That would be a good option -- especially since we'll be upgrading our tiny fridge for a bigger french door style one before we do a full reno. It won't fit where the current fridge is anyway.

Enduring: the game room is actually the original house dating to 1790. The part with the kitchen is the addition :). Game room is about 12 x 14 with only one 6 foot segment of uninterrupted wall. 100 years ago, it was the dining room and our current dining room was the 'front' parlor, but we dont' really feel a need for a front parlor these days. Palimpsest: Good idea to check out old design books. Haven't been to the local library lately, but would be good to see some things that aren't just today's style since I don't want to get too stuck there anyway. The contractor I plan to use seems to have a tendancy to make things a bit more finished than suits my taste (why would I need trim around a wall oven--oh yeah, that's how they make money :) ), so I need to prepare myself to push back and allow the space to be a little funky. Aliris: I was playing around with that pennisula idea too after Rosie suggested one coming out from the other wall. It actually works pretty nicely as it doesn't obstruct the main traffic route for guests from dining/living to guest bath and doesn't obstruct the windows. It does result in a lot less counter space and storage however than island plan and I really want that counter space! Chris 11895: Yes, I've had the home depot kitchen designer and three different contractors (2 only do kitchens) on site. You guys have come up with everything they did and a good bit more. Thanks! Thanks to everyone for all the ideas. I'm really glad I listened to that gut feeling that something wasn't quite right and asked for help. Without the push, I never would have mocked up that chimney and discovered what a bad idea it was. Nor would it have occured to me that I could move the counter just far enough off the window wall to allow for light and cleaning rather than making it a tight passageway. I'll need to figure out what goes back there (shelves? table?), but that's something I can play around with once the counters are in. So, I think at this point I'm very happy with that idea. It leaves me with a comfortable width galley, lots of counter space, and I get to keep my kitchen table and radiator, which are my favorite parts of the kitchen as it is now. I know some of you despair at putting anything even partially in front of the windows, but believe me, when they are through the whole house you realize that the other option is having no furniture! We have a couch set up like this in the living room: sofa table behind it between the two windows and then sofa is a couple feet out from the window wall. It still leaves the light and windows visable, but makes the room functional. I have an appointment to order cabinets next week, so I'm going to move on to the next set of decisions. I'm sure some of those will lead to a few more questions! And yes, pictures will be forthcoming in a few months.

With so many openings, paint color(s) are so wrong, as you have stated. With two focal points (fireplace and windows), choose one wall color. I can advise if you tell me from where natural light is coming from through the two large windows. You can leave the mirror. Good reflective possibilities. You can put a framed mirror over the mirror…kind of cool look. The t v and stand…are those yours? If so, move them to another room. I am perplexed as you are…why is there an opening by the fireplace wall into the dining room? Don’t know your budget, but I would spend the money to close that area?. Waste of wonderful floor space to allow for two chairs on either side of the fireplace. Your floors? Laminate? If so, you need a large rug to reduce noise. Back to your question…sorry. I would break the space up into two separate areas. Maybe two chairs and a table by fireplace to start your scheme..

Hi. I've reproduced your room in a 3D build to help you visualize in a better way. To maintain a foot flow I have centered the sofa facing each other. You can add one or more swivel chairs which you can tuck away or corner them when not in use. Mounted tv on a wooden panel opposite the fireplace. This way it serves as a family room as well as an entertainment room. Perfect for a winter evening when it's too chilly to leave the fireplace but also wouldn't miss your favorite show. If you can get rid of the piano, you can place two chairs and a bookshelf and create a little reading space. Let me know if you would want me to work on more layouts. Always happy to help!