What dates a kitchen, IMHO? Last year's "latest & greatest" that was put in b/c it was "the thing" BUT detracts from the functionality of the kitchen. Peninsulas are not "outdated", they're just not the current fad. Yes, fad. Fad - a temporary fashion, notion, manner of conduct, etc., esp. one followed enthusiastically by a group. [emphasis mine] ÂSynonyms craze, vogue, rage OK, maybe islands aren't a "temporary" fashion...but right now everyone is trying to jam one into their kitchen whether or not their kitchen can support it...in size or configuration. Yes, islands can be a nice addition to a kitchen as long as they don't detract from the functionality of the kitchen and as long as the kitchen is big enough for one, especially if you want seating at the island (which the OP is not going for, btw). However, when they become barriers b/w zones & appliances, cause people to run around in circles to work, or cause traffic issues b/c of too narrow aisles, they then become detriments to the kitchen. The same, btw, can be said for peninsulas...they can be great additions to a kitchen...particularly when it comes to protecting the Cooking Zone and range/cooktop (an ideal situation)...but if they become major obstacles in/out of the kitchen, then they can be a detriment (unless you want to restrict entry into the kitchen). However, it takes a really long peninsula for this to become a true issue. In the case of your kitchen, ideally, I'd switch the sink & range/cooktop and move the MW + Oven to the top right corner. I might consider making the island longer and putting a prep sink in it to try to mitigate the "barrier island" effect b/w the refrigerator & sink. But, the window on the top/north wall eliminates that as a possibility. Another possibility is to move the refrigerator to the upper right corner...but it would have to be changed to a 36" built-in....unless that room off to the right can be opened up into the kitchen. Take down that wall and you gain approx 4.5"...all you need is another 2 or 3 inches for a 42" refrigerator. Then, you could have a full pantry where the current refrigerator is or you could put in a 24" pantry cabinet and have 30" to 33" of counterspace next to the pantry for a Snack Center, Message Center, or other. ...Wait...if your refrigerator is a true "built-in", I'm not sure you need those side panels b/c the refrigerator will have panels added to it?? I don't know much about built-ins so maybe someone w/a built-in refrigerator will chime in about how they work and the dimensions needed for the space (is the space needed for the panels already incorporated into the dimensions?, etc.)

haha rosie, I wish! we're definitely not from a handy family (hence my cry for help here ;) We purchased a new house with this floor plan (they've just started building it). Everything looked fine on paper until I got to see the model home in person recently and my heart dropped when I realized how crammed the kitchen/bf area looked. Unfortunately the builder we purchased the house from is not very flexible (think borderline difficult). Many suggestions we offered were rejected (they won't even quote us a price), it seems any small change (especially structural changes where walls are involved) will meet huge resistance. lavender_lass, I too think they're just making up excuses regarding the french door. They first told us it's against code to have the doors open out (they have to open in). With the limited space before it wouldn't have worked anyway. Then they added the snow will somehow ruin the doors & the seal so they'd recommend against it either way. The only other door in the house is the front door. But because there is a porch, the door will be sheltered from heavy snow in the winter. Looks like not moving the fridge might not be an option due to limited space on the right wall (assuming the plan is to scale). and I try to keep the wall & features (like the sliding door) as much as possible just so the builder wouldn't get overwhelmed and give up on me ;). Here's what I think would be my best outcome. Anything more (e.g. changing the sliding door to a garden door, move the DR/kitchen door up as rosie suggested) would be bonus. Out of curiosity, would it be difficult to add the wrap window after the house is built? The builder might refuse to add windows :( Any recommendations on how big the island should be? e.g. with 3 or 4 stools? I'm assuming the bar stools will be stored under the breakfast bar most of the time, hence hidden from the FR. Any caveats on their placements as shown? i figured it'd be nice to be able to watch the FR TV (above the fireplace) from there when they're used. Thanks again for all the advice, I really appreciate it!

Lucky you! Your house is beautiful! If it were mine, I would put a very long dining table behind that long sofa instead of that small round table. Then I would create a long island to leave the 4 feet of walk-through space needed in your kitchen. If possible, I would use the solid wall for tall cabinets to house all small appliances, pantry storage and counter depth refrigerator. On that island, I would put in the sink and 2 dishwashers, plus pull-out trash bin. You can see that gorgeous view while doing cleanup and food prep. In no way would I lose those floor to ceiling windows! Just my humble opinion, but in this case, form trumps function! But I feel the function is there in this plan. You will still have plenty of prep space on the island, plus there is some counter space on either side of the stove. But it would seem that that view is the reason you are building there. I wouldn't compromise on that.

I need pictures and as for your LED lighting just change the bulbs to 4000K (daylight) IMO DR chandeliers can be totally stand alone in style as they are the star of the space usually. But without pictures I have no idea what you are dealing with.