We need to see the whole kitchen to effectively comment. It does seem like a good idea to extend the countertop so you can tuck the garbage can there. This would be just the right space for a coffee station and maybe some shelves up above for mugs.

The garbage can is going away.....and the counter would extend past the cabinet. Thanks

Instead of just extending the existing countertop, create a new cabinet (matching your existing cabinets and countertop or not) but one that is taller than the existing cabinets -- have it be the appropriate height for a microwave oven or other small kitchen appliance -- and put your garbage can in the cabinet and have a top drawer for your trash bags, too.

http://inseltage.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/garbage-cabinet-best-25-trash-can-cabinet-ideas-on-pinterest-cabinet-trash-can-26.jpg

https://img1.etsystatic.com/171/0/5952564/il_340x270.1219544701_cqtl.jpg

http://inseltage.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/garbage-cabinet-microwave-kitchen-cart-hideaway-trash-can-holder-garbage-cabinet.jpg

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Catskill-Craftsmen-Brown-Farmhouse-Kitchen-Cart/3731481?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA_ONLY--Kitchens--SosKitchenCabinetry-_-3731481:Catskill_Craftsmen&CAWELAID=&kpid=3731481&CAGPSPN=pla&k_clickID=510c3e39-2ce1-4b57-b5fa-28eb727e12c7&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvqi06qec2QIV2BiBCh2sSwrUEAQYBSABEgIGkfD_BwE

suezbell - I really like that idea, but adding a new cabinet is not an option. That's why I am having so much trouble. I know it would be ideal, but I am trying work with what I have to some extent.

You would need to support an overhang, legs or maybe a solid panel at the end to the floor. Some pro will chime in, but I don't think you can go over 10 inches unsupported.

Could you just add a table and a skirt -- but one more neatly put together than this.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/55028426671293461/

When budgets are small, Habitat for Humanity Restore Stores can help. Just take some measurements before you go so you know the size table or cabinet you need. It may take several trip but inventory changes daily with each donation and sale so don't give up.

Yes, we spoke with the granite people and they recommended a support from underneath - on the cabinet side and the wall side. It would be very hard to match up the cabinets. They are 20 years old and the cherry wood has darkened.

Yes to the stool, and no to the counter extension. Come to that, quartzite or solid surface seems more in keeping with this home, if you still have that option.

Here is the granite we selected.

A pair of brackets with a wood cutting board might work:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/536226269/10-industrial-light-load-shelf-bracket?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_d-home_and_living-storage_and_organization-shelving&utm_custom1=510c3e39-2ce1-4b57-b5fa-28eb727e12c7&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyZSgq6qc2QIVEozICh1JJQcOEAkYDiABEgKb5PD_BwE

the little coffee bar, as suggested, would be a nice idea. you could do a beverage fridge and carry the countertop across the top of it.

do you have room to do a small peninsula, like here? take it right out to the edge, and have a countertop overhang for a breakfast bar.

or like this one

If you were to add a cab., or rewire and add a fridge, a counter has purpose...though not space. It otherwise looks like the afterthought that it is ( and will function very poorly as a breakfast bar). I strongly suggest against the granite.

The flooring, the countertop, kitchen table, island, oven and microwave are all going. New glass subway tile backsplash, new black oven and microwave. Garbage will be hidden in a cabinet. The new island will be a dark stained cherry wood. Flooring will be very neutral cream.

You're spending a fortune and will still have very dated cabinets. Don't do this.! Your coffee bar belongs over on the small wall we're your have a cart/chest on the diagonal.

Lose that island altogether and bring in a peninsula off the corner. you could have your seating on the overhang, more storage, and better looks.

I recommend removing the 2 small half- walls.

I would eliminate seating at the island......too tight. I'd make the kitchen a galley-style, with the island counter meeting the cabinet that is to the right of the stove.

OK - so you all pointed out that extending the counter is not a good idea (and my gut instinct as well). That being said, how can I make this area look less dead?

Not sure how an L would work with patio door there? or does it matter... for serving/ going outside....

Please, how wide and long is the island?

how many inches are between edges [with counters, etc..]?

Kinda see island with table 'connected' - idea....

https://www.houzz.com/photos/hudson-loft-nyc-contemporary-kitchen-new-york-phvw-vp~2496124

Could have: neither be a bench, 1 side, or 2 [for a booth look]. Since your room is long enough - you don't need a fixed booth look... but chairs on other end.

I don’t see a problem with the area, especially if the counter lines up with the new island. Cabinets are beautiful but maybe crown molding to make them look taller. Granite matches, but a white quartz or solid surface would look more fresh.

A more neutral kitchen floor is in order. I almost stepped on the dog. I would keep that area simple.

There are many ways to go when refreshing a kitchen - warm wood cabinets flexible to many styles. Do not pick the backsplash till the countertops are in. Glass backsplash may or may not work and you won't really know till your countertops are in and you can set some tile samples up. I have a wood kitchens idea book which has some refreshed older kitchens included. My own refresh is also in an idea book:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042

This may be a long way around to answer your question, but I just addressed a kitchen with the same cherry cabinets, some of which were water damaged. First I decided new countertops and a backsplash were needed. When I received two bids to paint the cabinets that were not in my budget, I took the painting project on myself. If you do choose to paint, adding cabinetry of any kind there would be more easily integrated.

The room currently looks peachy due to the cherry cabinets reflecting red onto the walls & floors around them.

New flooring, paint color, & differ light bulbs should help.

Here are some cherry cabinet kitchens that managed the red reflect well.

Grover - thank you! Just extending the curtain rod really makes a huge difference. I'll be changing the curtain, but I love how it softens the space and makes the slider look bigger. I think a snake plant would look great on the stool. Right now I just put what I have on hand. So excited about the new floor. Trust me, you'd never step on our dog - he's part Mexican Jumping Bean and still a puppy.

Artistsh - I love the first picture! Those are my cabinets, arch and 'dated' (as some might say) - that kitchen looks so fresh. I love it! I can see my kitchen looking like that.

If you want modern and fresh, less is more. I agree that the space doesn't need anything. Have you considered taking down that lone upper on that side? From your photo angles, it looks orphaned from the rest of the kitchen.

Ooh, yes, a snake plant. But I'd put it in a planter instead of on the stool.

D_gw - there used to be a bridge over the sink that connected the cabinets. We removed it. Currently, the top trim is missing, perhaps when it is reinstalled, it will look better.

Grover - YES! Love it.

What would you recommend in this dead wall space?

Patty,,,start your own post and I'll show you some great pictures. (i'd do open wood shelving) I'd also consider taking your tile up to the ceiling, or at the very least, doing some window trim

I don’t know how to start a post 🤪