Linda's ideas
This is from another Cincinnati kitchen,, where light maple cabinets and black granite counters have been used to good effect. Without exact measurements I imagine my kitchen without the U-shape would have a similar width and flow. Very smart to locate the cook top and oven not on top of one another, as it better meets the space requirements of multiple cooks.
Okay, I've already "liked" the wall treatment, and I don't want an island. But what about a table on wheels that doubles as a prep area for multiple cooks who like to talk and drink wine together? Could be wheeled up to a wall or into the dining room as a second party buffet, or placed next to a wide bench for casual in-kitchen eating. An island that's not an island. Keep it clean...no under-surface storage, although drawers might be okay
1st floor palette
Q