We are looking at a total overhaul of our kitchen and are stuck on how to configure the layout in such a way that it does not take away from the living space around the fireplace which is already very restricted. Ours is a small 1300 sq ft bungalow and presently the kitchen is centred in long and narrow space (9 x 18). We already removed one of the walls hoping for an open concept. Load bearing walls are not an issue. We were thinking of keeping the space furthest from the fireplace as a formal dining room. We have tried several kitchen layouts (peninsula, island, galley) but there all seemed to create a new problem. I am tending towards U shaped peninsula with cabinets along the 2 existing walls but would love some expert advise on this.