* The soffit above cabinets will stay

This has to be? It's not the most attractive item. However, I like that it's the same color as the cabinets, as that blends in a bit. My best idea: Have small cabinet doors made to fit on the soffit + mount as if cabinets were behind them. It'll give the illusion that the cabinets go to the ceiling (and won't cost a fortune). If you go with mirrored doors, it'll give the illusion of glass-front cabinets "up top".

Speaking of "up top" cabinets, I'd like to see a better cabinet added over the refrigerator -- but with that oddly shaped soffit above, I think it'd have to be custom, and that's money. Another option: Find two attractive baskets and put them on top of the refrigerator; every room needs something soft /organic anyway.

* Recessed Lighting will remain the same as I just had all the popcorn ceiling removed in entire condo.

While this sounds good -- and I'm sure you were happy to wave goodbye to that popcorn ceiling -- I'd also like to see pendant lighting over the peninsula. In this small space, I'd think two mini-pendants, but I wouldn't argue with one medium-sized pendant. This'd give you good lighting over the sink (which is the most used item in any kitchen).

* Will get rid of the microwave as I don't use it.

Good for you analyzing what you actually do /don't use instead of just going with the flow. All too many people do that. But the question becomes, what to put above the range? I don't 'specially love that open cabinet above the microwave now. I'd say go simple: A basic hood and a closed cabinet above it.

* Hoping to go with a stack of deep drawers to the left of the oven, rather than cabinet.

Can you have a Super Susan in the corner + this set of drawers? A Super Susan isn't terribly expensive, and it absorbs an awful lot of stuff. If you go this direction, definitely google the difference between a Lazy Susan and a Super Susan.

I wouldn't mind seeing drawers spread across all your lower cabinets.

Leaning toward white cabs in shaker style. But also saw some photos of light wood ones. Thoughts?

Asking the hard question: What's the condition of these existing cabinets? If they're in good condition, don't get rid of them /don't spend thousands /don't send them to a landfill. If they're in good condition, you can paint them /have drawers installed where you currently have just cabinets.

You're right to stay light in this small space.

Will go with Quartz countertops. Thinking White with some kind of vein, but want to steer away from gray. OR should I go with a clean white. Thoughts?

I am not a fan of veining, so I'd suggest a clean white. Corian Super White is beloved on this board. What I actually like best with white cabinets is wooden countertops, but they're also more work, especially around the sink, where splashed water is an enemy.

You didn't mention the flooring, so I assume the simple white squares are staying? In a perfect world, the flooring and countertops "relate" -- which doesn't mean match -- and you're on the right track with this, as you're looking for white in some sort.

Remember the rule: If you stay simple, your space won't look outdated in 5, 10, 20 years. Look to accessories /not built in things for personality.

They suggested using the countertop material for the backsplash since the space is so small. Thoughts?

Countertop material could make a lot of sense in this small space. Personally, I'm sick of subways -- consider a white tile in a more interesting shape. I note that your floor tiles are laid out in diamonds -- perhaps mirror this in the backsplash. But stay simple.

Yes, dishwasher is a tough placement, but that's where it goes in everyone's condo in our community. Not a dealbreaker for me. .

Yeah, it's not ideal, but it's not the worst of the worst. Could the sink move over a bit so it's more "centered" in the peninsula? That'd look better /get it out of that corner /give you a small step away from the dishwasher, which would be a bit more functional.

I'm glad you're going with a single-bowl sink -- what you have looks confining.

oh how nice an integrated fridge ... ways to hide the soffit with your upper cabinetry ...

You're talking real money here.

Other thoughts:

- I'd like to see a valance over the window. It'd bring in some color and pattern.

- I like the artwork over the window, as it seems like a hidden jewel in that little corner -- but I'd like it even better if it were something wide /short. Something that mirrors the shape of the space.

- Are those cookbooks in the corner? If you had a wide /short wooden box of some sort to "corral" these cookbooks, they could go on top of the refrigerator. That'd be much cheaper than a custom cabinet + would be functional.

- Thinking about this project as a whole /not just the individual pieces, I'm concerned that you might go "too white". I don't think you should do white cabinets + white countertops in this space -- go with color on one or the other. My fear is that you'd end up with a white blob. White kitchens are hard to get right /really hard to get right at a budget price. When they're done well, they have some texture /excellent lighting /differentation while keeping that same tone.

- Do you know the 60-30-10 rule of color? Google for examples, but it means a room should have 60% one color (in your case, likely white), 30% another color, and 10% an accent color. These ratios will give you a balanced room that'll be pleasing to the eye. I'd like to see you pick something bright -- I'm a red person, but you might prefer something else -- and use it in the curtain, a floor mat, artwork, cannisters, whatever else. That 10% in one color (could include influences of other colors /patterns, but let that 10% color be the star) will make a difference in the room.