This is a model I put together on IKEA site keeping the kitchen in same place.

So you want the kitchen to be part of the living room and replace the kitchen door with French doors? That looks fine to me, if that's what you're going for.

Well this is one of the two options we are thinking. We are wondering what people thoughts are on moving the kitchen to the front of the house where we have the dining room in this plan. This would also make the kitchen island unnecessary, but give us a lot more counter space and the opportunity to put a small powder room in where counters are currently in kitchen (in actual photo).

100K + budget for moving all of that plumbing and electrical and dealing with the consequences to the windows etc.?

Thanks Sophie, we have already gotten estimates (many under 50K including plumbing and electrical being moved). We are planning on enlarging the doorway in the back to fit a french door. Without regard to price, we are trying to figure out if the kitchen should be in the front (l-shaped kitchen) or back of the house (opened up with slight galley shape).

Also, what type of consequences do you have in mind for the windows? We are newlyweds nervous about renovation and were planning on leaving those alone.

I suggest engaging a local person of talent (architect) to aid you in achieving your desired end result. There seems to be a lot going on and a lot of information missing to provide proper input.

Since the average midrange kitchen remodel by itself is 55K, I find it interesting that some lowballer has beguiled you into thinking you can do that plus all of the structural changes, and fenestration changes that normal counter height cabinetry will require. You are grossly underestimating both the professional design help that you need and the budget that will accomplish such a flip flop.

thanks for your helpful input! we have saved some money by going with ikea cabinets but I agree with the assessments

Are the windows in the current dining room more than 36" off the floor to allow for counters underneath?

will you still have a table if you move the kitchen to the front?

I think its a good idea to move the kitchen and add a powder room. Leave a few feet of wall by the front door to run your cabinets into.

hard to say exactly without a floor plan though.

It's really important to start with your homeowner goals, such as "add half bath" or "get more light into kitchen" or "add counter space for <activity>" or "make unloading of dishwasher more convenient" or "have place to store cleaning supplies" or "have attractive dining space for 6-8" or "have breakfast area for 2 with morning sun" or "improve ventilation for stirfrying" or ???. Then prioritize these by considering them pairwise. Only THEN is it time to think about planning a new design. It's all too easy to start thinking about removing this or that wall, and losing sight of what the true functional and aesthetic end goal is, and I'm worried that may be what you're doing.

Also, keep in mind that the more open the kitchen is to living spaces, the more you need to consider whether kitchen mess and noise and smells may intrude into your quieter living spaces. Excellent ventilation (as with an overhead high performance hood) is a must. Consider whether you can relax on a couch that has a straight on view of a pile of dirty pots and pans.

Yes, adding counter space, light, storage for appliances, and allowing more than 1 person to cook at once are goals. we are excited for proper ventilation since now we only have a small square fan in our wall for ventilation. Also excited for a stove that is not uneven (food currently slides around when cooking!) :)

I personally would never buy a house with the kitchen at the front door, to me kitchens have side or back doors, I would leave the kitchen where it is.