Hello, we have a log home that was built in the late 80's / early 90's and nothing has been updated. When we bought the house two years ago, the first thing we said was it needs a new kitchen, and that the kitchen felt too dark. That still rings true today because we have spent two years trying to figure out how to brighten up and update the kitchen. The lighting is a definite issue, and that will certainly be updated, although trying to do this without having to cut into the ceiling beams is a concern. We did remove a cabinet from above the peninsula on the left, within the first few days of moving in. I've also attached a plan that we have had done up basically keeping the existing footprint of the kitchen.

Here is what we know

1) I want to remove the cooktop and we will put in a gas range and nice range hood where the existing wall oven is. All appliances will be stainless.

2) we will get a new stainless double door fridge that will go on the far wall where the "desk" is.

3) on either sides of the fridge will be full pantries

4) I would like a nice big farmhouse sink

5) in the kitchen the log wall is hidden behind cabinetry (fridge side) and half hidden behind the peninsula.

6) the flooring will likely be hand scraped hemlock or hickory (I cant remember which my husband wants) this will be throughout the main floor.

Here is what we need to figure out:

7) the floor plan - we are now thinking it might make sense to remove the left side peninsula altogether (this will fully open up to living room area) and extend the island to where the peninsula is - making the island 10 ft x 3 1/2 to 4 ft. We need to push the island back at least 6 inches from the sink and oven (it is currently only 30" from sink). You cannot get two people working in the kitchen at once. In the plan the peninsula is on the bottom.

8) Colours - our initial thoughts have been to go with off-white cabinets in a shaker style. I also like the idea of doing the island in a different colour. I do plan on having a backsplash behind where the range will go and under the where the upper cabinets will be. With the middle cabinet gone above where the microwave is, you will see some of the logs and then at the base of the range hood I would start the backsplash. I'm open on what goes there depending on the countertop and cabinets.

I am also open to using a different countertop for the island - I was even thinking butcher block to keep it tied into the wood in the house.

I would love your opinions.