Thanks everyone! Seems like #2 is the clear frontrunner. Some great points to consider too. The bruising is a good point that I hadn't thought of! The OTR microwave will be in that location, and while not the exact same model, it is very similar and will have the curves. I agree that the curve of the bar would tie in nicely. Interesting point too about the curved one being more welcoming. Our cabinets will be shaker style, but there will be some other curves to soften it somewhat. The overall style of the kitchen and adjacent living areas will be a blend of craftsman, modern and ''organic''. Lots of wood, stone, plants, natural elements, earth tones, with a touch of modern. Hopefully it will come together alright! The software DH used is called Maya. It's professional software used for animation, so not really meant for kitchen design ... but it's definitely helpful nonetheless! The pendants are pretty close to the ones we plan to get. They are Tech Lighting Mini Melrose pendants in Tahoe Pine Amber. I hope they will look good, because they are probably the only decision we haven't agonized over and both knew we loved right away!

I have a nook, quite small, that is not a U. It has one bench along the wall and two chairs. It can be a pain for every day use, depending on the number of people and who is "trapped." It means that I am always the one (since I sit in a chair) to get up and get the ketchup of flatware that was forgotten. Nonetheless, having grown up with a nook, I will say it is inviting and cozy. I guess it just depends on your tolerance for the "trap" factor. Also note that it can be expensive to upholster the seating. For us, in NY, iy was alot more money than buying a table and chairs. Remember that when you do upholster, you want to do something thati s easy to slide on and that feature does not come in all the lovely patterns you tend to see in magazines. Good luck.

The table needs to have 36-42" of open circulation space all around it so chairs can be pulled out and sat in. Use painter's tape on the floor to tape out an imaginary table that allows for that. How many do you need to seat every day? https://www.houseplanshelper.com/dining-table-size.html

I agree about not having a "U" for the banquette. I would hate having to sit in the middle! There's one restaurant that we visit that has a "U" like that -- and it really only works for 4 people. (P.F. Chang's, if you want to go see an example.) If one of the "inside" people needs to get up, the "outside" person has to get up as well. While this is only a minor inconvenience at a restaurant, it can become a major headache if you have to do it every single day at home! Is this your only table space? I hope not! Regarding the bench + chairs idea...you need to understand spacing needs for (1) seating and (2) aisles around the table Seating Each seat/chair needs at least 24" of linear space. You need 18" to 19" of unobstructed/clear space under the table for legs/knees -- without overlapping at the corners b/c two people cannot occupy the same space, including their knees/legs! Aisles around the table If there's not traffic behind the seat, you need at least 32". If there will be traffic (e.g., trying to get around to another seat or the bench), you need at least 36" to edge past a seated diner (note that it will be a tight squeeze) Note that this is your situation!