We have been visiting this forum for a while now and have found it extremely helpful in the initial stages of planning a kitchen remodel. Now it's time to take it to the next level. We have some rough design ideas that we would appreciate feedback on.

A little background on our kitchen - it was built in the 80s and is about 20'X10'. The current layout has a range on one of the smaller dimension walls leaving no working room around the range. There is a peninsula in the middle of the room that cuts it into half. The other side of the peninsula has space for a small dining table. We want to remove the peninsula and expand the countertops/cabinets all the way along the longer dimension. This wall currently has a door that opens to a side patio. We are willing to get rid of the door and replace it with a window.

Here are a few preliminary designs we have generated for this space:

http://s1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff517/moon_2011/Kitchen design/

Please let us know what you guys think. Our main priorities are to increase the available counter and cabinet space and provide a seamless work environment. We are unsure at present about what to do with all empty space in the middle. The kitchen is too narrow for an island. Maybe a butcher block?

Thanks so much!