I don't know why the photos are flipped and it did not load them all. Here are additional photos.

Looking from the kitchen to dining room

What are the dimensions of the space? We cannot help you if we don't know the dimensions. Pictures are nice for reference, but nothing replaces a measured layout.

Yes, I understand you're not changing the layout, but without knowing the measurements, we cannot tell if an island will fit and, if one will, how big it can realistically be.

What is the existing distance between the top of the countertop and the bottom of the upper cabinets?

Yes to raising the wall cabinets. You’ll get used to the height.

Where does the fridge go and what’s to the left of the dishwasher? Washer and dryer?

Thank you! I love the feedback! I’m new to all of this (including this Houzz app) . I’m working on getting actual measurements.

Here are the 1st pictures

Suki the distance is 18"

Left of the dishwasher

Fridge

The dimensions of the space is 14'X20'

I think 18" is about as much distance between the countertop and upper cabinets that you want to have unless you are quite tall! The cabinets are nice. I think they look just right without additional trim. How about cabinet pulls?

Ok, if I’m understanding correctly, the fridge is randomly there and some of the cabinets have curtains instead of doors? And what does that door go to?

I just rented a vacation condo in which the cabinets were high, just as you describe. I had to put everything on the bottom shelves in order to reach anything. I think it would get real old if I’d had to use a step stool to reach anything from a higher shelf.

IMO, if cupboards aren’t easily accessible, why move them? Function is key in your workspaces.

As I'm 5' 2" and I can barely reach my lower cabs as it is. Do you really need more space between counters and cabs or are actually looking for more light. That is what I am looking for. Therefore, you may want to save a lot of maneuvering and add under can lighting. Bets of luck.

Is the 14' the depth of the Kitchen space?

Is it the Kitchen only or is it the Kitchen + Dining Room?

Where are you planning to put the refrigerator? Is it staying where it is?

As it is, it doesn't look like it was planned, it looks more like it was just put there b/c someone forgot to plan for it. Do you plan to put other things around it (e.g., new or re-purposed cabinets/counters)?

"Unfortunately raising them even 6” I can barely reach the back of the first shelf"

I wouldn't raise the cabinets 6", they won't be usable for you. Is anyone in your family an experienced DIYer? If so, could s/he make boxes to go above? Maybe make doors that have fabric centers (maybe match the curtains you have in the cabinets to the left of the sink, if you plan to keep curtains there.)

If that space really bothers you, then maybe put in some plain crown molding to the ceiling?

I'm just throwing ideas out there!

The 14’ is kitchen only. The counter that is there with the curtain is temporary. It will be removed and I have a pantry that matches the cabinets that will go there. The pantry goes all the way to the ceiling The fridge is a moved from the wall to hang sheet rock. My husband plans to put a cabinet around it and I have another cabinet/coffee bar that will go to the left of the fridge. I guess I should have waited to post the pictures when that was all in place. The door to the right of the fridge lead to a walk-in pantry. We are changing that door to a sliding barn door. My husband is an experienced DIY’er and can make the tops to the cabinets as you all are describing.

I certainly would not use fake wood next to those cabinets why not check out laminate that is not wood look for that kitchen.

Here is an update. Thank you for all the helpful advice!