You have some good ideas but if you're going to sell soon and aren't planning on taking the soffit out, I would just do some minor changes and keep the cabinets (just add a couple cabinets). I wouldn't move the sink but just get a nice stainless steel sink and update faucet. I'd get a stainless stove vent. Remove the wall on the left of the refrigerator but then just do a small pull out pantry on the right of the refrigerator. And, put a cabinet above the refrigerator and make it look built in. A glass backsplash, can lights on the ceiling and pendants above the penninsula. I think a raised counter will make the kitchen/room feel smaller.

Hi there, here's my problem with your existing plan--there's no counter space between the sink and the refrigerator. Where will you prep your meals and where will you place your groceries when putting them away in the fridge? I have three ideas. 1.You could relocate the sink and DW to the peninsula. 2. Forget about the pantry, move the fridge over and gain that counter space. 3. Turn the pantry on it's side and make it 13" deep--it will still be useful. I am attaching a photo of a 13" hutch, but it could easily be a pantry with solid doors. I like that James Buckley suggested that you center the range on the wall--it makes it a focal point and you're not squished in the corner. Good luck and post photos when you're done.

Thank you everyone for your comments. We live outside Christchurch, and the house was badly damaged in the quakes here. The post-quake rebuild process could safely be described as slightly chaotic, and the house company I am using are located some distance away (like on the North Island), which is why discussion with the architect has been - em - less than optimal. The architect threw something at me to get me out of my comfort zone I think and this is what's freaking me out! I think the windows on the east side are to come (no reason for them not being there), and probably a skylight in the kitchen roof. The section of land is narrow and steep, (this is a historic port town and with access from the south (where the view is); there is no parking other than on the street (south). Patricia - the laundry doesn't sit right with me either! Looks a bit like it's been glued on the side of the hosue. And it is too small as it is to store coats, shoes etc. This is the access to the back garden - thus the door (also means muddy boots can be dumped when we come in!). Entering a house through a living room is very common over here, especially where space is at a premium (small section, small house footprint).

I would suggest you take out the cabinet that is to the right of the stove and use it elsewhere in the house -- perhaps in the bathroom or dining room with a hutch above it. Then, I would suggest you have someone install a lazy susan cabinet in the corner between the sink counter and the stove, meaning you would move the stove down a bit and have a small cabinet/counter top to the right of the stove. I would suggest you have the cabinets refinished in white and then paint the walls a pastel you like. If you would prefer white walls, then add white-painted crown molding and paint the ceiling a light neutral blue, such as Sherwin Williams Niagara Falls Blue. Then, I would suggest you choose a favorite accent color and use this sparingly in accessories like towels, pot holders, small vases or floral arrangements, and a valence above the triple windows. For a genuine 1940s look, you might have white ceramic square tiles with a rectangular red border installed as a back splash behind and above the stove. If you are replacing counter tops, I would suggest a light color such as white with a beige or light grey vein or striation for some sort of pattern. You might be able to find the same color and design in floor tile OR opt for a wood floor as another poster suggested.