what do you mean by Kitchen Reno?

If you are replacing ALL the cabinets or reconfiguring the layout, I would open up the pantry wall and forget a closet style pantry and replace it all with matching cabinets.

No refrig. on an angle, and even change the peninsula layout to be open to the dining room. so you aren't walking around it to access the dining table.

Is the floor solid under the peninsula or will changing it affect the flooring?

i cant change any layout on bottom at all

question do i make wall above pantry go all the way up to ceiling

and should i move fridge to where pantry is and move pantry into corner - after i decide that i will do all new refacing cabinets and make them go all the way to ceiling

yes i need to keep walk in pantry 100% i need the storage -

Yes, all the way to the ceiling and move the refrigerator to the pantry.

You would have a corner pantry, and no landing zone for things from the fridge? Farther to add a quick condiment or anything you prepped and put in the fridge, now need to toss into what you’re cooking?

Here are options. I don't like having the pantry wall extended to the ceiling.

There's really not enough room on the wall where you have placed the arched cabinet. It should have some space around it.

Turn the table and chairs so that your chairs are placed diagonally.

if storage is the issue according to your statement ...why isnt the area to the right of sink providing storage [its a lot of inches] is there a lack of good storage drawers ? . you say the layout cant be changed but swapping lower hinged cabinets for good sized storage drawers should be considered .....it would involve pulling the counter and working on that area to right of sink....then replace with a beautiful piece of granite / some pendant lights and just leave the closet/ pantry and other cabinets alone ..........you have a lot of inches to get storage to right of sink / a lot easier with a much better visual outcome and cheaper than what you propose.

i added some Ai thoughts - i need to make the biggest impact at lowest cost of course

no counter replacement and we already have new floors

so just trying to decide on wall height and cabinets

thinking if i replace the pantry door to match cabinets that will help and all the same color

dark bottom light top ?

why spend for "impact" at all? if thats the goal ..put in pendant lights/ change bar stools and get a visual focus backsplash. AI is not your practical friend.

i cant do pendents to busy living room ceiling fan is to close room is really small

living kitchen all one room

trust me i cant do pendents

ceiling is way to high sorry i want update not impact sorry

i need light and bright and new in here its old dark cherry wood

all scratched so need to paint or replace doors and deciding on that half ceiling piece is my only real decision and color

okay so youve narrowed it down....youd best get quotes....you are considering paint vs replace doors and then adding to height? they are different projects...youd best get someone out and get quotes..... you indicate "low cost" and I dont think any of this is low cost in todays market. Its helpful to have someone experienced look at this and talk to you about the project and the steps and the costs. That will help you decide.