Challenging kitchens are most welcome! I'd love to see a drawing of the space with dimensions.

I second that - you'll receive far more help if you can take some measurements and create a top-down view of the space.

the seating gobbles up space with no other function provided. If you use the wall with plumbing for a sink counter wall and perhaps get a peninsula from a different layout in your bigger area you might net a gain without going into hallway or dining room. Might need to eliminate the arch to rid the 8 inches of wall on the right side of the dining booth. You can perhaps bring the run out and wrap around to the right into the bigger room. You need to put up dimensions.

To get the best help and also to answer all the questions you're about to be asked by the forum at once, please post a floor plan of the entire floor (not just the kitchen -- include the hallway, dining room, kitchen, everything). Draw the floor plan on graph paper where 1 square = 1 sq. foot. Please also label everything -- the plumbing stack, the masonry that can't be moved, windows, doors, etc.

What is your total budget?

yes, a layout is necessary. have you read the thread 'New to kitchens' ? that will give you lots of info, what info to post here and a sample LO.

be sure it's big enough to be seen - including the measurements (and clearly printed).

we did recently have a new kitchen on here where they removed the arch. the idea of that bummed me - BUT, it absolutely did open the space up and give them more room - at least visually. (I don't remember if literally). In hindsight, they did the right thing. Their kitchen shows how a very mangled kitchen can become a beautiful functioning one.

I am not good with layouts like some of our resident experts here, but wanted to pass along another forum member's remodel. I see similarities to your layout so you may get an idea or two for your kitchen. See "annap before and after".

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3483305/before-and-after-diy-kitchen-reno?n=74

Thanks, everyone! I'll work on drawing up a floor plan and repost when I have it ready!

Also, how do I find the New to Kitchens thread? I tried searching, but didn't come up with anything specific.

Beth - I'm not real techie but I'll try linking it here for you

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638784/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first?n=84

Sorry to bump, but have you drawn up the floor plans yet?

If you would like us to work with you to find a design that works best for you and in your space, then I suggest you post a fully measured layout of either your proposed layout or a blank slate of the space. Also, a sketch of the entire first floor would help (or whatever floor the kitchen is on) - it will give us an idea of how the kitchen relates to the rest of the house and what the traffic patterns are through and around the kitchen.

To get you started - I suggest first reading the Kitchen Design FAQs (posted below). These FAQs will help you understand kitchen design and what considerations should be addressed as well as recommendations for workspace, aisles, seating overhangs, etc. They will also help you understand comments you receive.

Once you've digested the design FAQs, then I suggest reading the "Layout Help" FAQ. This FAQ discusses what information we need to help you get the best design for your space and family.

Layout Help:

How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include?

• http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information-should-i-include

.

Kitchen Design FAQ threads:

Kitchen work zones, what are they?

• http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638270/faq-kitchen-work-zones-what-are-they

Aisle widths, walkways, seating overhangs, work and landing space, and others

• http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638304/faq-aisle-widths-walkways-seating-overhangs-work-landing-space-etc

How do I plan for storage? Types of Storage? What to Store Where?

• http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638376/faq-how-do-i-plan-for-storage

Ice. Water. Stone. Fire (Looking for layout help? Memorize this first)

• http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2699918/looking-for-layout-help-memorize-this-first