Thanks for your feedback Alena! The leaded glass is an interesting thought and I'll have to think about that. Im leaning toward some kind of custom builtins tho and I would add lighting to the dining room in either case. Im changing out the chandelier and will definitely add lighting to any cabinetry. I'll probably add a couple eyeball high hats to illuminate the artwork. Here's the only example I've found of something that is similar to what Im describing.... But its not surrounded by stone. In other words, my "windows" have stone wall on all sides. top, bottom and sides. So no drawers! Thanks so much for your advice!

I think your kitchen is beautiful...to me, it's perfect as it is.

Since you know what you will be doing in the dining room, why not just have the same thing in the kitchen? It could have a divider so that the cupboards have a back. The kitchen side wouldn't be so deep, but you could use it for spices or have glass doors and use it for display (plates, maybe?)

kjbjw, Thanks for your kind words! It actually looks much nicer in the photos. :-) I like your idea and its what I had in mind. Do you think it will ruin the look of the stone wall in the kitchen? I think thats my worry... But my gut tells me it could work.

There is one wall of the dining room that you do not show. Does it have a window to the outdoors?

I think you should design the best kitchen for you and not worry about preserving that rock wall. For example, I like the rock in the ceiling area with the art hanging on it but that rock column dividing the old and new kitchen sections is awkward and needs to go, IMO. The kitchen should seem united.

If the bank of three windows was made into a doorway, then the other door could be closed off allowing more cabinets in that part of the original kitchen. Then you could go without the cabinets at the end of the kitchen addition. Perhaps reuse some rock on the lower wall there. From the view of a person sitting at the dining table there is minimal rock to see on the windows wall. I would prefer to see a doorway. I understand why they left the windows in place. It would have been gloomy without them, but they make it very obvious that part of the kitchen is an addition. I think the previous owner tried too hard to preserve the rock and the kitchen design suffered from it. It's not as if you will remove the rock and throw it away. I am sure you can find use for it outdoors. Could you submit a floor plan?

These are all good points.... I needed the ideas of people seeing the space for the first time. Emmarene, I see your point re. the rock column. I never really noticed that but you're right... It divides the kitchen. The other wall of the dining room looks into the living room. I'll post a photo below...

I think it would look charming.

What I can see your home is so full of character, that you could build it out a little, OR keep it flush-ish (my preference) on the kitchen side Either way it would not look out of place.

I just would NOT try to make it look too much like your existing cabinets. Then you're moving over into "I'M DISGUISING THIS, SEE?" territory.

I'm basically insanely jealous...

Wouldn't change anything else at all. None of the stone is awkward to me.

Now, back away from Houzz design dilemma, hharr.....put the laptop down and back away...

;)

I agree....your home is charming. I love the quirks, but I don't have you live with them. From the pictures the only thing I would want to change would be to get a light hardwood floor! Beautiful home!

Thank you so much to all of you! Sometimes you just need a little creative assistance. :-) grapefruit1_ar, totally agree about the floors! There's hardwood in the adjoining room and I'd love to continue it into the kitchen. Kjbjw, good idea about not matching cabinets... I think it needs to look like it was part of the house from years ago. Two sided with a dining room side and a kitchen side is my preference too. Agree to flush doors. It could be a good space for platters that "stand up" due to the depth constraint but thats fine with me. And now I AM stepping away from the laptop.... (I literally laughed out loud at that. Too funny!)

Your house is beautiful just as it is.

Emerging in the 15th century as a reaction to the prevailing aesthetic of lavishness, ornamentation, and rich materials, wabi-sabi is the art of finding beauty in imperfection and profundity in earthiness, of revering authenticity above all. In Japan, the concept is now so deeply ingrained that it’s difficult to explain to Westerners; no direct translation exists.

Your house has so much character. What about some board and batten shutters in that opening? Can be opened for a pass through during parties, but closed most of the time. The stone is lovely.

Or plantation shutters. That would be awesome!

Natural light is so important. I'd definitely check out artisan glass.