sorry here is the first picture- hope it works this time

I would really take out the fireplace in the center. It will open up the space so much. Create an island with a place for stools. Can't really tell what the whole space looks like, but it its more open plan it will flow better

what is on the opposite side of the fireplace along the wall with the window?

I agree getting rid of fireplace would open it up. But it is an original detail of the house and we like the character it adds.

See my second picture for the opposite of the fireplace. But along that wall next to window there is some wall space and then a door to the outside which is right next to counter top.

I agree, keeping the cabinets and appliances on one side of the fireplace is key. Right now it looks like the kitchen is in two rooms. It looks like you have enough space to do so, if you move the table the other side. Careful planning and attention to detail is key. I suggest hiring a designer, this is what they are good at.

Still say - the fireplace is an obstacle it doesn't do anything for the character of the home - sorry!

Awesome space with some real challenges!!!! I don't have dimensions so this is purely guessing. In a similar setting in Summit New Jersey I place two Islands in the room. On one side I built a unit deep and wide enough to handle the sink and dishwasher, and four bar stools facing in. In this area the refrigerator and tall cabinets with glass doors hold dishes, glassware, silverware, and a small pantry.
On the opposite side a center Island is work surface with storage below, On the perimeter of this area is the cooktop, wall oven, warming drawer pots and pans and a small wine storage unit.
I'm going to post a pic of a Modern New York City Kitchen with a similar layout. Maybe these will help with ideas.

Thank you. Yes, love that style island. Thinking of something like that.

The side with the fridge is 12x15. The back of fireplace side is 10x15.

I love the fireplace in the kitchen. Please don't get rid of something that gives the house so much personality. Perhaps you could modify the upper half of the brick chimney to be smaller? All that you need is the place for the smoke to escape through a pipe or make it smaller.
If not then maybe play up the idea of the coziness of it by even putting a couch in front of it. Maybe two couches and a table at which to eat and go ahead and put a tv over it on the bricks.

Oh and I agree that the fridge really needs to move.

Thanks! This is actually a property we are thinking of purchasing and want to make sure we can do it right before we buy. I agree with you, gingerbreadmom. Husband and I were playing with ideas tonight. Would love to put fridge on other side. That was our first thought. But problem we ran into is it would then be all appliances in a row on that side- fridge, range, dishwasher, sink. No counter space really. We thought that would look funny. We are thinking of adding an island to the back side of the fireplace. It would have a built in microwave among other things. In the spot where mircrowave is built in now, we would do more cabinets. Then, for the fridge problem, we are thinking of doing a much nicer fridge, but it seems we *may* have to leave it in the same spot. Our solution now is paneling to match cabinets, which we will also be doing over. So yes the fridge would still have to be over there, but with the paneling to match cabinets we think cosmetically it would look better. That's an idea we have for now. Will consult with designer too. Thoughts?

I would take out the fireplace and reuse the stone on an interior wall- maybe in the kitchen or elsewhere.

This is a tricky spot, hard to give ideas without a floorplan. I love the fireplace, though, and think that you are wise to create a plan that works with the fireplace. I agree with previous posters that the fridge location really needs to change. Good luck, I think it will be lovely!

Why couldn't you put the fridge behind the fireplace?

I feel like people have forgotten how to really live practically. That fireplace is perfectly placed. It was used to cook with and heat the house. It is everything you want. I'd like to see the space outwards with your back facing the fireplace. I'd also like to see the other wall opposite of the kitchen cabinets. You may want to think about an L shaped 'island' with it running along the backside of the fireplace and come flush with the edge of the fireplace.