Questions: Would you move the door on the range wall into the right corner, gaining about a foot on the range side and loosing the bench all together? Any other thoughts on improving this space and layout? I have been amazed at the wonderful suggestions of GW members and before I finalize my plans with my architect later this week, I would love some feedback.

Background: I plan to extend my kitchen to make a 14x24 space for kitchen with island and table, as well as a seating area (2 chairs or a love seat) to give the space the function of a great room in the limited space we have. I am happy with the placement of the sink on the back wall which has the nicest view, so the sink will be on that wall for sure. Everything else is open to change / improvement. The room will have sliding glass doors, adjacent to the table, leading to a deck.

When I meet with my architect this week, I plan to make the 5.5x3.5 foot "covered porch" smaller, perhaps 3x4 (this is actually just a platform for the stairs). I need this inset into the kitchen space to meet the town codes for required clearances and have steps down to my yard. This door will be used to take out garbage and let my dog out - it will not be a primary door. I was thinking of moving the door into the corner, eliminating the bench shown, leaving a space after the door swing to put my dog's crate (24"), and just putting hooks on the wall to hang kids coats.

Also, I have thought about placing the fridge on the rear (sink) wall, but I think it will be overwhelming as it will be in the primary line of sight as you enter this room. I am keeping my existing ss fridge and I am not sure I can get panels. The cabinet layout is not definite and I intend to use GW tip of having mostly drawers in base cabinets. I do not like where the stools are shown on this layout and I may try to get a few more inches of space to have the stools facing the sink instead. Do you think having one more foot of space in this extention, 15' wide, would make this feasible?

We are a family of 4, a Mom who likes to cook, a Dad in charge of clean up, and 2 girls, age 10 and 8. This room will be the hub of our home, where we keep our computer and where the girls do homework, crafts, etc. Our house is a center hall cape cod, quite small, and very compartmentalized. I would like this new kitchen extension to have a spacious, casual feel and we tend to like tropical decor (Hawaian), there will definitely be some rattan in the space. Definitely going with wood stained cabinetry, probably maple, although cherry is top of wish list (but too pricey).

We use our microwave and blender alot and I don't think I want the mw built into the island. You enter this kitchen extension from our DR. We are leaving ourselves an option to open the wall leading to the LR at a later date, to have a circular flow of traffic in our home.

I've been planning this renovation for 14 years and still feel there is room for improvement. Can't wait to get rid of my 1948 kitchen! Thank you so much for any and all ideas.