Well, the nearest closet is going to have to become a storage pantry, for starters. A photo of this situation would help. The other matter is , squarefootage has no extension; either the people fit comfortably or you're running a marooned Japanese commuter train with dining service. (see link) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X8dGGedxDc ., So another room or a new room is probably be a better result. If you use the living room, then there will hopefully be more room for an impermanent fold table (very nice linen tablecloth) , Instead of moving the stove an fridge, perhaps a commissioned two tables with connecting leaves is the solution you need, both could be positioned on each side of the room when not in use. Along with that.. A hole cut into the wall between the kitchen and 'entertainment' room will allow prompt serving without the risk of losing entrees while smacked by the door transiting between rooms. Scalding hot tea poured on guests is not a yell of enthusiasm.

So you want your kitchen to be your entertainment space, not your living room(s)?

Where do you sit to eat now?

We need photos and a diagram of both the kitchen and adjoining spaces - otherwise there is no way to offer suggestions for reworking a space that we have no idea about.

ETA: the pictures and more details helped - try to draw us a diagram with measurements, too!

Thanks. Photos added. I have to do buffet style instead of sit-down meals beyond 4 guests. Some meals are just not suitable to buffet, so it is too limiting to me. The living room is large, but I don't want to flip flop rooms.

The "two tables with connecting leaves" sounds like something I should explore, once the buffet and island are out of there. Now where to hide the dirty dishes as we are seated?

Good advice from yvonne. Even with our regular family meals I work to move dirty dishes into the dishwasher as I cook.

I can hide a lot in my deep, single basin sink:)

https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~58831076

I also like my white appliances with the wood - but perhaps you meant change to stainless? My kitchen has a vintage feel - maybe something you are considering with the smeg fridge. I have a small island, but I think my kitchen is wider than yours.

https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042

https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~109854052

https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~109854029

With a measured drawing of the space we might be able to help more.

This is my wood kitchens idea book with both new and older, refreshed kitchens. It might give you some ideas for countertops or other surfaces:

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75202366/list/wood-kitchens

All your pots can go in the DW while you eat If you get a Bosch with a quick cycle you can do a load in 23 mins. Post some pics of the LR too and for sure a to scale floor plan of the kitchen showing all windows and doorways and plumbing if it can’t be moved. Removing the buffet and hutch will open up the space a lot. Go to a counter depth fridge .Other than that I can’t help without a floor plan and how this and the LR work.

RE hiding dirty dishes: One option might be to plan how to use your LR space, not to swap with the kitchen, but to have a table that can be set up there for occasions when the evening is about dinner for many guests. This was once a common concept, say 100 years ago, and one can still find vintage tables that were designed to be able to expand to seat 8 people, but fold up/ tilt/ or self store leaves in order to spend most of the time in a smaller space next to the wall or in a corner. Short of finding one of these, you can perhaps find a modern version, or create one, that can fit both your LR and storage space.

Another thought is to replace your sink with a large single basin that is designed to have inset cutting boards. Dirty dishes/pots in the sink (that can't fit into dishwasher) and cover it with the cutting board. More serving space then, too.

Definitely get in the habit of cleaning up as you go.

I am getting so many good ideas. Thank you!

Hi, First of all I must tell you that I am not a professional decorator or kitchen designer. I, like most people on this website, just like to decorate. I did however recently renovate my kitchen.
I had many ideas and photos of things I liked but like you, I needed more space.
My contractor had ideas, my husband had ideas and so did my friends. In the long run it is you and your family that will be living with that kitchen. I learned that mistakes are VERY costly. I went to HomeDepot and had a professional kitchen designer make a plan. I learned that renovations all come down to inches and half inches. The HD designers are very well trained. It does not cost anything and there is no obligation. (Of course they hope you will buy their cabinets etc). A professional kitchen designer will be worth every dime. The designer gave me a drawn plan with all the measurements etc. When the plumber arrived to change the plumbing I had the HD designers plan. Renovations are difficult (especially kitchen renos) and super costly. A Good professional kitchen designer will make your life easier and you will get the kitchen that you really want.