Hi! We are remodeling our kitchen with a very awkward layout. Looking for any advice on how to make the space more functional. All ideas are very welcome! We've been working with a kitchen designer (our second), but looking for any input this community might have. Below is a hand drawn sketch, very early Ikea sketch, and a few photos of the space when we move in 3 years ago.

A few details:

• House is a two story, 1200sf 1900 farmhouse
• Three rooms on the first floor: the living room leads into the kitchen which opens up to a small sunroom which leads to a large deck and huge yard
• Only bathroom is off of the kitchen (shown in drawing)
• Eat-in Kitchen--no separate dining room
• All plumbing can be moved
• Gas stove was on peninsula which we hated because it posed a hazard for our kids and could not easily be vented
• We replaced the gas stove that broke with an induction slide-in range (still not installed)
• Replaced fridge with a counter-depth French door
• The chimney is unused (located to the right of LR doorway. We recently uncovered it and it is in good shape. Probably won't remove it due to the high cost although we are getting a second estimate soon.
• Small stack butting out into corner--can't be moved
• Widening the 30 inch doorway from LR to Kitchen to 40 inches (up to the side of the chimney)
• Also considering opening up the LR/Kitchen wall partially on the other side of the chimney leaving lower cabinets. We worry about loosing storage space, though it would be nice to connect the spaces since we spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
• Outside wall window (located next to fridge) is too low so we are planning to swap out for a shorter window. We have a dishwasher there. We removed the radiator shown in photo when we added a dishwasher.
• We desperately need storage as a we cook most meals at home and love to bake. Would like a decent sized pantry if possible.
• Ceiling is 99 inches high
• Red tile flooring shown in photo has been removed and will be replaced with maple hardwood
• Would like a peninsula again for food prep that could also include a couple of stools for kids to help with baking, or do art (they make a ton of art so perhaps some drawers or storage for art supplies would be ideal. The overhand could be shorter to accommodate this. We wouldn't eat meals at the counter--just perch.)

Thanks so much for any insight! Attaching a h