[look 171]

Move the ref. to where the stove is now and switch with the stove. You need 30" above the stove so you can get a large pot in there or work comfortably (code here). New refs. are 36" wide. A counter depth ref. may work better for you given the depth you have there. Your kitchen will feel opened up tremendously if you move that ref. out of there. PLus, you can keep all that cabinets on that side. I always design my kitchens with counter space on both side of the stove and at least one counter area next to the ref. You will wonder how you lived without it, even though it may only be 12 or 14".

How often do you actually use that pull out cart under that tall cabinet next the ref now? Get rid of all that and give yourself 18" counter and cabinet on the left of that stove and use what ever you have left there on the right near the sink. Depends on how much room you have next to the sink (can't see it from the picture), a small cabinet can be squeeze in there. Upper cabinet will fill that space above from window to the edge of the cabinet left of the stove. If you feel like spending a few bucks, then have new doors and drawer installed for a new feel and look. A cabinet maker should be able to match that style of door in his sleep. That's a big soffit above the cabinets. What's in there? I am sure you can use that dead space but it will cost you to have new cabinets built all the way up to the top. In your situation, a microwave hood combo will work best due to the limited space and keeping some of the existing cabinets. That should be within your budget.

If you pocket still feels too heavy, then have your cabinet man make floor to ceiling cabinets opposite from your existing ref. Make sure they are no more then 12" depth because you will need that room to move around there. It will serve as a pantry, (I love shallow pantries, very easy to see and use). For a more open feel, split them up and have a counter between the lower and upper with glass doors ( opaque glass, so you can be a little sloppy with stacking stuff in there). Make sure you DO NOT jam that cabinet up to the door way like you have now. Step it back 6" form the door way. You will need it. Again feel is very important in this situation. You can have lots of cabinet space and that's a must, but it has to balance with the way a kitchen feels especially in a small space to create the open comfortable feeling as you walk in there.

Oh, counter depth refs are smaller then what you have now, so be careful. I know that's been the complain from lots folks, but you give and take and must make a choice. All this should be within your budget.