This site has been such a godsend as we've been thinking about building our forever home. Since we're meeting with a cabinet vendor on Friday, I'm unleashing you fine folks on our kitchen.

We are building a two story ICF home with as many green and universal design features as possible. In the kitchen, this means that we use mostly drawers for the lower cabinets, pulls instead of knobs, rockers instead of switches, extra wide hallways, etc. I have a brain injury but love to cook (when I can feed my family, I feel like I am contributing to our family). So the kitchen is very important to me, especially the walk-in pantry and command center. I wanted a kitchen with both an island and bar so that I could have my own area when we socialize. I can't multi-task, so I need less distraction, but still 'with' everyone. Make sense? The lowered counter is accessible as a table for guests in chairs, but also is my baking center so I can knead dough without standing on my tippy toes!

When our designer drew our home plans, he made a preliminary layout for our kitchen, not at all final. At this point, we know we want the cooktop and hood centered on the wall with the frig. This is absolute. I can't be looking out when I cook. The curved angle will become a 45 degree angle. We were thinking a double oven in the corner, now we're looking at two singles side-by-side in the island.

We need to place the ovens (wall by frig, extend wall to dining room and have them face the island, in the island?), dishwasher, one large sink (not dual, as pictured currently), prep sink, recycling center (in lazy susan in the corner, in base cabinet, in pantry?), dishwasher.

I've love to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance!

[IMG]http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu88/embracegrace/kitchen-dinette-pantry-commandcenter.jpg[/IMG]

Here is a link that might be useful: de Jong Dream House