@Patricia, you have a good point. I think I will definitely want to consult a designer to get their perspective from an aesthetics/space usage mindset. I do have a large media room in the lower level where my big screen is, so I figure if I ever have a large group to watch a game, etc., that is likely where I will need the most seating. The upstairs could then be used more generally for entertaining. My dining table seats 10 and moving it into living area would allow me to add chairs on either end. The addition of a 9-10’ Island would add seating as well. At worst, the family in its current footprint could snugly fit a ~6-7 person sectional and a chair. I think with an additional ~2-3’ feet in length and width, I should easily be able to fit a sectional in there as well as 1-2 accent chairs. Plus if I’m entertaining there would be plenty of space to gather at the end of the kitchen where the new bar would be. These pictures are not by any means exactly what I would do (I used a trial version and stock colors/cabinets), but should help give a sense of layout.

If you hire a kitchen designer s/he will have contacts in the other trades. You asked, "Is there anything you would change about the rest of the kitchen design?" And to be honest, my answer is "LOTS." Here are some of the things I would want to be different if it was my kitchen (besides the banquette as already mentioned). -the fridge and wall ovens are right next to each other. That makes it difficult to access them both at the same time, and I'm not sure if some kind of buffer is required by the specs. It seems like there should be one but that's just my intuition and I could be dead wrong. The oven handles might interfere with the fridge opening fully, too. -there's no counter landing zone next to the fridge. The closest spot is nearby, but that is next to the sink so likely to have dirty or clean dishes piled on it. -ditto for the wall ovens. It's nice to take your 20lb turkey out and slide it right onto the counter rather than truck it over to another side of the room. -when the fridge door or freezer drawer are open the walkway into the eating area will be blocked. -what's that gap to the left of the stove? It looks much too narrow to function as a passage to another room. -without dimensions it's hard to know, but it looks like a pretty long haul through the center of your kitchen to get from sink to stove and vice versa. Not good when you're carrying a pot of spaghetti to drain, or if like me you do canning and regularly blanche food then quickly cool it in ice water in your sink. For me, I need my sink and stove to be mere steps apart.

Well, this is Kim--not a pro, but I get the do it on a budget thing. I think it's imperative that you get a good contractor. I also think that you need to do your research. We did our kitchen for less than 20K. everything new but the flooring, fridge, and oven. We did plan and research for about a year. Find your contractor now--if you get a good one, it'll take 9 months to a year before he/she is available to do the work. If the contractor is available any day now--beware. If you are new to your area, this first step may be a tough one. Ask people you know. You may even be able to get some references from this site, or Angies list, or Home Depot/Lowes. You may even be able to do the remodel in steps, so that you can save up and get higher quality products down the line. It sounds like your cabinets are the main driver. Interview your contractors. Get more than one quote. We have an excellent, well trusted contractor, whom we have worked with on many projects. We like this contractor, because he is a good communicator. He will talk budget with us, and he spells out cost for products and labor in his quotes. There are cabinet lines that are lower end. Sophie doesn't use those lines, because she has a wealthier clientele, and has excellent experience and taste. She also probably makes bank on those better lines, so who can blame her for the position she takes on this subject? It makes sense that she put her opinions out there, and she is right about the quality to a certain degree. Perhaps the lower quality cabinets you purchase won't last quite as long, or get your home onto the most saved photo list on this site. However, if your cabinets are falling apart, have an unpleasant odor, are rotting out, and your budget is 20 K, then you have to get creative and savvy. New cabinets that function and aren't rotting are a priority. Sometimes the driver isn't house beautiful--it's function over form because of the budget! (But don't throw form out entirely--that is still important too! That's where creative and savvy come in!) You can go to Ikea, or to Craigs list for gently used cabinets, or RTA, or a big box store...or any number of other places--but you have to do your homework! Learn about the products, measure your layout--realize you may need someone- contractor and/or KD who can tell you that you need a spacer here or there. You don't HAVE to set your refrigerator back to be in line with your cabinets--it looks nice, flows better, but may be cost prohibitive. I think that $3000 on a 20K budget seems quite high, but $1500 if you know that you don't have a very good handle on how this all works may save you a lot of dough down the line. You know your ability to do this better than I do. We went with Wolf cabinets, which have several lines--less expensive to more expensive. There are fewer choices/finishes in the lower cost lines. The lower end line cost was comparable to the RTA in cost, except these come assembled. Also these are made in America--check out their site. The lower end cabinet boxes are well made, and these have all the high quality, soft close features ( and use the same hardware used in the more expensive lines and custom cabinets). You can get 42 inch high wall units, Lazy Susans, drawer units. You CAN get full overlay in the lower end. You don't need crown molding right now--but you can plan to add it in the future if you want to do so. You can Rev a Shelf for your trash unit-Amazon/Build/all the box stores have Storage solutions that can save you money too. Measure your space--standard depths are less expensive--24 inch depth for lowers 12 inch for uppers. Think about how/when you/your spouse cook/use the kitchen. We kept the footprint of ours essentially the same, but made small changes that had a BIG impact in how smoothly things run in the mornings with 2 cooks in a very small kitchen. Hopefully this will help you. It can be fun, creative, and nerve wracking at the same time. Good luck. There are all sorts of good advice already given on here. You're going to have to tease out what will work for you.

Can you post a pic of the fridge wall facing it. and the space on the other side? I understand wanting to try to come up with ideas before meeting with professionals. Sorry so many people are just telling you to talk to a designer and not offering comments. It is obvious one can talk to a designer or architect and not post here........but that is the point of posting here, getting feedback from more than one perspective for free :) before and while you talk to professionals. I do like all of your cabinets.