If you feel you would have enough bench space and storage with the bifold doors, then I would go with that option. It also creates symmetry with the external view. However if you require storage and bench space, then option 1 would work as well. As previously posted, it depends how you live. It must be practical for your family, not just look good.

Having bifold windows could also be a great feature, with external stools at servery. It would give a great bench space to place platters and glasses, without guests having to come into kitchen. With your gable ceiling, it will still look a wonderful place, and give you more options for storage.

prefer to focus on views looking out and comfort for users so would have the extra bench space with servery and invest savings in a skylight over the kitchen to highlight your gorgeous raked ceilings and add extra brightness to the whole space

Option 2 for me with a longer island and keeping the flow out to the BBQ (Outdoor Kitchen)

Updated with the cupboards overhead for option 1

Those cabinets look high?and neither line up with the door or window height, I would stick with the original Architects design

Hi Cat, I wonder if, knowing your location would make a difference to decision? Tassy = less doors, more windows. QLD = doors for sure.

But another thing too (and this could be location dependent too) with all by fold doors can you open anything just a little for a waft of fresh air over night without having a door open, difficult to control amount of open and maybe not so secure? I love the look of by folds or better still sliding stacker doors, cause they are not in the way when open, but in Melbourne at lease I need to be able to open a window a smidge for winter fresh air without loosing window to a gust or it being an open invite to robbers!

Hope this is helpful.

Cheers Margot

Whilst at outset I would say opt 2. But. This will also depend on the layout of bbq area outside. Some wall space there may be great, you seem to have a lot of doors already. Think of outside as another room. How will it be used, what furniture and storage is needed.

Hallo there,

Yup, as mentioned it’s an entirely personal decision this one - a ‘whatever works’ scenario. That said, I heard a great piece of advice once (either here on Houzz or the Grand Designs guy): never choose windows based on exterior aesthetics, as you can make an odd window look good on the outside with good cladding or landscaping; but an unfortunate window placement can easily ruin a room.

Also, if you do go with the bifolds (though I too prefer stackers) I would try deepening the island rather than lengthening it, and moving the sink a little further to one side - gives you a massive space for baking/pastry-making, kids “helping” etc.

Hope that helps a bit :-)

For me option 1 would be more functional. Particularly if you have multiple people in the kitchen. The zoning seems to work better, assuming the sink goes under the window. You can have clean up going on while someone else is prepping dessert. But I am biased against having a main sink in an island. Option 2 will be a better showpiece though which may suit you fine if you generally only have one (clean and organised) person in the kitchen.

Why are the doors on the left hand room in the elevation shorter than the other doors?

OP, you should also consider energy efficiency & comfort. It's great that you appear to have north facing living areas (with a high proportion of glazing facing this direction). But looking at the elevation picture, it appears you may have too much glass.

Overglazing can result in a home that becomes uncomfortably hot, even in winter! This is very dependent on your location & climate. Cooler climates need more exposed north facing glass, & exposed thermal mass (concrete or masonry) to absorb that solar radiation. Warmer climates require less exposed north facing glass & thermal mass, particularly hot humid climates, where exposed thermal mass can be very detrimental. In these climates it's important that northern glass is shaded, even in winter of glass areas are too high.

As there's no floor plan, & you haven't mentioned your location, it's hard to tell if you've overglazed with exposed northern glass. Read the following site, & consider your glazing to floor area & glazing to mass ratios.

http://yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/thermal-mass

Thanks very much everyone for the input! We are in South West Qld so hot summers and cold winters. We are going with sliding stacker doors over bifolds due to the need for adequate screening!

Option 2 any day of the week - indoor/outdoor flow perfectly suiting your climate zone/lifestyle, and it is much better balanced both internally and externally. Nothing worse or "cheap" looking than the end of a kitchen cabinet run stopping randomly on a wall. cabinetry always looks better finishing into a wall. Don't upset the careful balance achieved by your architect, who obviously has a good eye when you compare the elevations. Maximise the connection with the outdoors and your warm climate.

Best of luck PD:)

Your original option two would be my choice.

I think option 2 looks better both internally and externally.

Thank everyone! We are going with the architects original plan (option 2) :)