difficult to "have it all" The peninsula, as drawn, will not comfortably seat 5 people and seating inside the "U" puts people in the middle of the work space. That seat on the end is also in the aisle of what you have said is a busy path. So, are you willing to consider doing a few things such as: Move/change windows? Open a doorway in the LR wall to lead into the LR - not so wide that you have to do expensive load-bearing posts, etc., but wide enough for a doorway? Move the Powder Room to add that space to the kitchen? Move the closet? Eliminate the FR as a "FR" and merge it into the kitchen to add yet more space? Here's a layout that might work if you're willing to make the changes I asked about above. (Note: Your floor plan is missing key elements like the windows on the top wall in the kitchen and the measurements in the other rooms since they are not all the same size...I think I've got them.) General... The Powder Room and Closet have been relocated to off the Foyer. They do take about 6" off the FR/LR, but I don't think it's an issue(YMMV) The former PR + Kitchen have been merged into a larger kitchen The FR has been converted into a dining area that's completely open to the kitchen - much more comfortable seating for everyone for meals, visiting, etc. With it open to the kitchen, guests can easily sit there and enjoy your company + fireplace + comfortable seating. A 5' wide doorway has been opened b/w the former FR/now table space and the formal LR The formal LR has been converted into a Family/Living Room. You might consider a future fireplace (gas or wood-burning) in that room as well...if you're into fireplaces (I am, so if you are, I can relate!) The formal DR can remain as-is or it could be converted to a Library/Computer Room with a comfy chair or two that would be a quiet respite from the hectic day-to-day activities! Put a door at both entrances (Kitchen & Foyer) to close it off when needed - for either quiet or to keep casual traffic out of it to help keep it tidy. ...

You stated that the window at the bottom is to the floor and to change it would mess up the front elevation of the house. Given that constriction, I would do one of the following: 1) Swap Fridge and Ovens, place prep sink on the top side of the island. You would need to adjust the framing. Your primary prep space is the top side of the island - that's a long side, so will give you a lot of space. However, your prep is in the traffic path from FR to DR through the kitchen. 2) Move cleanup sink and DW to bottom end of island. Put Fridge at bottom of left wall, put prep sink somewhere on left wall, deepen left wall counters to 30". Your primary prep space is the left wall, with secondary on the island across from the prep sink, and neither are in a traffic path. 3) Move cleanup sink and DW to bottom end of island. Put Fridge at bottom of left wall, put prep sink on left side of island. Your primary prep space is the left, short side of the island, but I would still deepen left wall counters to 30" in order to have a secondary prep space. By the way, you will not be able to open a two-door or right-hinged single door fridge all the way if you put it against a wall like that. The wall blocks the door. You might be OK with that, but note you won't be able to pull out the drawers in the fridge for cleaning, or possibly even every day access. You need a single door fridge that is hinged in the opposite side from the wall if you want it placed like that, or the wall can only cover the fridge to the point it doesn't hinder the door swing (6" back, maybe?)

I haven't had a chance to take a good look at your kitchen layout yet, but the first thing that struck me is whether you have a view from your kitchen sink or if there is a wall there. My house is a bit similar in design - a very long, narrow house with a bit of water view off the back. Our original floor plan had our kitchen where yours is, with an eat in area where your existing family room is. We had a deck then running the width of the house on the back, and eventually enclosed 3/4 of the deck as a screened in porch with doors off the eat in area (your existing family room). This wasn't supposed to be our long term home, but 16 years later, we are still here and our family has expanded. We ended up tearing off the screened in porch and turning the existing space into a family room (with new master on the second story above it). We also then enclosed most of what was left of the deck (where your eat in area is) and made that a mudroom. My kitchen sink is/was exactly where yours is, and prior to the add on, had a window with a nice view of the water. We left the window space there so that I can look through the mudroom to the water (double french doors lead out to the remaining deck). I spend a lot of time in my kitchen especially at my sink, between prepping for meals and cleaning up after them. Much more time than I ever spend at my kitchen table! I am so glad that we left that opening from the window so that I can see the nice view out the back. If you have a wall there, I'd really encourage you to remove it and have that open to your eat in area. I'm starting the process of redoing our kitchen and have tried many different ways to rework my floor plan as it gets congested, especially in the morning, with my family members. However, I just can't figure out a way to redo the layout and still take advantage of the view unless I leave my sink where it is and come sunset, it really is just amazing to stand there making dinner and look out at the pink and orange sky.

@palimpsest Yes, later when i’m able i’ll update the latouts with the coresponding numbered bullet in my OP. All of this will be done by our electrician. @Patricia Colwell I’m not suggesting the electrician isn’t weighing in and advising. They will also determine feasibility. That said, what i’m asking about relates to preference and functional design, which I believe is appropriate for this forum. I posted another lighting question and several helped weigh in. Speaking of preference, we do like dimmers on any/all recessed lights. Also, just FYI - due to the lack of uppers, we were not planning to do cabinet lighting. We have two 24” uppers and some floating shelves. Most cabinets are lowers. Thanks!