A bit of color: House has been expanded a number of times over the last 40 years - but still definitely has a weird flow, which probably just can't be fixed. A classic, albeit, small New England Cape. The existing kitchen is in the room to the far end of the house (where the 'new' stairs will be). The existing 'middle' room has a DR table but not much more. The existing stairs in the DR lead to a finished lower lever used as a Den/Family Room.

I am expanding a cape as well. I cannot tell exactly what you are palnning for your extension. Can you post larger picture of just your new kitchen space? Then it might be better to post on the Kitchen forum.

We expanded our cape about 18 months ago. I also am having a difficult time interpreting your drawings since I see 2 to 3 spaces labeled as "dining" and I can't figure out what is new and what is current. Maybe you can separate that out for us?