You’re in fabulous New Orleans, 129; everything looks good there. :)

Plus, lots of color in New Orleans... In fact, I think legislation is pending to ban white paint there.

36 inch cooktop and 30 inch oven?

I would also suggest not taking the cabinet to the left of the refrigerator down to the countertop. I like the look of countertop cabinets - however, it seems like you need more countertop space next to the refrigerator. If you had an island with an end that was directly across from the refrigerator, then you could sacrifice the countertop to the left of the refrigerator - but you don't.

I too would be tempted to maximize counter space and then put a terrific storage piece in the DR for overflow dishware

More ideas for low-level lighting

Adjustable fixture from Amazon hidden behind sofa. It's on a timer, set to turn on for a few hours in the evening.

This one has a couple of 15 watt bulbs/equivalents. Also on a timer. The lamp is from CB2, c. 2008. I think Amazon and West Elm have something similar.

Somebody's been smoking.

Steps made of pallets will likely rot.