I'm glad my idea was helpful to you! "my question is... the peninsula that gets extended towards the living room... how much space between the end of the counter and the wall/opening to living room do I need?" I did a rough estimate on aisles for you, based on the incomplete/inaccurate information you posted with your drawing. I estimated that the wall with pantry closet, fridge and desk at 115" based on where it ends in relationship to the peninsula. Your measurements list that as less than 8' but the desk ends beyond the peninsula - approx where the window starts? - so I'm guessing that wall is closer to the distance between top right corner and nook window. Anyhoo, here's an updated drawing based on that assumption. I recommend that you put a trash pull-out under your sink. You'll need to go with a single bowl, off-set drain sink and watch the overall depth but it can be done. Here's mine: I shifted the fridge towards the peninsula so that there's counter within 48" of the fridge. MW goes on a counter in the pantry: Hopefully the above amended drawing is enough to get you started. Tweak it as needed to suit your needs.

thanks! the sunset painting is temp, had a nail there already from some Halloween decoration, but good point centering it. Glad this rug works because the other one was a wool rug and it was a pain to clean and would shed so much. One thing I wanted to ask, I hate the way the ceiling beams connect to the wall, it looks like Lego and cheap looking. I want to add a triangular piece of wood that screws into the beam and the wall (painted the same for as the beams). Is there a name for this? Looked up wood beam wall connection but nothing (English is not my first language). I feel like I might have to customer make this thing myself. I'll try to post a photo of what I mean.

Any help

Go look at some examples of minimalist or cozy/homey living rooms here on Houzz, ArchDigest etc. When you find an image you like, find a few more that look like it, then take a few designs from each one and incorporate it into your living room. Before you start that, decide what colors you want or want to stay away from. Is the room big? Will it need a TV or just be a family gathering area? What functional items do you need, etc. You said you like minimalist but cozy. Minimalist can come off cold sometimes so a warmer version might be scandinavian (hygge) style. Perhaps try googling "Scandinavian Minimalist Living room" and see what you like. I would start with deciding a wall color and then choosing Sofas, rugs and side tables.