Yes, the floor joists run East to West (left to right). I would prefer to make it simple as you suggest and just continue the horizontal direction, but I keep reading that it is not a good idea to run hardwood floor parallel to joists.

I don't see the need for two table seating areas so close to each other - just keep the dining room and use it more. So, I like your idea of making a triangle-shaped pantry against that angled wall. I would probably just put the Fridge on against the bottom wall of it with the door to the Pantry next to it. The right side of that wall is then a nice blank wall perfect place for a bar area, artwork, sideboard, or other item. I would then: put the range on the left side of the U; make the left side of the island completely cabinetry (no overhang) so you can have a prep sink at the top left corner of the island. The seat that was there moves to the right side of the island so you have seating on two sides of it; put the MW in an upper on a shelf, or a drawer MW below the counter, next to the range on the side nearest the fridge/pantry; completely delete the right wall of the U so you can make the island at least somewhat bigger whether you remove the wall entirely or not; put the ovens to the right of the sink; and put the DW between sink and ovens IF you need an obstruction-less secondary prep space (between sink and range) more than an obstruction-less baking zone (between sink and ovens. I don't think a half wall is going to do much to hide kitchen mess for you, but if you put the ovens next to the sink like I recommended at least the cleanup sink rack, mess etc. would be hidden from the entrance. However, a half wall with some nice trim, maybe some posts, etc. would provide an elegant separation between the DR and Kitchen plus some nice display space. Going without would give you a bigger island. It's up to you.. Anyway, HTH! I love interesting spaces like this and I think you can have a phenomenal kitchen.

Thanks! Mine is Coretec Hayes Oak. This is our Florida hone so we wanted something beachy. Kay, this floor is amazing. Drag whatever you want over it, no problem with scratches from the dog etc. They have many choices depending on the look you want. Noble Oak and Calypso are nice too. This is a winter home for us and our time to renovate was limited. I had heard about Coretec and coincidentally our contractor showed us this floor in a home he just finished. Some boards were left in the box under a bed! Honestly it is hard to choose by just seeing pictures of a product so when my husband and I were both on the same page after seeing it we jumped on it.

Thanks for these comments !! very light lvp. we are on an incredibly tight budget so unfort dont have a lot of options (please advise if you know of a great lvp!!!). i am considering megaclic grand collection in ash color… (the one on the left. the sample on right is much darker with no light…) the kitchen cabinets will stay (ill stain them slightly darker walnut) but new counters (ceasarstone clamshell, sold at ikea for 1/2 the price) the rock fireplace going -before floors :-) good point that changing the direction might help with the trip hazard… lvp will also be on stairs and upstairs. railings will change too. going for something like this but trying to find someone to build it for not crazy $