You could also leave two pillars of the wall in, with a benchtop inbetween, allowing for seating. That way the pillars become part of your storage space, bookending the bench. You could add shelves on either d=side, or both, or have a cupboard. It would create depth around the area and extra storage is always a boon. That way, if the wall is load bearing, it is less expensive to deal with. Idea on Houzz here: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/21-creative-ways-with-load-bearing-columns-stsetivw-vs~26902635

I can understand that you like symmetry - as it is one of my likes as well. Have you thought about moving the fridge cavity over to the other wall and positioning the stove in that cavity and moving the rangehood underneath the cupboard there. That would allow you to open up the window and centre it moreso. I myself have a galley kitchen with little cupboard space and my husband and I are discussing the same issue about cutting the wall down to bench height. This is going to limit both my rooms - so I am hesitant to recommend you lose all the valuable cupboard space. Consider a redesign of that wall before you lose it altogether.

Thanks guys!!! I think we will have to remove as much of the internal wall as structurally feasible to make the opening wider and get rid of the 'poky window feel'. The overhead bulkhead is not ideal, but will give us storage space we need. The microwave can go under the bench. Giselle - unfortunately the fridge has to stay in its current location (too deep to be moved to the other wall). I was hoping to maybe add some cabinetry or open shelving on the left hand to balance the look? The cabinet over the fridge is not a must. Or maybe a feature pendant light in LHS the corner? I think I will have to learn how to embrace the lack of symmetry.... :(

https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/7902927/scoop-lighting-contemporary-pendant-lighting

i would fill in the space above the dishwasher with cabinets, to balance the look. i would even consider swapping out that rangehood for a slide out built in one, and make that entire wall cabinetry around the window. As you would lose all your top cupboards if you remove the wall in between, you will most likely need additional storage. also, i think that building it all in, will actually streamline the look, as the rangehood does look a bit squashed in between the fridge and the window. i like isellev's idea of taking out the wall, but bookending with storage pillars. Very functional, and would look great i believe. you could even plan them so they can have some storage on both sides, so then they look nice from the living side, as well as being functional. good luck.

Connie and Karen. Thanks for your advise. I don't like the range hood either (my husband does). I was trying to cut down the cost and where possible use our existing appliances but you confirmed what I have already known - the range hood has to go!