Natalie, I didn't even think of that with the microwave! I knew it didn't look right - there was an extra small piece of cabinet that I assumed was meant to go there to finish it off but I couldn't work out how it fitted lol. Unfortunately the doorway at the end of the fridge isn't even remotely a straight wall.so the end panel we had either looked silly or had to sit in far enough that the fridge wouldn't fit. So my dad & I built that box above the fridge to measure & I had to plaster the doorway wall a bit thicker & taper it to the box. Would a pelmet or something similar work for the window? The other side of the window is the end of our entertainment area & we are planning on putting a shelf under it as a pass through/bar so would rather not have a full blind. I also put the frosting up as a temporary measure whilst renovating, but have actually grown fond of it. I did consider lining the window with trim like a frame? Examples below:

The above counter cabinet doors are MDF 2 pack poly with metal mesh inserts and the floor to ceiling cupboard are MDF 2 pack poly with v grooves. Does that make sense?!

I do like the idea of the hob in the island so you can be connected to the living area while cooking, but splatter can be a problem. Have you thought of connecting the island to the bench under the window, and putting the hob at that end of it? That way you could have a low splashback in front of the hob. It looks like you've got plenty of space to be creative with the shape of the bench here if, as I suspect, there are doors adjacent to this area. When I lived in Italy, I saw an apartment kitchen where the space was very limited, and they had a door to the balcony from the kitchen, so they had to very creative with the layout. The bench was a lovely sinuous shape, which tapered from the bar/eating area to a narrower end in front of the door. It was absolute genius. The sink and dishwasher could also move to this area if you have the budget to move the plumbing, keeping your cooking and clean-up area together, and the splashback would provide a bit of cover for dirty dishes. I like the idea of moving the cooking and cleaning zone away from the thoroughfare of the stairs. Alternatively, you could move the pantry into the alcove and put the sink where the pantry is currently. You could make the alcove area galley style, which would make that area feel more spacious. Am I right in thinking that outside the kitchen window is an outdoor dining/living area? Are you planning on changing the window so that it opens up more? A bar either inside or outside the window would provide a nice connection from the kitchen to the outside, especially if you move the hob to this area. You have so much space here that your options are pretty much endless. I suggest having a good play with cutouts of your appliances on a floor plan to see how you could make the space really sing.

Just remember that good quality tapware is EXPENSIVE and so is the plumber to change out the tap so go for the best you can afford - tapware will either make or break the look you're going for in terms of big ticket items. But go for what you want - infact take a sample of your benchtop and put it next to the tap and a stainless steel appliance in the Ikea showroom and have a look to decide for yourself - it all depends on personal taste.