No problem! The bump out change doesn't really affect the layout because I had all the fronts flush anyway. If anything, it is better to have the extra space behind the fridge. I might fill in the bump-out everywhere except where the fridge is going for simplicity's sake (this would allow you to use standard cabinets sizes, which is always cheapest). Or you could fill in the bump-out just at counter level and above, but have custom drawers under the counter that extend the full depth of the bump-out for extra storage space. Or you could fill in the bump just six inches everywhere (everywhere except the fridge) instead of the full 12" and have 30" deep counters/lowers and 18" deep uppers where the bump-out, bringing them flush with the 24" deep lowers and 12" deep uppers on the non-bumped-out parts of the same wall. Extra-deep counters are such a boon, and I can see liking having options when it comes to cabinet depth. Some items are suited better to being stored on a more shallow shelf, and some to a deeper. I was really hoping you had another bathroom upstairs. Would it be possible to add another shower upstairs? I think with six people, you definitely need a second one. If you are really interested in the kitchen like this, you might post a floor plan of the upstairs and get ideas for where a second shower might be squeezed in. Or the basement, if it is finished. Growing up, my parents had a master bath with a shower, and the three kids shared the hall bath shower. That worked just fine, but I am sure it would not have worked minus one shower, plus one kid.

For practical purposes, moving the refrigerator to the left of the sink makes perfect sense, but I wanted to give you an alternate opinion. I had that exact layout previously. Sorry to be the naysayer, but speaking from my own experience, I did not like it. As soon I walked in the kitchen, my eye went to the big hulking frig. Even though it was counter depth, I felt like it blocked the light from the beautiful windows in the bumped out breakfast bay, and when clearing dishes from the table, you had to walk past the frig to get to the counter. There may be a better way to re-work the mudroom entrance so you can get the frig in an appropriate location without blocking the counter space next to the sink.

I stink at layout, too. I just move things around until I'm happy -- then I change my mind. Some things are more permanent, such as cutting off my peninsula, or moving my fridge to the mudroom and putting countertop across that fridge space. I also moved a door recently, and am putting casement windows in where a slider in the dining room is. But much of that has been whim. However, I'm always there for you if you need a crazy, sometimes sarcastic observation. Yup. I'm your woman. I also have a very keen sense of the obvious. And it's obvious you're a very thoughtful friend.

Those counters will be expensive to replace, and I think you could do a lot with a change of backsplash. A change in your wall color might also give you the relief you're seeking.