You won't get helpful responses--maybe not any responses--if you don't provide more info about the configuration. Where are the doors? The windows? Is it open to the living or dining room? Does that space need to include a breakfast nook? Throw us a bone here.

L shape on the two walls with island if the space isn't constrained , is what many would seek....not always possible if walls and doorways conflict with movement, however. That is why many will remove a wall that borders with family room, dining room, etc. You need YOUR goals and budget, along with pictures.....

Seems more like treating it like a search engine. Maybe some people just don't understand how this works?

I'm honestly not surprised that people mistake the "post to the forum" box (especially since it isn't labeled as such at all) for the search box (especially since the latter is labeled "Search in Gardenweb" rather than "Search [in the forum you're actually looking at]." I confess I've sometimes cruised over the forum and started typing in the wrong box myself, and I've been around the forums since the late '90s. The interface could use some improvements.

stillpitpat "Seems more like treating it like a search engine. Maybe some people just don't understand how this works?"

That would explain it - makes sense!

Oh, yes, in this case maybe it was an honest mistake. I've caught myself several times typing search text in the thread title box maddybeagle is highlighting above.

I've also made the mistake of trying to search in the post box (or vice versa), but it has always quickly become obvious that I did the wrong thing. But then, I've been on the forum for years as well.