Hacking down the service yard walls and windows was the few few decisions we made without any hesitation. We don't get much natural light in the kitchen and the walls just make the whole space look darker and smaller.
Look at how much more light, space, and air flow we get when the service yard walls are down!
We also don't have any issues with cooking smell because we don't do super oily cooking and the natural ventilation is great in the house.
With the walls now, it also freed up the space for us to reconfigure the placements of our furnishing. We are able to put the washer dryer and fridge in the service yard, which freed up space in the main kitchen for more cabinets and countertop space! We're also super lucky to find an automated laundry rack that still fits in whatever space that is lift!
100% no regrets!