I am right handed and have always had a dw on the left side. To me is seems completely natural. Just looking at your layout it looks like there are windows which apparently you are closing up?

debra - yep, the large window in the middle will be closed up, and sliding doors to the right will become a single door. New window will be the one above the main sink.

Here's the contents of my drawers. Probably more than anyone cares to know, but maybe it will help regarding drawer configurations and sizes.

one more thing. My DH tells me don't even THINK about changing #2. Haha. I guess I will drive everyone crazy if I reconsider that again. So that's off the table.

but would LOVE input regarding question #3 in particular. Thanks!

While I had to have two of them to fill space, I'm not a big fan of narrow pull-outs on the bottom. I don't find them very "user friendly" in terms of seeing what is in there and getting it out. I'd go with wider drawers if that is an option.

I'm a bit of a balance freak, so the fact that the left side of the appliance garage and uppers do not align with the base below them would drive me crazy. Could you swap the sink and trash so you could align that section of cabinets?

I like your trash on the right so it can be easily accessed by someone at the sink and someone at the stove. You'll get used to DW on the left in no time.

Also like the broom closet placement.

Consider installing the window at counter height to maximize the amount of light.

A taller window for the same reason.

FYI...I'd want the 2-bin trash pullout in the Prep Zone for trash and recyclables. If you're getting one 2-bin and one 1-bin, then I'd put the 1-bin in the Cleanup Zone. Most people generate far more recycling and trash when prepping than cleaning up, so I'd want the bigger one in the Prep Zone.

Cindy - hm, good thought on the imbalance of the lower cabs. I did notice that, but it didn't particularly bother me. I'm not sure how switching the trash/sink will affect that... but will look into it. Maybe the size of trash will help determine. Thanks!

Also, I think I am leaning towards getting rid of those narrow pullouts, after hearing what you said. They look cool, and balanced for the space, but perhaps not particularly practical. Anyone else (dis)agree?

Buehl - thanks for your input, was hoping to hear from you! I keep reading great advice from you on tons of threads. I do remember you advising others about the "main" trash on the prep sink. I was actually thinking of putting just a single trash on both sinks. My DH doesn't think we will use a sep can for recycling, since we don't now - Rather, our (gigantic) recycling bin is in the laundry area. With a large family, we could never fit our huge amounts of recycling in a cabinet (Costco, anyone? :) I thought about the occasional use of a small trash for tossing pasta jars or cans, but we don't use canned food or drink sodas/beers all that often so it didn't seem to warrant taking up cab space. Um, am I making a sensible decision?

Also, I think I'm going to take out that breathable drawer for onions/potatoes. Maybe just put some baskets in the pantry instead. Don't want to wish I could utilize those drawers fully in the future.

One more thing - the toughest part of this puzzle was where to put my eating cutlery. As the drawing indicates, I put it to the left of the range - so it's close to the DW, and I don't know how many times I've needed knives and tasting spoons while cooking. Unfortunately, that took my best spot for my spice drawer (like Breezy's!) boo hoooo. Sad about that, wish I could plop in another whole column of drawers between the trash and stove! So spice drawer has to take second spot, under cutlery. I think it's a little weird, but I'll have to adjust.

I don't care for the narrow pullouts around the range, because you have to lean down to see what is there. I would much prefer wider drawers.

I am right handed and have my DW to the left of the sink. I use my left hand to hold each dish while I scrape trash off with my right hand, so it is easier to use my left hand to put the dish in the DW with it on the left of the sink. It makes sense to have your trash between the sink and the range.