What's your budget? Who's doing the work?

If you take down the wall, you'll have to hire a structural engineer, get permits, install a beam to hold up that portion of the ceiling, redo your floor and could end up with peeling paint on your ceiling if you don't cut the sheet rock tape carefully. It not nearly as easy as it appears on all the home renovation shows so go into with your eyes wide open.

I don't really have a budget set. We are working with a contractor, so he'll be in charge of the structural aspects. I know removing the wall will be much more expensive and so want to be sure it's the right decision. I want functional space not just bigger space (hope that makes sense ;)

Sorry, to clarify, my budget can accommodate either design (I just have to work more ;) but I don't know that bigger is always better. I am looking for guidance on ways to maximize my current space if possible. Such as - A friend had recommended putting a peninsula with seating where the railing that separates the kitchen & family room is. I'm wondering if any houzzers had ideas or suggestions i along that vein (don't do it or great idea- here's how). Or if anyone has enlarged a kitchen similar to mine & how to go about it. Thanks for your support!

combine your seating areas and get a Island with bar seating for your breakfast area, so you would have l shaped countertop - like now, without the peninsula, a Island in the middle, on one side higher countertop for breakfast seating area. that is, if you would be okay to just have bar seating, what you could also do, get a square table next to your Island for more seating - something like that :
or something like this- your Island is your eating area with higher chairs
or at the end of your island- get a banquette seating - like in this Picture, but bench on short side of Island...

, ups, forgot the pic

and the one for the higher Chairs -

it would appear as though you have enough space to do an island with seating. I'd move the sink to the island, get rid of the table, sorry hubby, but incorporate casual seating on island. get a kitchen designer involved who can help you explore the possibilities. a little investment in time and design will save you in the end. and look at frame less CA I nets to maximize your storage space. contact me directly with any questions, I'd be happy to share.

Islands that incorporate a table are very popular now and you both get what you want.


https://www.houzz.com/photos/1512-dolphin-terrace-beach-style-kitchen-los-angeles-phvw-vp~235523

Thank you all for these ideas! The island as table is intriguing. Now to share with hubby...