We moved in to this home with the intention of gutting the kitchen and putting in a much wanted large kitchen island. However, we've decided to do a "patch" job to keep the cost reasonable. As you can see by the photo, we have structurally unsound "floating" cabinets that need to be removed. Our goal is to keep all the appliances where they are due to costs, while eliminating the odd open central space in the kitchen. When we have guests, people don't quite know where to stand since it is such a big open space, and I am usually having to ask people to move so that I can get to drawers, cabinets, etc. It has been suggested to us that we should removed the bank of cabinets that is attached to the peninsula (the cabinets next to the door) to accommodate a mid-sized island that would fit 4 chairs. We would replace those cabinets with high open shelving, possible extending into the eat-in area.

Is it crazy to remove cabinets to create an island? I am not worried about storage space, as the island would have some, and the door next to the current peninsula leads to a pantry that is the size of a small bedroom. But the island would not have any "work" space like a dishwasher or sink either. We have have SS appliances to replace the black ones sitting in our garage, but don't want them to get damaged with construction. Any tips or guidance would be most appreciated!