There are only two cabinets in the kitchen that open at eye level. We need more. My wife does not want to get on a step stool to reach each cabinet. We don’t NEED more counter space, but it would be nice. We are thinking of building into the breakfast nook, or some how pushing into the pantry/butler pantry area.
Link to blueprint
You could add a china hutch or buffet to either butler pantry wall or in the breakfast nook area.
indeed buffet was my first thought too because it would give the extra countertop space he wants. But otoh, he doesn't want to bend over for the extra storage. There could be cabinets above the buffet though.