Hi Lisa,

If you're able to post a photo of the space that would be super helpful!

Generally speaking, it completely depends on your goals. If you are strictly thinking about this house for your family, then your design choices should be based on what works for you. If you and your family find yourself always eating at the island versus a table, then perhaps you don't need to add a separate dining area. However, if you like to eat as a family at a table (either formally or informally), having a separate dining area would suite your lifestyle better. Additionally, a table with chairs can be used for playing cards or board games, homework, or other hobbies.

If your goal is to maximize resale value, I always tell my clients that the most important design factor is layout. Just because an eat-in kitchen sounds good on paper, doesn't mean it will be in real life. If the layout is awkward, it's going to hurt your chances of selling at the price you want. Furthermore, your layout may drive YOU crazy while you're living there, if it becomes too cramped and doesn't flow nicely.

Thank you so much! I changed my post to another question because after I posted I thought- You absolutely should have a table and chairs if you can fit it! This is an old house with a little bit of an odd layout. Trying to modernize and maximize the space while also being true and respectful to this beautiful old home.

Do you have a dishwasher? In my experience if you have a DW you will not be spending significant enough time at the sink to need a "view" but if you are hand washing dishes for a large family every night that's a different story! Also, seems like it wouldn't be too hard to turn your head a little left or right to have something to look at besides molding.

Yes. I will have a dishwasher. Unfortunately, I still seem to spend a good amount of time at the sink! But yes, I agree that it isn't too much to just slightly look right or left. I think I would be more concerned at how it looks than shifting my gaze.

I have the exact same thing. There is about 6 inches of molding between my two windows. It doesn't bother me at all, and I can still see out the windows. I would want my sink centered under the window.

I probably would be too. The hardest part of our kitchen remodel was giving up on symmetry to get full functionality, but I don't think this sounds like much of a loss and over all would look nicer.

Thank you for your input and thoughts! A kitchen remodel takes so much thought and decision making.