I'm still here! We did get our dining table and some chairs right before Christmas. We haven't gotten the upholstered chairs yet though, so no updates there. It's usually a 75 day lead time for custom. I ended up changing the table from tile to copper, which meant changing the reg chairs from white to black and choosing new fabrics for the cushion and upholstered chairs. I'm was seriously thinking of doing a setee instead of the 2 parsons chairs, but chances are, I'll use the chairs as planned. Here are pics pf the 4 chairs and table, with the new fabric that will go on the chairs. It's a different colorway of that printed microfiber. I bought everything at Arhaus Furniture. Full disclosure-I also work there, but I was a customer there years before I was an employee. They have a website and can ship everywhere. You can pm me if you want more info. Hope this was helpful and sorry I don't have final pics of the chairs.

We have a similar space just inside our front door. We put bookcases, storage cabinets, and a table. Right now my kids (6 and 4) use it as their art room, but it will be the homework room as they get older. I love being able to leave projects out and not have to worry about clearing the table before every meal. And I will love having a computer where I can keep an eye on them when they are older. We have a separate office, but that's mine and DH's space. We wanted a similar "office" type space for the kids. I would also extend the entry wall on the dining room side to match the office side. You can place a bench against one wall and hooks on the other. I would even consider closing off half that opening. That way that room won't be the first thing you see when you come in. I'd also keep the doorway to the kitchen, especially if you are going to be using it as a kid space. Much easier to see them in there. And I'm a fellow Minnesotanite, although I'm from across the river in St. Paul. :) Now I live in a small town in Southern MN.

not sure whether it's the right forum..maybe cross posting in Kitchen would make sense..but for now: a) no to the making island one level because of the sink-will splash. I agree might look better aesthetically but the space probably won't stay bare..will you have bar stools there, for example? will look more considered when not just a piece of drywall as it seems to be now b) what color will be new appliances? what material you want your new countertops to be? do the current ones bother you? any plans for the backsplash? c) love that piece of furniture, makes kitchen more homey, provides storage, space for display. however it's you who should love it, maybe move it and live with empty space for a while..the ideas will follow. you might want to bring it back. or repaint. or make a tiny nook with small table and couple chairs/tabourets-if you see the need in one. or put there something less useful but still pretty-a tree? a grandfather clock? d)..yes,.will look weird..I think. will be interesting to hear what others think. you can install just a hood and think where you can store a microwave so it's not in your face yet you don't need to bother withe island too much. unless you dislike the island in general and decide to tackle it anyway Generally speaking nice space. I'd buy a light I love (unless you love the one that's there)...furnish to my liking and to family's needs..think about whether I want curtains(I'd probably want them..)..and just live, you know. And with time, I'd see what might be more functional..more beautiful..because the more you're in the space the more it informs you, and the more you know what you'd want it to be that's very briefly..if you want serious advice on improvement of layout I highly recommend Kitchens forum.

Hi! First order of business for me would be address the light - definitely center it above the table (you don’t have to move the electrical, just hang the cord on a hook above the table), and change the fixture itself. Then I would re-assess :)