Hi there Pete, I also like the idea of utilising the space under the stairs. Perhaps consider moving the fridge under the stairs and microwave unit also. The joinery could be integrated so that it matches your existing cupboards. Also under the stairs could be a series of pot holding drawers and these can be quite deep. If the drawers are going to be heavy consider adding casters to the bottom of the drawers, this will make it easier to slide in and out. The pantry unit could then be built where your fridge is located. I find some pantries that have a 600mm deep shelf difficult to successfully store pantry items. Have you considered pull out pantry shelving with inbuilt lighting. These units would measure approximately 300mm wide by 600mm deep. Judging from the potential space where the fridge is pictured, you could potentially install 3 pull out pantry units. The existing cupboard height doesn't match the height of the windows, so perhaps consider increasing the height of the joinery to match, thus giving you more storage. But it would mean that you would need a step ladder to access the items stored at a greater height. The island bench looks a bit small, have you considered extending it a little and to then have a 300mm overhang to accommodate 2 - 3 bar stools. You may wish to consider building in a wine storage unit next to the dishwasher - it could face the same way as dishwasher or face into the lounge area. If you face it the same way as the dishwasher consider putting in a false back into the joinery, as wine bottle only need 300mm depth, not 600mm depth. The way the dishwasher currently finishes, doesn't line up with the edge of the second window, might look a bit more 'designed' if this is lined up. The area between the windows is not utilised, so narrow shelving could house spices, every day items like coffee cups, or even some decorative items. The return of overhead cupboards into the corner could add substantial storage also, so please consider a corner unit butting up against the window on the left.

Hope this helps,

Cheers

Halia, Wild Terrain Designs, Melbourne, Australia

I would agree that the fridge and pantry be built in under the stairs and just run floor and wall cupboards along the current cooktop/oven wall ,NO return under the window, Replace this with a longer wider Island with sink and dishwasher Microwave, this would look more up to date and user friendly. cheers

Massive under-utilization of space. Why does the kitchen stop short under the windows? I gather your plans aren't to scale (huge TV?)

• I'd add another 3 cabinets under the windows.

• I would swing the island around, and consider putting the dishwasher/sink in that. You might be able to add another cabinet unit to the island.

• There is a dead corner near the stove also. I'd move the stove to where the dishwasher is if that is possible with window frame and fire-rating.

• With the cabinetry where the fridge/stove is - I'd convert is to floor to ceiling cupboards (your ceilings are high, so use the space above and get a step ladder). You will fit a big pull out pantry and the fridge and microwave here.

is this an existing house or a new build?

having cabinets or shelves close to the window will make the kitchne feel closed in and cluttered...i prefer your idea: have the cabinets finish at least 30 cm short of the window but don't add any shelves until you live with the kitchen OR finish the cabinets at least 60 cm short of the window and consider narrow shelves...if you hold up something (a broom?) to represent the line of the proposed wall cabinets and stand back and identify the position that doesn't obscure the window from a distance that should be the ideal width of the wall cabinets

aysymmetrical is gorgeous and having the wall and base cabinets the same is only an issue in a cross section view a real life 3d view will look very different and the view out the window and the comfort and convenience of your cabinets is much more important

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my own kitchen had a similar dilemma and, against the cabinet makers advice, i chose to install the cooktop and range hood to one side of the base cabinets and the wall cabinets set back 30 cms from the window and none of the wall cabinets line up with the base cabinets and imo the most important aspect is that the kitchen is very comfortable to use and having the window set back allows for more light and feels much better...i did consider having glass shelves in front of the window but decided that would only clutter up the view