OK. I am definitely not an expert... but, I would leave the aisle width at 4' - especially if you are measuring from cabinet to cabinet - you can't forget the overhang of the counter or the range bump out as those inches add up. I also think I might prefer the refrigerator where it is in the first drawing. It is awfully far away from the prep/cooking zone in the second drawing. If you leave it where it was, it would make sense to center the prep sink on the island as it would be inbetween the range and the refrigerator - not directly across from either. You might want to walk yourself through a meal prep in the space - how do you really use your kitchen? Right now, you have 3 sinks,2 dishwashers, and three types of refrigerators - which is fabulous for a family that loves to cook, but after following the basic rules that you can read about in the New to Kitchens threads - it really is about how you want it to function. Good news is that there are some wonderful experts here that are super helpful and will be able to guide you along the way. Good luck.

Isn't giving the KD the budget the same as walking on a car lot and telling a salesman "I've got $25,000 to spend, what can you sell me?" You know where that story is headed. Why is it not the other way around? I mean, why is the pricing so secretive? Well not giving them the price didn't turn out so well. It's not secretive, it's just not that easy. This comes up on here all the time. I wish I didn't have to spend 4-8 hours pricing out a job in two lines and nudging the details to see if I can bet it to fit the budget- life would be easier. In 15 years I can count the number of times someone has had more money to spend than what they want costs-exactly once someone said to me- "that's all? what else can I add" Allowances are even worse as noted- one in a hundred is adequate if a KD was not involved to begin with. Most just dump in a number on a "builder cabinet" with nothing in it to keep the total price down. Client gets to deal with it after they have the job. I have a few builder that I price things out for ahead of time- but those tend to be better builders. I use a simple approach- if I can get you what you want for what you want to spend (and you like me) you'll buy from me. That means I get paid. If not I don't get paid. Doesn't matter how good I am, how much time I spend, how much you like me...if it doesn't work for you then you will go somewhere else. No matter how you approach it you are in charge of the sale. I carry 4 brands- from middle of the road to top of the line. I can take the middle of the road cabinet and detail it so it looks like the top end. Details cost extra, not just the sexy bells and whistles everyone gets caught up in, the real details. How things are put together for install, how they fit-flush ends, extended stiles, extended top rails, how is the molding stacked, where do the counters land on talls....can be as little as 8% or as much as 18. Add to that that even though brand x costs 10% less than brand y for Mr. Peabody's kitchen brand y came out to 3% less. Your in charge until you sign- trust or not- same results. Years ago someone taught me something about trust that I use to this day. -Everyone will at some point fail the trust you give them. Question is at what point and how much do you get hurt. -Trust is given, it is NEVER won. -you get to decide when and how much to trust- or not -if you choose to trust you have the benefit of that until the point at which the trustee fails (remember they will fail at some point) -if you choose not to trust you don't have the benefit, they will still fail, just won't hurt as much. In the case of shopping for cabinets- assuming your shopping a few places, you have nothing to lose and the KDs do most of the work unless you insist on shopping for different plans at the same time (even then)

Several thoughts: - I like small kitchens with adjacent large pantries. This one has good circulation, and it will be inexpensive to build with only straight-simple cabinets (no lazy susans, etc.). - I agree with the above poster who says the refrigerator is poorly placed. I'd move it over to where you have the ovens -- you want the refrigerator to be on the edge for two reasons: 1) you don't want the refrigerator to hog your prime work space and 2) if it's on the edge, someone can get a drink without disturbing the cook in the main work area. - If you do move the refrigerator to this spot, definitely go with a single-door refrigerator so that it'll open completely towards the kitchen /the door won't block access. - I also agree with those who say that in this small space you don't have space for a separate cooktop and ovens. Plus you've indicated that budget is an issue, and a range costs way less than separate items. - You haven't drawn a dishwasher into the island. - Given that the kitchen is small, I'd definitely splurge on a high-function "ledge sink" that can increase your counter space. - You could add a row of shallow cabinets on the "back side" of the island, which would give you great dish storage convenient to the dining area. Of course, this would "cost you" the island seating. - Where's your trash can? - Why are you using a standard cabinet instead of drawers on the cabinet next to the refrigerator? - I do not 'specially like the open shelves. With so little space, I think you'd need the greater storage of a closed cabinet.

We remodeled a house for my brother, who uses a wheelchair, and we have remodeled several kitchens for ourselves! Re accessibility/ independence....go for a side by side fridge and a microwave under the counter, but not a drawer! Down vent stoves, although no one’s favorites, work best for someone in a wheelchair, because they can reach the on off button for the fan. Also, the controls for the stove should be at the front. If you are going to do do two sinks, make one lower, with an open space underneath, for long term accessibility. I am not a work triangle fan, I like zones...so with a teen already and younger kids who will get there so quickly, I like a pantry/microwave/ fridge zone that keeps the hangry monsters out from underfoot in the active cooking zone. I love a good pantry...dog food at our house is stored in a pullout trash cupboard system in the pantry....and we have found that diagonal wine storage bins work really well for pantry items....it’s very flexible. Open shelving is much more accessible to wheelchair users. For someone in a wheelchair, the island could be problematic....blocking the view of the activities, too tall to use as a work surface....my brother is quite capable of transferring to a bar stool, but really finds it more convenient to stay in his chair. Perhaps an old fashioned kitchen table/ island would make sense for your reality.