I don't think I would take down the small wall, first you would have company staring into your kitchen at dinner and second, every wall you take down has to be replaced with something to hold up the ceiling, usually a beam which can be expensive and even more so if you want it hidden in the ceiling. As for the island, the size looks just right for the space and if storage is a problem you could put a thin pantry along the right hand wall of the breakfast nook. If you really want a bigger island, maybe think about getting rid of the breakfast nook and making it one large kitchen with eating at the bar.

I'll have to check again with the builder on that wall supporting the ceiling. When I mentioned possibly taking it out he really didn't say anything about it being a problem or costing any more to change it. (I hope not! Another thing I'll need to check on) I'd really like having it more open to the other rooms.

If you want it down and it is not going to cost an arm and a leg, go for it. If you are going to open it, think about making your island straighter and incorporating the breakfast nook into the kitchen. You could then put stools along the island and leave out the table and chairs, with a view to the dinning room it really would be over kill with a table and chairs as well. That would give you more storage and a nice flow between kitchen, dinning and great room.

I do not have a kitchen table to sit at. My family sits at the island for casual eating and the dining room for formal. I agree that if space is tight, I would extend the kitchen into the designated table area and eliminate the table. Create an island you can sit at, which people enjoy gathering at during any occasion. The space just beyond my kitchen where it meets the living room (my kitchen design is similar to this), I created a small reading nook for myself!

The problem with these curved islands is how the "arms" restrict traffic flow. If a single island feels too huge, consider 2 islands:

Double Island Delight · More Info