We ordered Kraftmaid painted cabinetry (soft close, shaker) from Lowes 3 months ago, about 26 cabinets, for half that price. No install. We did realize all plywood wasn't necessary so saved a few thousand there. We got several quotes before ordering. Keep going!

How to clean and remove spice stains from polymar white kitchen cabinets?

"The house was built in the early 90s so this can be grandfathered with breaking code per 2 other contractors but I think also for design it would look better closed." That does not make it safe or help you if the there is a fire due to the opening.

For starters, your cabinetmaker is measuring the aisle widths incorrectly. Aisle widths are measured to/from the items that stick out into the aisle the farthest -- counter overhangs (1.5" beyond cabinets), appliance handles, etc. They are NOT measured to/from cabinets like your layout shows. The 24-inch cabinet depth only includes the cabinet box, it does not include the doors/drawer fronts or the counter overhangs. This means your aisles are at least 3" narrower than they look -- even narrower in front of the range. Is the refrigerator a true built-in refrigerator? Or, is it a counter-depth? Counter-depth refrigerators are around 31" deep, not including any required air clearances behind them. In addition to deeper depths, the doors of counter-depth refrigerators must extend out past all surrounding items (walls, counters, cabinets, etc.) to allow them to be opened fully for full access and cleaning. (The term "counter-depth" only refers to the refrigerator's box/carcass -- it does not refer to the overall depth including doors & handles.) Does your island have the minimum recommended seating overhang of 15"? It looks less than that.