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'm no expert on paint, but there are lots of heat resistant paint out there for temperatures from 300°-1200°, they're used around fireplaces, etc so I'm sure you can find one appropriate for behind a cook top that meets code, maybe ask whoever's doing your kitchen, or even the ppl you'll buy the pressed metal from, surely they'll have some idea... good luck :)

I think the decision rests with whether you NEED a butlers pantry! No point in putting one in just because the room is there. But as one post suggested you could loose the current pantry, thus enlarging the family room, and then you maybe have need for a large pantry. I am a little dubious about a 'butlers pantry' idea in general - a storage pantry is most useful but having appliances etc in another room just means more walking from room to room during meal preparation. I think deciding to include a butlers pantry would require a great deal of thought on exactly how you would use the space. A cleanup space - yes that could be handy; where dishes and pots could be stashed during a meal, saving the kitchen proper for serving up. Still means a lot of walking! I think the kitchen work triangle is still a useful concept! And those big island benches with a sink - so your guests can sit and chat while you cook, and watch the dishes piling up under their noses? Ugh! Not for me! They look lovely when clean and EMPTY, but as a usable sociable area, not practical. (Sorry for the rant; has nothing to do with your question or your kitchen, but this is a bugbear of mine!)

Hi There, You've had a lot of advice but just consider with having that hob in the entrance means if you are entertaining or have children who need to get to the sink area they will need to cross the path and enter the cooking zone of the chef. Where as if you put the sink in that location the kids and or guests can access the fridge and sink without interrupting your work flow. For some odd reason I can't see your original photos of the lay out you had. I'mm a kitchen designer and enjoy a challenge. If you would like me to take a look and see if I can do you a quick diagram to maximize the storage and bench top, I could? Emma