2 years later - is it OK to hijack this thread with my "counter vs regular" dilemma? If no, stop reading. (Since the OP was 2 years ago, I figure she's solved it and - seems more efficient to have the same dilemmas in the same place!) The difference in my situation is that I have the smallest apartment in the known universe - a 236 sqf pre-war. Like a tiny hotel room. Yes, this is NYC. The tiny 6' kitchen alcove use to have a ridiculous and ugly BAR HEIGHT island in front of it which was way too tall, so I got rid of it. However, it did create that "separation" I think only women studio dwellers who cook understand - the fantasy that you have more than one room... I'm mid-renovation - the kitchen counter and backsplash are slab marble (yes I know all the cons, long story) and I got the stone guy to cut a 2'x4' marble table top from the leftover slab to make a multifunctional desk/prep/dining piece to go where the bar use to be, using a custom Room & Board table base. Dilemma - regular height or counter height? Beau says regular height dining table so it won't overwhelm the room. I envisaged counter height as I 90% like to stand up when I work at the laptop (standing desk), I like to cook, and I read that contrary to what you'd think, a counter height table can give the illusion of space to a small space. I'm also super short though, 5' nothing. Some pix: before: The fridge is being replaced by an undercounter. The tabletop awaiting a base. Kitchen in progress Appreciate any thoughts!

Thank you for your comments. I did consider the couch orientation you suggested but decided it did not serve our objectives. First, there is at least a door width of space on either entry side so there is plenty of passage room, how is it arduous to get into? Second, the object of the seating is twofold, view & TV, whereas facing into the room provides a view of very little and only half the seating for comfortable TV watching. I did not say the ottoman will be fabric, it will in fact be suede. In an open room like this, my object is also to use the furniture to create separate spaces. I find that a larger round ottoman takes up more space but at the same time offers less usable (accessible) surface. If we decide we need one or two side tables - I would look for something where the base slides under the couch and the table bends over the arm. I appreciate the thought you put into your answer, it took me a much longer time to work through the ideas you put forward, I have been thinking about this for over a year and have the advantage of intimacy with the best aspects of the view. It has nevertheless been worthwhile for me to revisit these ideas. Thank you.

Mirror will look great when you get it framed out. I don't think it needs to be lowered - unless you really want a vanity light that will extend down too much. I would look for a vanity light that can be centered in the space above the mirror; preferably with the shades not extending over the mirror or frame. I like your sconce choice with your vanity and granite. :-)

I would get a quote for painting the cabinets. It isn’t cheap for a professional finish... just to compare painting vs new. If you paint, I suggest you paint the cabinets Revere Pewter in a glossy finish and the wall Revere Pewter in a matte finish. With cabinets and walls the same color, I think it will mask the fact that the cabinets do not go to the ceiling.