Well I think my husband mainly wants to hide the chocolate stash away from me as where I would use it to store vases and everything else that you usually keep in the top of the pantry(you only get out once or twice a year). He does have a point but I am worried about boxing ourselves in - no room for growth. He is definitely not itching for his next project (we have been working weekend, after weekend on this house - decking, paving, etc) I worry about the lack of storage. Mainly because I really just like to finish a room and move on. Because I use this space every day its annoying me with how uncompleted it feels to me. I do think it needs something to finish it off and look complete. But I'm glad you like it though Madeline :) I have been researching with what people have suggested and the main trouble I foresee having is actually getting the right product delivered and available. Most don't ship to where I am (I live in a small coastal city) and its about 5hrs drive from the only Ikea in the state or I will have to wait 8 weeks for delivery from over east. So I really have to plan it right. I am reading the reviews on open shelving... well lets just say that is interesting. Thanks again!

That looks like a load-bearing wall. Architecturally, how did they make sure the wall could continue to support the weight above while carving out sections of the middle of it?

In my early twenties I designed kitchens for my mother and two aunts (Uncle built them and they worked), but when it came to designing my own - had to fit a constrained space and no possibility of extension - I chewed my lips for ages - like Nicole, I drew and measured ad infinitum, and used graph book walls, views etc. I did one extra thing - which I think worked - I listed all that I wanted to store, and tried to analyse how I liked working in the kitchen. Some things I had to settle for because of space (such as a smaller dishwasher) but most of it has worked. We have a corner pantry, which I (and the cat, husband a bit larger) can walk into, but have not put small appliances in there - they sit in a large drawer beneath the main working bench, which also works well. It all looks good to me Nicole and thinking carefully about needs and how things work in advance usually results in something you'll be happy with. Good luck!

You can buy the caboodle bamboo kitchen bench top from Bunnings wood section and cut it to any size you want. If you just wax it, it is quite rustic and would save you the cost of getting a benchtop made. It comes in two thicknesses and is 600mm deep. The piece that I bought was 2.4m long. Have a look at it, at least. Then if you have some other rustic pieces or even units with steel tops, it can tie the rest together. My vote is to keep the stove and get some rustic or industrial cup'd handles. A real farmhouse kitchen is a mix and match thing. My vote is for trying to keep the bench you bought as an island if you can. I would go for open shelves along the wall where the stove and fridge are and put the microwave on one of them. Maybe you could find some different tiles for behind the sink. I would rip those shiny ones off the wall and choose something that will fit in with your mix'n match rustic style, or just something quirky - even old wood. It all depends on how much money you want to spend and kitchens add up very quickly. If it functional and pleases your eye, then you are a winner. If the carcasses are still usable, it is much cheaper to just get new doors for them, when you can afford it. I wouldn't bother with window covering in the kitchen. I would just leave it for the light. Maybe a glass shelf across it with some herbs on it. It already sounds good to me.