Not a pro, but I like the color scheme/ vibe you’ve chosen. Definitely understand not wanting things to feel claustrophobic if you think you can live without very much storage. If you haven’t gotten estimates for the window, you should before going too far down that rabbit hole as it won’t be cheap (I do like your idea to add a window, and you could mimic the window with a glass door cabinet flanking other side of the oven if worried about symmetry).

Is there living space above the kitchen? If not, solatubes are a fairly cost-efficient way to bring actual daylight into a space (but without the view).

You have a window and want to add another window? I'd rethink another window and put in better lighting.

yes because the nice light comes from the west and it also opens to the deck-view would be a bonus. will consider improving the lighting instead.

@Old Home Restorer Thank you! ill be changing the colors a bit to match another space off the kitchen i just did but vibe will be similar.

i did get an estimate for a window and it was within our budget so its possible. like the idea of glass cabinet on the other side-- thanks!

unfortunately there is living space above the kitchen so not possible to go up--

-lack of counterspace

Saying this gently: You're not short on counterspace. Rather, you have a lot of clutter. Focus on good drawers /cabinets that'll hold everything -- and store it where you need it.

- poor natural light

Yeah, you have one nice window, but those dark green lower cabinets are sucking up your light. Your answer is easy: Light cabinets -- could be white, cream or pale wood. And you need an overhead light + a pendant over the sink + undercounter lighting.

-inefficient storage.

Yeah, this is what I was saying above -- it shows up in the countertop clutter.

--adding a window to the right of the stove

Okay, adding or enlarging a window is real money, as it involves opening up your exterior wall. Thoughts if you're going that far:

- Adding a window could be a good idea, but it means you're losing an upper cabinet. If you do that, figure out where you're going to replace that storage.

- Instead of adding a window, consider enlarging the one you have. Look at counter-depth windows. That extra 6-8" at the bottom of the window brings in extra light.

- Could you add a skylight? Solar tubes?

- Symmetry isn't everything.

-Removing some of the uppers ... clausterphobic. I've pruged and several of them are empty.

Eh, maybe. I understand what you're trying to do -- but your countertops are cluttered. You obviously need that storage.

I like the current layout of the cabinets over the Ikea plan. Maybe just replace them, in same sizes as the cabinets you already have, and even though the light from the window is nice, you will appreciate a better lighting plan even more, especially in the evenings, or the time of year when it gets dark earlier in the evening.

Is the 73" diagonal line on the floor plan a wall or just measuring an opening? Could you post a photo of that area?