The step up/down is a big issue. Removing the soffit isn't really going to solve any problem unless you're going to replace cabinets with those that go to the ceiling.

You didn't ask but one thing I'd do if this was my kitchen is get rid of the red accent wall that clashes with the orange tones in the oak cabinets.

Your wall, lovely though your quotation is, is adding to closed-off feeling. Here are a couple kitchen islands with a bookcase at one end that tie the kitchen to the other end of the room. Perhaps you can get a carpenter to build in a bookcase at the end of your existing island, adding legs at one end to accommodate the step.

Yes, lose the red accent wall and paint it the same as the other walls to visually unify the space. Perhaps you could put your stencil/decal saying somewhere in the dining area if you're attached to it.

The Passage · More Info

University Park · More Info

Hi there, You maybe want to have the kids stop eating their homework in the kitchen! haha :) since it's April fools today, and I've been watching old George Burns and Gracie Allen reruns, I just had to...

anyway...
I agree with housegal1200, by taking that pony wall down, you'd open up your kitchen to the dining room much better.

Here are some other changes I'd be making to the space if it were mine:
Replace the ceiling fan in the kitchen, which makes the ceiling seem even lower, with a nice flat fixture, or track lighting, (one of my favorites in a kitchen, due to the versatility)

I would paint all the walls the same color, yes losing the red wall. Something light.

and I'd paint those cabinets, in the kitchen and dining room, all white or very, very light gray. That will add tremendous light and airy-ness the space so badly needs. (here's a post I wrote showing a great example of a client's kitchen that had cabinets like yours, and we painted them: Paint Kitchen Cabinets!)

I think those simple transformations will make a tremendous change in your space. To remove the soffit is a major renovation, great if you're up to it, but I'd probably start with this first.

Hope this helps!

Liz www.HometoCottage.com

Customer Photos · More Info

If you are looking for professional advice and redesigns I would recommend visiting with a highly trained and qualified kitchen design specialist! Perhaps a layout like this would work?