Some more photos

I ended up going with no handles for the upper cupboards, but handles for the lower cupboards and drawers for the following reasons: - they were mostly hidden from view anyway due to the island bench; - they were quite a bit cheaper than shark nose (i.e. no handles); and - I wasn't overly keen on crumbs and other kitchen mess making its way into the drawers due to the shark nose design. These articles may help: [https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/is-a-handleless-kitchen-right-for-you-stsetivw-vs~49954976[(https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/is-a-handleless-kitchen-right-for-you-stsetivw-vs~49954976) [https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/6-factors-to-consider-when-choosing-handles-for-your-kitchen-cabinets-stsetivw-vs~30734212[(https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/6-factors-to-consider-when-choosing-handles-for-your-kitchen-cabinets-stsetivw-vs~30734212)

Years ago I would have said vertical but now with arthritis in my right hand, horizontals are easier. However! I think it really depends on the kitchen design itself. To be visually appealing to me it would depend on how much lines are detracting the eye. For example, if you have windows with 8 panes, there will be lots of lines, paneled doors with many boards going vertical, etc. I find that would be too much vertical with handles pointing the same.

After 20 years lighting sales and domestic consultation the only advice is to make them equal distance from each other and from the edges of the island. You dont mention anything in or on the island like a sink so if its just work space make sure they arent to low that they create distinct spots of light, the idea is to provide balanced light along the whole benchtop. Also the fact they are such a solid construction they will provide a definite "zoning" effect, you could possibly raise the middle 1 to give a variation to the theme but after all its your home do what YOU want