If you are redoing the kitchen run your cabinets up to the ceiling I see one vent up there which tells me there are probaly heating duc
ts running in there so some reconfiguration will be needed. Get a kitchen designer to help and you will have to get someone to check what is actually in the bulkhead before starting the plan.

Thanks Patricia. I need to add a couple more facts - we will not be replacing the cabinets as they are in great shape and are a very nice oak (and there are alot of them). We will be having them either painted or lacquered. And you are right about the heating duct.