Original tall cabinets could be kept and new smaller doors used to make it more proportional. Bottom cabinets should all be new drawers with heavy roller systems and no doors! An island sideways to a view is no problem if stools swivel.
The space is a very bright sunlight kitchen and the homeowner wanted a chic and sophisticated kitchen for a bachelor. I accomplished this by integrating chocolate stained cherry cabinetry with glass doors that are layered with a rice paper and Schoenbeck crystal pendant lights for that 'right' bit of sparkle to go along with the masculine kitchen. Oh, and PS - this is how I met my fiance... doing his kitchen! Good things do happen in the kitchen and memories are made.