Tracy, you didn't attach the pictures.

Oops!

I will also add that we are getting a convection range, and cook mostly vegetables.

@jan this is all awesome advice. I am also torn on that door in general. Would it change your opinion to know that this is a barely used secondary door? I’m mostly keeping it for light, and an easy exit (still 25 foot or so) walk to the backyard grill. We are still considering just covering it and putting in a window. The sink is currently at the window.

In most cases you need 2 egress doors by code. As for venting IMO you always need a vent but I know lots of people that feel as you do about the noise. I was avegetarian for a long time but honestly can’t say my cooking never used oil or butter .As for the layout I am finding it hard to see where the cabinets are and if storage is an issue IMO open shelving is never the answer.What is that area to the right of the door>

We definitely do cook with oil.

The area next to the door is currently a 70’s tinted mirror wall :) and a dining room with no storage/cabinets.

On the other side of the island is a den and a front door closet/mudroom area.

Walk up to bedrooms, down to living room, laundry and exit to backyard.

This is the current layout

Sketch with cabinets area, before we updated to the single-level island and microwave in island

I'd lose the door, put Advantium under the island, and since you barelyy use the hood, do a recirculating at the current fridge wall. At least you will capture some grease.

Keep the range hood. If nothing else it will keep you from setting off your smoke alarm which tend to be very sensitive these days. Just find one that isn't exceedingly noisy. Best and Zephyr both make versions that have varying settings from low to high; you'll have to go to showrooms to test them out. Though I haven't tried this myself, logic would suggest a range hood that is encased by cabinetry would be less noisy than chimney style hood with the metal exposed. The cabinets might act as a noise buffer.

Replace the window between the eating area and sitting area with doors. Then ditch the door on the back wall. You will want those new doors to ho out to a deck or patio, but that need not happen immediately. I also agree with Jan’s suggestion for the range to be on the short wall, and not the fridge.

Agree w/cooks kitchen, but I think that's a run of windows at the sitting area? Printed your drawing.... ? At any rate, yes, range to that other spot we both agree!

Yes! All windows on the east facing wall, on the other side of the dining room.

I really wish our current fancy fridge was counter depth. That would make this design easier :(

Also that space outside of the wall with the door (south facing) does have room for a deck or patio, unfortunately. Our neighbors house is too close.

I'd sell the fancy and trade for counter depth before any cabinets considered.

The only way the full depth variety looks good is when you can find six inches behind it:( and nobody knows the difference but you.

Hate to admit I also hate a range and sink on the same wall unless NO other spot at all.

"Though I haven't tried this myself, logic would suggest a range hood that is encased by cabinetry would be less noisy than chimney style hood with the metal exposed. The cabinets might act as a noise buffer."

One thing more powerful than logic is experience. The quietest (residential) configuration (that also meets high temperature cooking performance requirements) comprises a baffle hood, a down-slope centrifugal blower on the roof, and a silencer installed in the duct between them. However, like many aspects of a kitchen design, whether this configuration can even be achieved depends on several architectural factors not yet revealed.

@kaseki thank you!! I’ll talk to the contractor about our options!

If you want to scare yourself into putting in the hood (vented outside), here's some light reading:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/04/08/the-hidden-air-pollution-in-our-homes/amp