Here is the lake view from the kitchen.

Bar height peninsula from the living area. You can see where the L is formed on the left over the raised dishwasher giving me a super deep expanse to use for trays or foo foo.

Another shot of Juan by the sink to be.

Looks like the perfect spot for a beautiful large bowl from the local art fair! It can stand on its own or hold fruit, or a costco size bag of M&Ms!

Or, a beautiful platter or tray from the same art fair, with cocktail necessities, corkscrew, napkins.

I like the bowl idea - probably not the platter as much because it will be harder to see the 'art' since it's raised. Something bold and beautiful.

(Your lake view is sensational! What lake?)

It's called Azalea Lake on the perimeter of a National Forest. Small boats only allowed on it. It is partially spring fed.

You could stick with the clean look, and put something beautiful on the wall instead of on the counter. From the living room side, it's not obvious that there is an L, and anything on the counter should somehow relate to the kitchen (so a bowl of fruit works well). But one has to be able to reach it from the bar side.

bpathome and sjhockeyfan- I like the big bowl AND cocktail tray ideas. What do you think about one of these on occasion?

annkh- yes, that little patch of wall is just crying for something.

I think that iced tea contraption would look great, but probably only in warm weather when it would actually get used.

"Bar height" is actually 42" high. Have you looked for bar stools for a 48" height?

Yes. They are more expensive but they are out there. Back in the day, my first home had a high bar and those stools were amazing. Real chrome and leather swivels. A big investment for us then in the 70's and I've outgrown the chrome, glass and bubble lamps of that era- but man, those were well made.

Love your view! We have done a raised DW in our new build home. Everyone thinks we're crazy too. Things are looking great. Can't wait for your reveal!

The tea jug for summer is perfect. In winter, how about an insulated jug of hot tea, glug, cocoa, or hot toddies, and a bowl of s'mores fixin's?

Thanks nhbaskets- we are getting all these funny looks from the workers who have never installed such a thing in the relatively rural area where we are building. In town, where we live now, the raised dishwasher is featured in a popular builder's design portfolio- TRENDMAKER. As an aging-in-place feature, it is pure genius and I've wanted to do it ever since I saw one in one of their models.

bpathome- that sounds so cozy and appropriate. A seasonal drink station there at the wall end of the bar.