Hello! I'm new at this and am open to just about anything.

I want to gut our kitchen and just start over. I just don't know where to start! We are open to hiring someone, but am so nervous as so many friends have had bad experiences...so, recommendations in the Kansas City area would be greatly appreciated!

I do know:
1. We need more space
2. We want to tear out desk and semi walk in pantry and turn to a butler's pantry area with pull out pantry and maybe prep sink?
3. Would love to open to fireplace room on other side of wall.
4. Would love an island, but don't know where or how it could fit in?
5. This kitchen is super dark, so I want to lighten/brighten (probably white or light gray?)

About the pictures:

The wall where the counters make an "L" is where I would want to open up to the room with the fireplace. It would open to where the door is in the fireplace room.

We built a breakfast nook which we love, but open to changing that too.

The opening next to the breakfast nook goes to laundry. There were saloon doors. Should we put a small door with glass opening?

Thank you!