I have two windows that look out onto my screened in porch.
The porch has huge windows that let in a lots of light.
The porch and kitchen eat in area are painted the same
color so it seems like an extension of my house not some
separate room.

I love it. But I do understand if you would prefer
something else.

The idea you have of looking into the LR would be fine too.
But before you change your plans keep in mind there are
many kitchens without windows or windows in a room next to
them that function nicely.

What about having the sink up against a plain wall like
this?

or this one with a sink out the living room but not through
a window just a bar area.

A kitchen sink without a window or open area behind.
Looks lovely.

lots of things to consider.
~boxerpups

I was just browsing on this blog and found this posting of kitchens with walls in front of sinks...thought you might be interested.

http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/2010/04/kitchen-sinks-on-walls.html

Here is a link that might be useful: things that inspire blog

Beautiful kitchen design pictures. The kitchen design behind the open area looks best modular kitchen design for a modern home. I like it.

Don't know if you care for this type of thing...
{{!gwi}}

When I looked at your plan, I think the porch window is fine but the family room window should go in favor of a wide opening to connect the spaces.

The more I looked at it, the more uneasy it made me to think of actually cooking in the space without skates on. This could be just me, I don't like having food storage on two sides of the room and even under "triangle rules" the main prep-cook area is very spread out. The island is very small for the available space.

Sadie

Windows are a big architectural feature both from interior & exterior of a home. While I'm not a matchy person, I am fussy about windows & symmetry especially on exterior.

Can you post pics of the exterior of your home? That would help drive the decision imo

I just wanted to chime in to second bmorepanic's comment about the island. My first thought was that the island looked really small for the space around it.

Also, is the porch 10' deep? I think a window looking out onto a screened porch is nice. Friends of ours have a whole front screened porch so every first floor window looks out 'through it' and it makes it feel very connected to the living space and makes for great summer get togethers.

I appreciate the feedback! I'm still in the very early planning stages, so I don't have any pics of the exterior of the home. I realize that the island is very small and the dimensions of the porch are not exact - I realize 10 feet is not very deep. This is my dilemma - I love the U shape kitchen, but I also LOVE the large island with room for three or four seats. I guess if I want the U shape, large island, and enough room to walk around on each side, then I would have to make it much wider than anticipated. I guess it's back to the drawing board...

I don't think a window into a screen porch is all that bad especially if the view is nice. Though my sink window doesn't open to the porch my other kitchen window does. In my case it's pretty much like looking directly outside. I wouldn't rule that option out.

{{!gwi}}

What I meant by asking the depth of the porch was not to imply that it was too shallow, just that if it's only 10' deep then you will still get quite a bit of light. If it's much deeper then you will get less light and it will feel less like an exterior window. I think the shallow depth works in your favor in that regard.