I think so! thank you for the ideas

You don't appear to have enough room to enlarge your island.

Did you read her post, Joe, or just the title? Why wouldn't there be enough room?

Stephanie, does the flooring go underneath the cabinets? Or are you planning to replace it, regardless? And what about the section of wall that the bar is connected to?

Oops, missed the part about demolishing the bar. Sorry.

I don't think the flooring goes underneath the cabinets/bar area. Not sure what my options are in that area. Is it possible to put the same wood floor down in the open areas, then sand and restain the whole thing without having to replace the entire floor?

I would like the column connected to the bar to be removed as well. The electrical that is carried down that column does not go to the island too. They are 2 separate switches, thankfully.

I wish I could see some pictures of a similar kitchen remodel where they have done this.

What are the standard measurement ranges for a good sized island that provides storage and a bar area (that can seat 4-5)...without it becoming a continent in the kitchen :-)

Whatever you do with your island, you might want to put in a hood or something that vents the cooktop. Right now, it's way against code. Whoever put it in for you should have known better.

I just drew this illustration for another thread. Minimum NKBA recommended seating overhang is 15", and minimum elbow room per seat is 24".

You must be thrilled to have it opened up. And, the frig move looks great.

Remove them you will be so happy to have just one island. I speak from experience. I am in the process of changing my 90s style double (not functional) islands to one. Mothergoose gave great advice for the size. I am using a KD so thankfully had someone else figure out all those details.