Current floorplan:
The kitchen is currently 11'6" wide by about 20", and the dining room is 13'6" long, and the same width.

Old photos of space from listing a few years ago (decor/furnishings are original owners, we have replaced appliances with SS, removed much of the wallpaper and painted):

Updated layout (removing the wall between kitchen and dining room):

I'm also torn on whether or not to put uppers in on the sink/range wall. I like the cleaner look, and they might look weird just stuffed in between the windows and on the end. But, I worry the backsplash would look weird. I was planning just tile up to the ceiling behind the hood, and I really don't want to tile that entire wall.

Bump.

Love the concept of a wall of natural light! BTW, which direction do the windows face? What is the view?

@catlady999 They face east - so decent amounts of morning sun, although we have a large shade tree back there too. The windows in the kitchen overlook the three-season porch, which is also mostly windows. That whole side looks out onto our yard, we do have neighbors back behind, but there's also trees and plants. The south window in dining room looks out at the side of our neighbor's garage, and you also get a great view of our backyard fence gate (which is another reason we decided against relocating the kitchen there - not such a great vista, unfortunately).

@wiscokid - Thank you, we think it will work better too. We've been struggling with where to put the bar without the wall in the dining room, but we'll figure it out.

I like the new layout, but, I don't like the microwave right next to the fridge. I think they should be on each end and then countertop in the middle.

Which end for the fridge and microwave makes no difference except I would place the fridge where it is easiest for guests to get drinks on their own without interfering with the cooking and prep work!!

I would only do 2 seats on the short end, not 3.