Have you had advice from an architect or contractor? You need to know whether that wall is a bearing wall before you remove it, alter it or put in a support beam. Any time you move plumbing the cost goes up, so keep that in mind as well.

You will make your visit to the architect/builder more efficient if you have some idea of what you like and don't like, what your personal style is and what your goals are in gutting the kitchen ... oh, and a budget will help as well!

I would be itching to open up your walls as I personally love our open kitchen, don't care if it is too "kitcheny" or if people see cooking or mess in action. We have a huge garden with produce to process, grandkids and lots of multi generational cooking action in the kitchen... it's beautiful, functional and active space. Not everyone feels the same way! So consider your tolerance for mess and comfort level with others viewing the kitchen in action when considering how open to go.

Everyone has their own thoughts on island design and whether there should be a sink or stove top included. I like mine as a prep and baking centre and have no stovetop or sink in the island which also allows it to be a staging area to serve up a crowd. Very individual preference as well.

Consider visiting a few friend's kitchens and watch them in action or ask them what their love it /hate it aspects of their kitchen are. think personal needs, efficiency first and pretty can come to the party later! Good luck and keep us posted.

PS. You do have those electrical wires turned off?

Thank you! I too love the open kitchen look! The walls will be coming down but we have to wait for the structural support beam to be placed. (It has been ordered.) I have found many kitchens that I like but none seem to be able to fit into my smaller sized kitchen. I'm sure I will be seeking professional help for layout design but thought I might start here first.

Lol yes, everything is off. We are renovating before we move in. So luckily we still have another home to actually LIVE in.

Post a floor plan with measurements along with your needs and wants.

Looks awesome open. I would try to remove the soffit above the cabinets if it's possible and figure out recessed lights at this point, do one floor throughout and would probably remove the peninsula cabinets and look into an island. Is there anyway that the door can be slid over to allow for an L shape kitchen? You could squeeze more cabinets in for storage and it would look less "gallery" style. Good work so far!

All the cabinets on that wall will also be coming out, as well as the soffit! So I really have a very open area to play with. As soon as I can get some dimensions I will post them. (My husband has the tape measure! Lol)

You will be amazed at how much more spacious and open it will feel with the soffit out and some good recessed lighting. Different flooring really chops up a space, we switched to hardwood throughout the main floor from a mix of carpet, tile etc and it looks great- takes what the kids can dish out and easy to keep clean. BTW, so smart of you not to be living in the middle of a renovation!

I would do an island. Counter space is always a premium and I don't know if you can have too much. I would keep a large sink under the window and put in a small second sink. Put the second sink at the end the island. This would allow someone else to help with the cooking and prep without stepping into the main work area.

If you can fit an island I would go with that and that would provide the separation that you need (no need for a partial wall). I have seen galley kitchens along one wall open to the living room and it looks odd (unless you have a "u" or "L" configuration). Regarding the placement of the sink, your designer will have suggestions as to what works best (there are guidelines for placement of the sink, stove and fridge so that you can work efficiently). One consideration is the added cost of moving plumbing if you change it's location. I did move my sink when I remodeled so it's not a huge deal but it is a cost. Otherwise, for a kitchen I recommend pull outs for trash and recycling; pull outs for the pantry and a warming drawer (I don't know how I ever lived without this and highly recommend to everyone) and if you have a dog; building in space in the cabinets for the dishes so you are not tripping over them.

You will want something to place furniture around. I would figure out how you want your living room furniture & tv placed and then see if you have room for a big island. If you can put all of your appliances against the outside wall you could have an amazing layout!