I would definitely remove the wall. It makes such a wonderful open room, and lets light into the front as well. Any "confusion" about eating areas can be resolved by thoughtful arrangement/coordination of furniture. I'm not sure about the frosted glass panel above but I could see a frosted glass slider of some sort if you think you might want to close off the room in some way. Also, I think the play area could be integrated into the kitchen. Our DD has hers that way and it works really well. You have a lovely home. All the best luck with your plans.

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.

A local Kitchen Designer can measure the space, including ceiling height and plumbing locations and then draw up a plan for you. Moving walls ups the budget on one of the most expensive home projects that you can do. So you might want to consider leaving it.

Thank you both very much for your responses! Biondanonima, we just have 2 adults and one small child. Mostly it's one cook, because right now we just get in each other's way. I agree that placing range and fridge on the east wall could create a lot of distance - would you consider that helpful for two cooks, or would it just be less efficient for one? Would having range and fridge side by side be awkward/an eyesore? Renan, I very much appreciate the diagram - I had a 2nd company here today to take measurements for a quote, and offer thoughts on design, and we talked about a breakfast bar the way you've illustrated it. It very nice to see it drawn up! It does look functional, and I totally agree with inverting the opening of the side door in that scenario. Curious about the 5'3" space on the northeast corner - were you being generous or would you say that is a firm distance for clearance/capping the end of the counter?