Your plans in general seem good, although it's not clear to me that a banquette really gains you seating over regular rectangular table with chairs on both sides -- it's not like you can put the table right up against the laundry room door, even if it doesn't swing, so I'm not clear you can really do much bench at the end (especially since the extension from the long wall takes 24" or so of your 39"). I think I'd go with a rectangular or oval table in that space with chairs on both sides, and put your new storage piece on the other wall next to the laundry room (under the pears), so that it doesn't interfere with the stools.

i would leave the seating as is. This give the new buyer the options, the bench seating is more personal, if its not your for ever home. I would also consider staining the cabinets darker, as they really pop orange with the red walls, and it seems you like the espresso finish. a darker cabinet would appeal to new buyers too I think.

also I would upgrade the light fixture in the kitchen area maybe a multi light directional bar.

Lastly what about the fridge, seems very squeezed in there as far as opening the door goes.

seems like you covered most things, but i think re staining the cabinets is abetter option then painting them, because in 4 years tastes may change as to color choices, and stained cabinets are always in fashion.

The problem with the plate rack and additional cabinets is they suggest to buyers that the home lacks storage. I don't think the banquette will add value but if it's more functional for you for the next couple years, then I'd add it. Otherwise, I'd spend your money elsewhere.

My vote is to keep a floating table - definitely regular height, about 30". Best use of space as well as cost. The banquette idea would work better if the laundry door wasn't there and/or the space of the room was proportioned or sized differently.

Just to clarify, I meant the need for an opening to the laundry room, not just the door. Changing the door out won't better the idea of the banquette.

Is the laundry room door the door in the dining room? I would move that door to the more conveniet walkway path in the dining room.

Also knocking out the dining room wall between the living area and the dining room would make the biggest difference and open up the area. You can do an opening that leaves about a foot of wall from the ceiling and the side wall for a nominal amount of money and work......if you watch Fixer Upper they are always opening walls this way without ripping out the whole wall.

Open just like this but the walls are sheetrocked and not bricked.

I think you should remove the cabinet over the sink and replace the area with a very pretty art work and backsplash that is reflective or bright. The room is what it is and 'tricks' will not make it better.

If the barn door slides left and the storage bench/banquette goes on the right with a slim table you can add a pair of chairs. My issue with your plan is the peninsula. It is blocking up the kitchen and making it smaller. I'd eliminate it and use the wall where the plate rack is for the fridge and more cabinets, putting a pantry in the current fridge location. The plate rack would still be cute right of the laundry opening and convenient for setting the table.