Why does it all have to be the same manufacturer? I am remodeling with all new appliances but I am choosing each appliance based on functionality for me. Bosch side opening wall oven; Bosch induction cooktop; KA refrigerator, Sharp microwave drawer and replacing my current Bosch DW with a new model since I am eligible for a rebate so it made sense to replace now rather than a year or so from now - it's from 2005 and still works fine but with an elderly appliance you never know :-) None of your links seem to work except the Electrolux. If you are going for an electric range, I would get an induction as it is so much better than a standard electric smooth top. I am installing a Bosch induction cooktop. If you opt for an induction cooktop, there are some things to consider in terms of function that are relevant. If possible opt for a slide in range so you don't have to deal with those annoying gaps on either side - I can't imagine what kind of stuff was lurking down there when my stove was hauled out :-)

We just put an under the counter microwave in our new kitchen island and LOVE IT. Tell your husband to get over the bending down issue, unless he is 7' tall that is not an issue. Do not like the microwave by the sink, makes the area seem crowded and would be too far from the prep area by the stove. IF you did an under the counter microwave I would put it at the end of the island near the ovens. I will say that the way your kitchen is set up in the floor plan you posted is nice and very workable. You have a good prep zone and clean up zone and I think the island is close enough to the refigerator to act as a landing zone if you don't want to use the area next to the sink. I am also one of the people that did not want anything in my island (like the cooktop or sink). You have good prep space on each side of the stove and good access to the sink from the dining area. If you keep the sink and dishwasher as in the first layout you can use the closest end of the island or the cabinets/drawers to the right of the stove for dish storage for quick unloading from the dishwasher. I actually like having my silverware and dishes nearer to the food prep area to grab a spoon for tasting or get dishs or bowls to serve from the stove. I would also make the cabinet between the sink and the refigerator your trash pull out. Having a trash pull out near the sink is wonderful for after meal cleanup. The one big thing I would change (having just done my own kitchen) is to make ALL the lower cabinets drawers. I did this and you can store so much more and get to it way easier. The lower cabinets in my old kitchen were standard doors with pullouts inside. Did not like this as much as the drawers, you had to open both doors then side out the pullout. AND If you did not get the pull out pushed all the way back in when you finished, it would mess up the inside of the doors.

I think it would be worth your time to visit a few appliance dealers (not big box stores) and talk to the manager or owner about the different brands and what kind of service issues you should be concerned about with the different brands. I have read the same thing about a possible problem getting parts for foreign made appliances, but after talking to a local dealer who sells a myriad of brands, I'm not convinced that is an issue. It sure could be down the road, but he sells LG and doesn't have a problem getting parts. We read the Yale blog on appliances, Consumer Reports and checked reviews on HD and Best Buy. We also wanted to see the appliances in person. Some of the refrigerators interiors seemed to be very poor quality with drawers that didn't glide smoothly and cheaply made shelves. The lay-out is important also. We started out in one direction and ended up elsewhere. I think the most important thing is having someone who will stand behind what they sell and someone who can service the appliance.

Go to Ikea and get a few of their Billy bookcases. They’re well built, very inexpensive, and come in several colors. Then your many items will look organized. That’s what we did when money was an issue. They were still in great condition when we moved 30 years later. You can store your kiddie stuff on the lower shelves, and adult (cooking supplies) higher up.