So for lighting, I would do can lights with a dimmer, and an optional center thingy for a ceiling fan or a pendant. Not sure what you are asking. But I do love can lights. Suzi

Since budget is a big consideration, I think it's great that you can solve some of the issues by trimming. Rather than adding to your budget in the bookshelf corner, I agree that keeping it to the wall mounted shelves and the Boos cart is an excellent idea. Much easier on the budget, and useful for all the reasons you mentioned. You can put some big, nice looking items on the shelves so that it doesn't become visual clutter, and is still useful storage. On a lower shelf like that, a single large roaster can be more visually appealing than a bunch of bowls, for example. You can't plan for everything and things change. For instance, if your rolling needs outgrow your little lowered rolling station, you can, at some point, switch out the cart for a marble topped one at rolling height, and put butcher block on your built-in marble to raise it to counter height. Since you have the lip, you probably wouldn't even need to secure it. Oh! You could actually do that now, get a butcher block to fit there. It would extend your counter space, be convenient to the sink, and protect the marble when you're not using it for pastry. I'm still concerned about that whole end with the fridge but it might just be something you'll have to live with, since you can't move it to the bookshelf area. I really suggest you do a mockup using cardboard boxes and tape to make sure it's going to work for you. It would be a shame to do this whole remodel and then be unhappy. Much better to slow down a little and be sure now. You might find that the corner beside the fridge is just fine and the layout works really well for you! But if it doesn't, better to know now. Or it might be that you can use some of the money you saved on the window seat to put a narrower, built-in fridge in the bookshelf corner. Whatever you can do to make it comfortable, and make it work. BTW, I have a cupboard that opens into a doorway in my currently-being-installed kitchen, and I just love it! Another BTW, if the issues with your hands are soft tissue, I highly recommend Feldenkreis therapy.

My orchid has been converted! Ever since Pal mentioned about not leaving the centerpiece in the center all the time, I put the orchid on a trivet and every morning I move it to a different spot on the table. So it's now either a Wandering Jew or a Roamin' Catholic! :)

Your current cabinets don't work with your floor so I would not continue that finish anywhere. Having a base cabinet extend in front of your window doesn't seem like a good idea. Instead of red use this console from Ashley Furniture. Comes in two widths. Then use wooden shelves above. I would select adjustable stools and table so you can sit at any height. or if you have room rattan lounge seating. Blue shade is not working for room.