Is moving appliances an option?

Costs more,but may be worth moving fridge down to back wall to open space.

I can move wall and appliances. Getting all new cabinets and appliances. Thought going with a stove vs a wall oven would give me more space.

I would definitely remove the wall or at least create a passthrough if it's in the budget. It'd be a game changer. I also think it's always worth hiring a kitchen designer (even if it's just the kind that do free design if you buy cabinets).

You beat me to the punch. My first thought was that a range rather than cooktop and wall ovens would give you more counter space in the cooking area.

Can the soffit be removed in favor of taller or stacked cabinets?

Yes soffit can be removed.

Are you sure that soffit doesn't hide a/c ducts? If not, then yes, take cabinets to the ceiling.

Where do I put refrigerator?

Where do groceries go?

Take out wall, put everything along the opposite wall. In the back left of this pic (right of the windows) it looks like you have room for a fridge and tall pantry. Sink and counter space under the windows, stove either off to the left or in the island (people have lots of opinions on this). Island is additional counter space and storage.

A free kitchen designer at a store that sells cabinetry is only a glorified cabinet salesperson. A true certified kitchen designer knows about plumbing and construction issues and can offer you the best layout for your home. Removing walls, adding and relocating plumbing and power need to be planned and executed by professionals. You will need proper plans and a permit issued by the city building and safety department. You need to do your part by communicating your needs, your style and your materials choices and desires to the designer and the contractor you choose.

Stainless steel appliances and Ice white shaker cabinets would look lovely. But you definitely need to decide about the layout as everything will depend on it. Opening up the kitchen is a great idea.

Your fridge needs to be next to a counter. You could keep it where it is now.

Love all these ideas. Yes my contractor has to apply for permits. I live in a very strict County.

I am a bit confused about the refrigerator and pantry placement in the design shown. I see no dishwasher in the picture too

I think you might be referring to the picture of the white kitchen? That was just to show cabinets going to the ceiling. Your fridge isn't in a bad spot as it is now.

Please check the following thread. It discusses the information we need to effectively help you - including a fully measured layout of the space and a sketch of the rest of the floor the Kitchen is on. Right now, everyone is just guessing b/c they don't have enough information.

How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include?

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information-should-i-include

And, the "New to Kitchens" thread -- even though the Kitchens Forum is changing, most of the information is still valid, especially the Kitchen Best Practices threads.

[https://www.houzz.com/discussions/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first-dsvw-vd~4306041[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first-dsvw-vd~4306041?n=313)