kitchen update and the difference a transom makes!

Have you looked into Sarah Susanka's fabulous books yet?  If not, you simply must!  The above and following image are from her book Home By Design.  She points out that by varying ceiling heights or using headers and transoms to separate rooms, a space can actually be perceived as more open, yet defined.  (Not to mention the immense character such details add)

Look at the difference between these two photos...one with a transom, and one without.  What a difference a transom makes!

So, remember my kitchen remodel?  (it is nearly complete!)  Now, if you click on my remodel link, you will see the photo where I wrote that I would like to add a header or something to separate the family room from the kitchen.  Since I love this transom idea so much, I had a carpenter come over to give me his thoughts.  He said he could definitely do it, and it would cost around $600.  This is where I need your help, SHOULD I DO IT?  I know it would add character, and I believe in Sarah's design tip, but I am still a little unsure if it would make the space look less spacious!  I need your thoughts!

The cabinet is gone, and I couldn't be happier!  But it left a hole on the wall...

Here is what it looked like after we took the doors off the cabinet, but before we unscrewed it from the soffit.

And here is the first cabinet/shelf that I have ever built!  Once I finish it, it will go in the open space on the wall.

Please tell me your opinion on the transom!  It would look just like the one in the photo at the beginning of this post.  However, it would have 8 glass panels instead of 6 because it is a wider space.  thanks!