How much room is there between the edge of the patio door and the wall? Is there enough room to accommodate bowls stacked flat, or would they have to be stored on edge? Similar to the storage beside the fridge in rococogurl's kitchen? I like the idea of a long run of shelving, below the window and TV. I couldn't find a good example, but mermanmike's kitchen has some open base shelves below a window.

And since you can use the top as a serving buffet, I say go for it.

Here is a link that might be useful: mermanmike's kitchen

I found an interesting pic on houzz--maybe you could do an expanded version of this wall-mounted shelf:

[Eclectic Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2104) by San Francisco Architects & Designers Actual-Size Architecture

Or ditch the TV, and do a wall of storage, something like this:

[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Norwich Architects & Designers Smith & Vansant Architects PC

Maybe more than you bargained for. ;)

This post was edited by mama_goose on Sat, Jun 8, 13 at 11:39

One more. This isn't under a window, but the depth is fairly shallow, while providing a lot of storage. I wonder if there are pets in the home--I can't imagine being able to keep dishes on those low shelves dust and pet hair free. Maybe just rinse before use? I did that for years with my old sawdust-shedding cabinet drawers.

[Modern Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2105) by New York Architects & Designers Resolution: 4 Architecture

Did I say one more? Searching on Living Rooms will net a lot more 'shelves under windows' pics:

[Traditional Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2107) by Lafayette Interior Designers & Decorators Home Systems , Wendi Zampino

Here is a link that might be useful: shelves under windows/houzz

I appreciate all of the ideas, Mamagoose! We do have animals...2 cats, a small dog and a huge dog, so the open shelving won't work for us. There would be all sorts of fur etc. Yikes!

I did find a 30" high console that might work? I don't know. I have maple and cherry in the kitchen already, so I should probably stick with those finishes, but the walnut on this site looks so beautiful!

Here is a link that might be useful: Modern Shaker 4 door console

Oops, I guess my bias toward white kitchens took over. Yes, the console is beautiful--I love anything with Shaker doors. Would you center it under the TV, under the window, or on the wall?

I don't know. I can't figure out where it would be centered? I guess on the wall? Would it be weird to get in the natural walnut finish?

After measuring the space and thinking about it, centering it on the window makes the most sense. I will still have clearance for the patio door opening to about 130 degrees before it would hit the cabinet. I think I need some weight over on that side of the room as well.

If anyone else has any buffet ideas or thoughts, I'd love to hear them.

Is that a vent below the windows? You should make sure that won't be a problem with whatever piece of furniture you get. You wouldn't want to block the air.

Yes, TexasPenny, that is a vent. I'm looking for furniture with legs so to avoid the vent covering problem. Being a wood grain lover, I am currently lusting after the latest walnut kitchen reveal! I may "need" a piece of walnut furniture!