Oh, and a few months ago, I was playing around. This is what came as the result :D

I'd shunt the stove and the sink so you have space to work between the sink and the stove, especially. And then I'd put a skinny pull out pantry to the left of the fridge to end that run, not a wall. Lots of storage, and you can get them at 15" width. I wouldn't put anything on the island such as a sink or a cooktop, blech. Much easier to have a plain island.

I am facing the same thing !! In the same spot Your ideas sound fab. I was going to put a door on mine as I don't have pretty books like you have though. But indent the bifold door 300 in, and make it 600 wide as the hole is 900 then have shelves on one side for some treasures I will start to collect cos I have a place now for them. Do you love the arch or are you going to square it off? Do you love the small one on the left? If not...make it a square niche and modernise them / it, as I'm not a big fan but you may love them. What you propose sounds perfect. The dark colour, nice too..or moody wallpaper on the back wall before putting up the shelves.

I have a weird shaped window that I am having difficulty solving. I need to be able to control the light, while still being able to see out. The room gets cold in winter (south facing), and hot in summer (gets sun early morning and late afternoon). I need to control the light so my fabric and paper don't fade, need the lovely even light for working, and have a lovely view from my desk. Venetians or vertical blinds would be perfect except for the angles. Any suggestions?