Angie, I just mean that I wouldn't need symmetry on the range wall and that I could have a smaller base cabinet to the right of the range so that I could have a vent that clears the window (it could be easily removed, which is why I didn't draw it in and it's got odd dimensions). And, yes, we *could* vent out onto the deck. Chances are, if my husband was out grilling (his Big Green Eggs are there) I wouldn't be using the range. And that's probably the path of least resistance since in the 1990's they removed the brick veneer back there and replaced it with corrugated tin panels ::scratches head:: Marcolo, the area to the left of the Subzero is 48" wide. I think it works better as cabinets/storage - or maybe as the microwave zone. I can live without an EIK. And a peninsula...might end up being a "barrier peninsula".

First, Scotch moss is not a moss at all but a low growing mossy-looking groundcover with white flowers (mosses don't flower). And it is not well suited to much shade. It likes a rich, moisture retentive soil in full to part sun. I doubt your Scotch moss will do very well for you in that much shade. Second, consider using your rocks to make a dry stream bed. Depending on where you site the bed and how long it is, you may need to get a few more rocks, specially some with a bit more size to them. Dry stream beds can be useful in directing water away from certain areas during heavy rains (sometimes placed where drainage/runoff normally occurs) but even if it never sees any runoff, a dry stream bed is a great way to show off low growing rock plants tucked in here and there along its sides. It can be a very attractive addition to a garden. Just try to make it look as natural as possible. The link above illustrates the process and the end result very nicely.

"I need an appliance cabinet to hold the toaster, blenders, mixer etc but not sure where to put it" I'd put them in the pantry cabinets. 15" deep shelves are plenty deep enough - mine all fit on 12" deep shelves. Pantry shelves 12" to 15" deep are practical - anything deeper is not practical. . "...Bosch speed oven currently placed in the island (facing the sink) - since this will also be our only microwave DH is concerned it will be too low & we have to bend/ squat every time to use it." Unless you're a very short family, your DH is right - it will be too low to use easily. A better alternative would be a MW drawer for your MW if you don't have room for a tall oven cabinet. . "Should the upper cabinet on the left end of the stove wall turn the corner and extend above the DW? This will only extend along 5' of this wall, for the next 7' there is a lower slanted ceiling" No, I would keep it the way it is at this point - unless you really need the extra upper cabinet space. I think the slope will be crowding the sink wall. (See the end of this post for key information needed about the slope.) . "Would it be better to have a square island (4' x 4') with 2 + 2 seating rather than the longer island with 3 + 1 seating" Yes, but a 4'x4' island will not allow 2x2 seating if they're on adjacent sides. Only one seat can occupy a corner - not two. In addition, did you plan to eliminate the pantry cabinets to accommodate a wider island? . . So, there are other issues as well. Refrigerator...Unless it's a true built-in, it cannot be against the wall like that. You need to either put the doorway right next to it (and make the doorway wide enough to accommodate an open refrigerator door + traffic) -or- put a 12" wide cabinet b/w the wall and the refrigerator. Dishwasher...The DW should be on the other side of the sink. You don't want it in the Prep Zone. Range & Island...The way your island is arranged right now, the prep sink is wasted. It's too far from the range and the refrigerator. In fact, the island is a barrier b/w the prep sink in the island and the refrigerator. In addition, it's on an aisle with the DW and Cleanup Zone, so it really won't be useful. A better arrangement would be to have the island deep enough to have the prep sink on the side of the island facing the range - as long as you have enough room for 36" to 42" of workspace (36" is the bare minimum, 42" is much better). Prep Zone...Based on the arrangement of your layout, your primary Prep Zone will be b/w the cleanup sink and range. You definitely do not want the DW on the right side of the sink. Island seating...Your island is not deep enough for seating. For counter-height seating, the island needs to be a minimum of 41.5" deep (40.5" if you don't put a decorative door or finished panel on the back of the island cabinets...but, in this case, you will need to b/c the backs of Ikea cabinets are not finished.) The minimum seating overhang is 15" of clear knee/leg space. If the overhang is too shallow b/c of your aisle widths, then either you should not have seating b/c your kitchen cannot fit it or you need to eliminate those cabinets behind the seats. People take up the same amount of space in the aisle even when you skimp on the overhang - they're just a lot more uncomfortable sitting there. (I would question your KD about this, s/he should know this...) 41.5" = 1.5" counter overhang + 24" deep cabinets + 1" decorative door/end panel + 15" seating overhang . KEY INFORMATION NEEDED Regarding the sloped ceiling...how low is the lowest point and how high is the highest? Does it slope from the DR toward the range wall? -or- Does it slope from the left wall to the right wall? Would the refrigerator fit under it? Most refrigerators are around 6' tall. Or, could a shortened tall oven cabinet fit under it? If not, then I'm doubting you can even have workspace there b/c it will be too low for someone to stand there. Do you have a picture of the actual room so we can see the slope?

Consult your local building code. Most will require at least 18" of space (side to side & from countertop up) to any combustible on either side of the range. Your elevations show a space of what looks like 15 3/8" (hard to read) from the countertop to the underside of your upper cabinets. This won't fly in an inspection. Having a pantry right next to a range is not only against typical building codes, it's a terrible idea for a functional kitchen. If you're working with a KD, they should know this. If you're not, you should be. If you're set on the fridge/pantry set up, I'd move the range to the left to give you the required spacing or remove the left hand pantry. IMPO, the existing picture you've shown is a much better layout. Apart from the strangely raised/shorter cabinets to the left of the range & on the sink wall.