@D.L. Thank you for sharing! The cramped is what I want to avoid indeed...I like it open and light. My Husband isn't convinced that taking down the bar and having a big window would be such a difference because we have a giant birch tree 'blocking' the direct sunlight.

I like your Modern choice much better, much better flow & feeling in the space.

@Ikwo, this is the floor plan of the design we are contemplating now. A sort of compromise