U-shaped kitchen in the house we bought had corner drawers in one corner and a blind (useless) corner on the other side. We got rid of both corners. The kitchen is now a straight line and an island, open at both ends, with a third bench with drawers under along the window wall. No corners, and no obstacles to block traffic between the kitchen, butler's pantry and the veranda where we eat most of our meals. Much more practical. I hated being trapped in the U-shaped kitchen and having to walk in big circles around the bench to get out to the dining areas.

I actually have a mix of drawers and cupboards and a few shelves in my kitchen – each was chosen according to how they would be used. So there are drawers for nearly everything (crockery, saucepans, baking equipment, mixing bowls, small appliances, salad bowls, chopping boards, cutlery, tea towels, aprons, oven mitts, appliance manuals etc etc) although I have a few shallow, push to open handleless cupboards for wine glasses, bottles of alcohol, vases etc that open into the dining room. I have a few open shelves in a recessed section of wall for serving platters, large and small, and small decorative items like jugs that give me pleasure to look at as well as two shelves for cook books. I also have shelves in my pantry as well as a cupboard with pull-out wire baskets. And a wonderful tall cupboard that has the brooms, dustpan, hand-held vacuum cleaner, fire extinguisher, step ladder all stored neatly and accessibly. So a real mix of drawers and cupboards – and it works really well as well as giving me pleasure!

Hi Colleen. If you don't like Shaker style, I'd focus on contemporary but understated, as opposed to modern cabinets. Think matt or satin finish, rather than gloss for cabinets. You don't necessarily need handles, but if you do keep them architectural and simple. For example, a D shape handle in stainless steel as opposed to anything fancy. Finally, I'd avoid doing a glass splash back in this architectural situation. This is where you can inject personality. I know subway tiles have been overdone, but you can still include slightly different patterns, such as herringbone or running them vertically rather than horizontally. Or if you prefer a bit of colour, go for something like a 100x100 hand-made tile in a colour you like (or something that looks hand-made). While these tiles are more expensive, you've got a relatively small amount to purchase, and this can make all the difference. I hope that helps, best wishes with everything.

Go with your gut Tracy..... it is a big investment but I have found that if it makes you smile every time you walk into your kitchen you'll never regret it!!!! I've recently moved into a smaller downsized home with my 3rd black kitchen, with drawers, no cupboards, except for the pantry which we use as the crockery and wine glasses stash. Mine is matt but no handles = no hip bangers! I chose to use snow white stone bench tops, the walls are painted natural white while the floors are pale oak hybrid vinyl.