There won't be a "perfect" world. but getting that fridge in line with a decent path to range top or cook top will help. Ovens are a close the door and set timer ......can be further away. However, you want a microwave close to cook, and you will want a good hood over that six burner.

There is room to extend island to 84 inches or more. Use lots of drawer base versus pullouts behind doors. One motion, beats two.. I have many clients with a Sharp drawer micro and all love it. Especially those with kids.

Of the two--definitely B. Are you planning to have seating on the long side of the island? If yes, then your original will be better, but with an island 42" deep. If no seating, then Jan Moyer's changes will work, especially to get the fridge out of the doorway.

Hi Italia: I think I would eliminate the separate pantry room that’s next to the porch and incorporate pantry cabinetry into the larger kitchen. This gives much more room for a bigger, more sociable island (and more cabinetry because it’s a longer island). Is this something you might consider? Form follows function so think about the way you and your family cook - how many steps you’re taking etc. Then once the function is right for you, the aesthetic design follows.

I would love to have a couple seats at the island - people already pull chairs in to hang out while I am cooking so that would be ideal.

Would moving the fridge to the right of the DW in Option B be a good idea to allow for a couple seats at the island so there are no appliances on the walkway/seating side? I think I can do without a second oven and just have my range. I do cook a lot but haven’t needed two ovens much. I do use my microwave A LOT especially to reheat my coffee :) so having that easily accessible is important.

Thank you for everyone’s thoughts and inputs! Sharon, when you say larger kitchen, are you referring to expanding into the pantry space? If so, we are unable to do so per our architect. adding the pantry is a bit iffy but I included it as an option thinking that would free up cabinetry and provide space to store our small appliances, toaster oven, etc to free up countertops

Sorry - I misunderstood - I thought you were referring to expanding onto the 6ft porch vis-a-vis code issues. I would then vote for architect’s design but do think about how you prep. & cook before deciding on final placement of appliances. Our island is 9ft long and 38” wide and still comfortably accommodates people sitting at the island. As well, if you’re doing a full reno - consider putting your dishwasher in the island - it doesn’t have to be next to the sink if your budget permits.

You can have one seat at the end of the island--no problem, but to get the second seat the cabinets behind the seating will need to be reduced depth. If you put the fridge beside the DW, and use 18" deep cabinets on part of the other long wall, it will work but not as well as the original B. I couldn't find space for the MW near the fridge, so it's over the wine fridge. IMO, this layout is not as functional as the one Jan posted with the fridge moved down. Since you can do without the wall oven, the wine fridge could go there, but the other cabinets need to be shallower than standard 24" depth to accommodate the 2nd seat.

I skip "helpers" ........: ) Far over rated. Assign cleanup to the family...and disappear. That's HELP. You made it? Let those who ate it clean it up. Cleaning up AS you prep and cook? Yes. Mostly because its' now in full view of dining and eating and a big window.

Has anyone asked how you plan to access or use the porch?

Bty - great question! My husband and I talk about this. Basically in each plan we close up our current access and create a new entry with those French doors out the mud room. Initial thoughts were that the porch would house a potting bench or something but not really function as a porch. We have thought about replacing the French doors with a window and keep the door from the porch. With all the ideas on pantry placement we could lose the walk-in which makes bringing the door back.

Thank you to everyone for your ideas and your time! I have turned my husband into a Houzz believer :)! He is very happy with Jan’s comment that we will need to clean as we go - his mantra...

Mama - We do have the option of moving the wine fridge into the mud room area. That may help.

We haven’t totally decided how to use that area fully. Maybe a drop zone + beverage center?? :)

By “area” I meant the mudroom

It looks like the porch would be more appropriate as an entry...scale wise..but without any info on the building site it is hard to know what other options may be...what will the double doors open to?...will dirty shoes?...coats?...be common at that entry point?..this is a fair amount of space to waste on the wrong type of use

I will say the bigger the pantry...the better...if designed properly with open access to everything it will become your favorite kitchen feature

Bty - I included the overview of the full floor plan (old demo plans from previous owner). We have a corner lot - so the kitchen looks to the side yard - porch is on corner of side and backyard. Currently the mud room is our laundry and looks out to the backyard. We plan to turn our backyard into an extended living area with a great dining table that will likely be near the porch or mud room. I will use either entrance when I return home given I park in the garage. I always thought a large pantry would be a great luxury but recognize it may not be feasible. Is this helpful? We live in CA so plan to spend a lot of time enjoying the outside areas.

Our guests always enter via the front door.