I have a plan for an IKEA Kitchen fo my itty bitty 1920s house. The previous owners splurged on some things (AEG range!) but made inexplicable choices with others (no dishwasher, no storage, odd cabinet shapes and sizes that make the existing storage generally unusable, terrible lighting) which is why I am doing the renovation. Thanks to Houzz I found out that AEG 18" dishwashers fit Ikea cabinet fronts!

Here is my plan and a rendering - it involves taking down a wall to open the space up to the dining room. 18" Dishwasher is in cabinet "4".

I want to keep my existing 24" AEG slide in range, but don't like slide-in ranges in islands/peninsula. I also want to hide the kitchen mess from the dining room a little bit. I'm pretty sure the best way to open up the space while balancing those considerations is to have a two-level island/peninsula. This is sort of what I want, but I don't want a breakfast bar (there isn't enough room): https://ikeakitchendesignonline.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/island-configurations-raising-the-bar/

Has anyone done something like that? Can I install the base cabinets and wall cabinets back to back with some sort of modified plinth? Or do I need to put in a pony wall between them? Would that be strong enough? I plan on doing a waterfall countertop with some of the money I save.

Any advice/tips appreciated!