I cook a lot too and the wall adjacent cooktop would drive me crazy. I understand the need for separate cooking/reheating. Keep layout A.

1. Move refrigerator to far left to maximize countertop.
2. Reheating station to the far left of the sink side. Q: Is the counter space under the TO shelf really usable? I would put the TO on the counter and maybe put a small shelf over it.

We went on vacation recently during high temps at our home so we gathered our potted plants into plastic kiddie pools. filled it about half full of water. They were all happy and healthy when we got home.

Also we have been using clay watering spikes that you put into pots and put a bottle full of water into them. (wine bottles, glass water bottles, anything with a long small neck) .This has really helped during the high temperatures, Some of our plants were needing to be watered twice a day, but not with the spikes.

I’m starting to choose plants that are more drought tolerant and for a higher zone than normal. These patterns are sadly changed and so I think choosing native isn’t quite enough now.
An open patio isn’t an option anymore either.

Thanks to Houzz for running these types of articles and thanks to everyone for your variety of great responses The only easy “upgrade” I have to offer (lol) is the reuse of empty water bottles. I fill used water bottles of any size with water, freeze them, remove the lids, and place the inverted bottle at the base of whatever I really need to hydrate. Even on the hottest days they last quite awhile with their “fancy drip system.” Once empty I refill them for the next day or time. Happy gardening everyone and stay cool! ~VA BEACH