Additional photos of current space.

What's in the space past the cooktop peninsula? Does your new layout bump the peninsula into that space? (it's hard to tell from the images/layout)

The problems I see with the proposed layout are (1) cooktop in the peninsula == no good venting options + heat source is very close to the bar top (2) the kitchen is basically a hallway, which can be problematic if you're i.e. going from the cooktop to the sink to drain boiling water - you could turn with the pot and bump into someone passing thru the kitchen). A quick thought is below... basically make the hallway of the kitchen avoid the cooktop. The doorway of the kitchen along the top would be moved and the window would have to be adjusted

The space past the cooktop peninsula is open hallway allowing for a walking area between the kitchen, entryway, backdoor off the kitchen and dining room on the other side of that hallway. As you stand at the peninsula, you can see the dining room.

We were looking at a downdraft ventilation system for the cooktop as I do not like the large vents above the cooktop. I do get what you are saying though with the walkway being in the path of the kitchen triangle. Short of moving the window, is there any other viable place you can think of moving the cooktop to? I think I would be okay with a vent above the cooktop if the cooktop was right against a wall and not in the peninsula.

Thank you!

Downdrafts don't work well and are a PITA to clean. You are going against the laws of physics since smoke and grease rise up not down. Also, how are you venting the downdraft? I.e., where will the smoke and grease go once it enters the downdraft? I think a downdraft is a mistake, my $.02.

The current kitchen has venting for a downdraft cooktop that vents outside. I guess I would consider one above the cooktop if I could find a low profile one.

Your kitchen is going to be VERY dark with your choices.

Would lighter floors be a better option?

Also, I do like the look of dark countertops with wood floors, however the adjoining rooms have lighter colored wood floors (like the floors in the photo below), and I am not sure that I would be able to match that color in the kitchen exactly. Is there a color wood floor or wood look tile that would complement the existing floors throughout the house? Would a dark wood or wood look floor look better than dark black/grey tile?

So, are you willing to consider a different layout? Something that works much better than what I see in the original post?

Could you please post a sketch of the entire floor the Kitchen is on? We can then see how the Kitchen relates to the rest of the home as well as what traffic will be going through, around, and in the Kitchen. ("Verbal" descriptions aren't always interpreted correctly nor do they cover some of the details we look for such as other doors/windows, etc.)

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

Thanks @Buehl! I am willing to consider a different layout as I am not sure that the layout that the current layout is the best. I will post a full layout of the house.

Attached is a layout of the entire floor, however it is not to scale. The orange lines are the doors. Please let me know if you have any questions or need clarification. I would prefer not to move any major walls if possible. The green line is a wall near the basement stairs is a wall. Any assistance with, or input on layout will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

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