A combination of adjustable track lighting overhead and dimmable task lighting for the counter helps make this kitchen more appealing and more efficient.

I need help with my kitchen. Doing a brand new house (well a remodel) and here is what the kitchen cam out as... Basically the walls can't really move at this time as framing is done. Ignore the doors in the butler pantry (removed). http://lh6.ggpht.com/_dp71ms-dQLE/TD0pHv_KluI/AAAAAAAAABQ/PTeMJWlF02A/s512/kitchen.jpg I need advice on size of island, any layout changes I can still do, and even appliance, flooring, etc... I really appreciate everyones feedback. We are leaning towards the 48" Wolf or Thermador range (so the double ovens are gone from the picture), and a 42" SubZero or Thermador refrig (due to size its not on the same wall as tha range). What size island? We plan a sink on the island. We eat in the kitchen nook. Debating on Thermador dishwasher or one of the nicer Bosch units. Thinking Natural Cherry cabinets. Builder has given us crazy #s for the faucets ($500/each) with Rohl brand. Any advice or changes greatly appreciate. The pantry is awkward size. Narrow. We probably need to get pull out shelves and use for storage type stuff. We are debating no microwave. House has 10' ceilings. Do I need light below and above cabinets ? We wanted wood flooring but with 3 kids spilling water all the time debating on porcelain tiles (that look like real wood). But then its 2x the cost. Any advice ?

For such a large space there's remarkably little convient work space. Where's primary prep? Most convenient place for primary prep is counter between sink and range, which doesn't really exist in this layout. That alone makes this layout dysfunctional. Also best if DW doesn't interfere with primary prep. Fridge and pantry seem to crowd each other and seem generally misplaced. It's best to place the fridge and bulk storage at the edge of the kitchen so that passthru/light users can get what they want quickly & efficiently without interfering with primary prep activities. Also, opposite landing is more convenient than side landing for french door fridges. So, for example, the fridge would work better at the at the other end of that counter (near breakfast area). How many differnet orientations of fridge, sink, DW, and range have you considered? I suggest that you draw the empty space out on graph paper, make 20 copies, sketch out 20 different configs, and sleep on it for a week.

No one can help you plan the space without measurements of all walls, doors, windows, appliance locations, etc. and your budget. I second the advice to live with it for a while. It will help establish your priorities for the new space, other than to get new cabinets and countertops.