Are you sure that you would want all that noise, smells going up to the second level of your home?

I saw an mls pic of a kitchen similar to what your invisioning, it just seemed odd.

Just trying to be insightful, not sure of you thought of this actually being an issue. Also, if the kitchen goes here, where does your living space go?...

can you show more photos? ... what is to the left there where the brick plant wall and step down are?

what functions will stay in this room? -- kichen we know. formal dining? ... tv lounge area? ...

usually a "butler's pantry" is a space between a kitchen and a dining room. what will your "butler's pantry be connected to?

A floor plan would be a good start.

Hi klf78, thanks for your comments. Noise isn't really an issue, since it's just the two of us, but I am kind of wondering about smells I guess. Maybe we just need a kick ass bar area. That is a big room, and I pictured an island, and then a 50's contemporary seating arrangement and a big flat screen on the wall. We have an open concept space here, and it's where we spend most of our time. Here is a picture of the other side of the room. Also, I appreciate your insights a great deal. Oh, and there is a family room with a fireplace off of the present kitchen.

I think a project this size requires a local expert. You'll need plumbing and all kinds of work done.

Enjoy the remodel!

Hi Brenda, thanks for your response. To the left is a sunken, tiled solarium kind of room facing the backyard (see picture). The butler's pantry, if that is what it ends up being, is across the hall and attached to a family room with a walk-out to the backyard. There is a brick wall between the family room and the existing kitchen. Of course the carpet will not be staying in that great room you see. We will be putting hardwood down.