[RWebb]

yes, open the kitchen wall to the dining room - the acess opening shown is blocked by cabinet doors and way too small & twisty

generally, use the "work triangle" developed in the 1950s -- draw it out large and every time you transition from one station to another in the current kitchen, make a mark on the drawing - I drew color coded arrows, with the colors being wt. of stuff being carried and what

in the PNW, I favor light colors (since there ain't no light fer 6 months)

I'd also follow the classic styling approach that Butzi used for the 911, and eschew a bunch of the drama that is faddish right now for kitchens