celtic - below are pictures of fridge placements that helped me try to figure out what different ones would look like. I have to say I do not like that fridge B and C stick out as far as they do. Fridge D gives me an idea from a side view at how far it could stick out (just the doors). I like the design of A. Is that the style you are referring to that is $$$. Seems most fridges are enclosed by cabinetry. Probably standard. Layout D was the layout that kind of inspired my kitchen somewhat. They have the fridge and oven side by side and when seen together it actually looks nice. Another option if there is space is just to move the oven down some so that there is usable counter space in between the two. I like all of the new layouts. Each one as youve said has something that you might dislike about it. #3 probably is the best one because of the sight lines, however, I have to agree with Lisa_a in that I like the #3 because of the sight lines, but like the separation of the oven and fridge in 2. I have to admit too that I agree with rhome and that is I liked the pantry location better in the first one because Id like to use that other space as a message center, however, it looks like I gain a lot more cabinet space back in the kitchen when putting the pantry by the sink. These now are just compromises Ill have to make. One of the OP said that having the fridge near the pantry will make it easier to put groceries away, plus where the fridge is at now (new plans) is directly down the hall from the two bedrooms if kids were playing in there. DH is home now so hopefully tomorrow morning we can digest all of this and come to a decision. I guess bottom line is that leaving our kitchen as is on our current plan will create no problems getting around the island because I have lots of space, correct? However, the functionality of the layout isnt ideal (pantry outside of kitchen, no real place for guest to sit on the outside perimeter of the kitchen or is there?). I think the pantry was the only real eyesore there, correct? I watched something on HGTV tonight and the couple wanted to find a home without an island in the kitchen because in her previous house it just got in her familys way. All this talk about islands whats everyone elses view? Love it or hate it? I find that without it I may have too much extra wasted space in the middle. Couple of things I want to make sure I address looks like youre adding a slight wall in the dining room area. Is that just preference because it will look better, or what is the reason for that? I do like that by changing the kitchen I get a private MB entrance and a new shallow storage area. Not sure what Ill use that for yet, but you can never have enough storage space. Would have been the perfect size for a message center, just wrong location. The new MB entrance is that going into old hallway space with closet straight ahead? Can that MB closet be extended and hallway reduced? Vanity storage by MB sink should be a problem. That space should open up and be usable once I reduce down the shower size. Now can you recommend someone who can redraw this out on my plan with dimensions? Thanks to all as always for all your help. Ill give you an update after I talk to DH. Fridge A Fridge B Fridge C Fridge D Kitchen layout

For our peninsula, I wanted something more decorative on the dining room side than a row of cabinet doors, but I couldn't find much inspiration. I ended up looking at photos of islands and used some of those ideas to make our peninsula. Jbrodie's island is gorgeous. I like how just the corner is tiered to hide clutter. Also, she made use of the raised part of the tier by putting a tall cabinet there. I bet it stores wine glasses. You could just put a panel that matches your door style on the raised part and have the lower counter-height part be bookshelf. Somehow you have to transition to the higher part of the tier. Here's a neat way of using the end of an island or peninsula. It shows a cubby over a decorative panel.

oops, hit enter too soon. I almost would like to get all new though because I have to buy a new microhood and want to get all the same and don't know if I want white. DH had mentioned replacing them one at a time but I don't think I want to do that because of the microhood (and because when I get this kitchen done, I want to be done because there are lots of other projects we need to do!)

I suspect the DW being open issue may also have to do with when things get done. In our home of two work-outside-the-home parents, the DW is unloaded while dinner is being made and then loaded up w/the breakfast dishes & after-school snack dishes. After dinner, if it's not too late & homework is done, the DW is loaded & run. Sometimes, the dishes don't get done until the next day, again, while dinner is being made. So the dishes are loaded, DW run, DW unloaded. This usually happens several times a week...if the kids have too much homework (hah! when don't they nowadays!) and DH & I can't get to them that evening. Another point I want to make is that just b/c it works for you when it's in the path, doesn't mean it should be put there. Ideally, dish storage & DW should be out of the prep & cooking zones... Yes, sometimes compromises have to be made. But, if the only reason you're putting the DW in the prep & cooking zone is b/c of dish storage location...then I would still think long & hard about it. If you don't think you'll mind the bruised shins/calves and would rather have the dish storage close by than take an extra couple of steps, then fine...you've decided it w/all the information and know the pros/cons. However, if no one points it out, then you won't be making an informed decision b/c no one mentioned it to you. One other point...dish storage can be located in two places...close to the DW or close to the point-of-use (DR/table area). If they're next to each other than great! Perfect! However, usually they're not. So, now, where do you store them? Where you'll be going back & forth several times a day (meals, snacks) or where you'll need them to be once a day when you unload the DW? Each person needs to decide that for themselves as well (and it should be pointed it out). So, if you have two reasons not to put the DW in the prep zone (get dishes closer to the table/DR & eliminate the bottleneck) vs one reason to put it in the prep zone (closer to dishes), then it seems to me the former would win. But, again, YMMV.