Hi Natalie...During the course of my day, I had the opportunity to discuss your design with two of my colleagues. We go head to head with this kind of stuff everyday and this is what I would consider if it were my kitchen.

Since the structural plan is set in stone (so to speak) then let's make this L-Shape function as good as it can.

First, I don't think two islands are needed. I couldn't see for sure the dimensions of your kitchen on the picture provided but I was able to do a bit of common sense calculations and I'd say this is roughly a 13' x 13' L-Shape.

Honestly, that is quite a bit of space to cook in if designed correctly. I love to cook so I always look at a kitchen design as if I'm cooking in it. The island is similar to one I designed (see pic below) for a client a couple of years ago. If this was my island, I would raise the seating side of the island 6" higher and I probably wouldn't put my cook-top in the island at all (downdraft venting is expensive and this isn't a Japanese Steak House...Right? ).

I would probably be putting my sink in the island just so I didn't have to stare at a wall (as it's currently designed) and feel so confined when doing the dishes. The raised bar will help hide the sink clutter from the great room.

Next is the refrigerator. The problem with these monsters is unless you spend more money and purchase a counter depth model, they protrude too far into a floor plan (almost 36" from the back wall) and may hinder traffic flow. An alternative to spending more for a counter-depth model might be to frame a niche into that garage wall so the refrigerator sits back an extra 4-6 inches. I would also consider putting a pantry to the right of it instead of a base and upper cabinet as it would really just be kind of an isolated space and non-functional counter-top.

For the oven / microwave on the current sink wall I would suggest putting the oven at the end of the run and the pantry next to it. (flip them) Then put that cook-top centered in the remaining space.

The reason I asked for your style preferences was to determine if open shelving as opposed to traditional upper cabinets might lend itself to a unique design. In this case I think it might.

Obviously, this is too involved for each of us to solve given our limitations on this medium so I would encourage you to seek out a local independent Kitchen & Bath firm and let them help you design a beautiful and functional kitchen space for your home.

Feel free to contact me if you have questions and good luck with your new home...Philip