Overall house plan... couldn't figure out how to put multiple pics in one post. Also realized I didn't address the wall height. 9' on range wall with open ceiling in all kitchen/ living room areas (to approx 22' in middle) So 96" cabinet height to capitalize on the high ceilings Also planning on putting a dining table in front of angled 9' sliding doors with hutch or server in area labelled wet bar.

Inspiration Number 1 The windows, the range as feature wall, the dual refrigerators. Large island with sink although I'd like seating not another bank of cabinets on back side. What's not to love?! (the price??)

Inspiration Number 2...not quite as perfectly perfect as number 1, but striking to me all the same. The large island with the leg posts, the awesome range hood. Pretty simple but classy looking.

That's going to be very handsome, Onekeysgirl. I really like that first one especially.

I notice that there is no room for working implements in the island, i.e., knives and other hand tools, bowls, cutting boards, etc. Do you feel you know where you will do your daily meal prep? A nonissue if that's on the back wall and the island will only be for cleanup.

In any case, since you are a family of 3, needing one DW, one refrigerator all day long most days, with occasional brief bursts of feeding crowds, I'd suggest making absolutely sure your kitchen is designed to work wonderfully every day, with priority of placement given to serving that primary requirement. Then add in the entertainment extras so they work well too, but with no sacrifice of everyday function.

Your thought of moving extras not needed for daily use to the pantry sounds excellent, as much as possible.

If you intend to prep on the island, the obvious place would seem to be on the pantry and refrigerator side of the sink, meaning that that DW would become the "extra," shiftng elsewhere, perhaps to the back wall with a matching front panel? Or, perhaps an area within the pantry could become an ancillary (party) cleanup center. Mess could be shifted in there completely out of sight.

FWIW, in these days of extravagance of possessions, I've become big in general on the idea of improving function, where needed, by NOT insisting on storing all of them in the kitchen -- to avoid both unnecessary clutter and the inefficient spread resulting from need for extra storage.

Good information, Rosie. Thank you. I have definitely been focused on the "form" not the "function". I've been picturing the room, not working within it.

I know it does sound gluttonous to want 2 of everything. To try to justify, we live in a quasi-remote area so I definitely hit the "big city" to stock up, hence needing two fridge/freezers, plus weekly produce from CSA. And with one sink front and center, two dishwashers are intended to be a place to stash and clean everything including pots and pans so there's not much out in the open.

I do like the idea of putting a DW on other side; unfortunately, the only water on the range wall is a pot filler so I don't know how easily a drain could be added for DW. Taking away pantries on ends of run, I could have about 49" of base cab to work with, split 24 for DW and a 24 drawer next to range.

On the island there is room for a 24 or 27" base cab, preferably drawers, at end after side by side DWers. This could be knives on top and every day dishes below, leaving the range wall flanking drawers for baking dishes, pots and pans and food storage containers with cooking utensils in top drawers. Small appliances in pantry.

I feel my prep will be split between island and next to range. Non cooked items on the island (salads, school lunches, pre-prep not for immediate cooking) and by the range for items to be cooked right then. Right now it all happens in a 2x3 corner btw sink and range so I've vowed to not have "corners" in this kitchen!! I'm determined to have the space emote serenity, not frantic, crowded clutter!

The pantry is to house items not for daily use and food. (and the microwave apparently, which is fine, I try not to use it for much but others in family insist there be one). With no basement or garage, this room will definitely be utilized fully.