I am doing a kitchen remodel and will remove the upper cabinets above the peninsula. However, we are considering whether we should decrease the width of the wall connected to the peninsula and along the hallway. Already had structural engineer confirm the wall is load-bearing (also has light switches and electrical running through) and he proposed reducing the width of the wall and add a small beam to the ceiling for support. Do you think it is worth doing this to replace the peninsula with an island instead? Or should we just remodel with current layout? The breakfast nook is just past the peninsula (formal dining room on other side of house). Opposite from the kitchen is a pantry and laundry room which I plan to remove (and knock down the walls) down the line to open up the family room and increase its size.