I like the looks of the first one. It's less crowded.

I like the first one better--it looks as if the space between the hood edge and windows is about the same as the space between the windows and cabinets.

Appreciate the quick responses!

I believe the first one is less crowded as well and the edge of hood is proportioned appropriately.

However every pic I look at has the upper section proportioned vs the edge of hood propportioned with the space between the windows and uppers. So I'm concerned about that large negative space between the hood chute and windows in the first pic.

What do you think?

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/bell-kitchen-and-bath-studios-traditional-kitchen-atlanta-phvw-vp~3567051[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/bell-kitchen-and-bath-studios-traditional-kitchen-atlanta-phvw-vp~3567051)

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I like the first one, but you have lots of room to play. If you're wanting space but not too much, can't you split the difference? Not sure if my math is correct but if you put the uppers 6" from the hood would they be 18" from the chute?

I like the 2nd and agree with you regarding the negative space. What this picture can't show is the light and openess the windows will create IRL. If the windows were cabinets, it may feel crowded but I don't think so with windows. I also like the symmetry with the 36" drawers. Plus, the added bonus of more room in your upper cabinets is nice too!

Unless you are going to do something dramatic/interesting with that wall between the windows (e.g. tiling the whole thing in something lively), I would go with #2. I feel there's a better, more dynamic balance in #2.

Could you align the cabinets as in #2, but then center the windows in the remaining space, so they are equidistant from the hood and cabinets?

Definitely number 2. Looks more balanced and "correct". Number 1 makes it look like you need a bigger hood. FWIW, that picture you linked is one of my all time favorite inspiration photos. That kitchen is definitely doing the balance thing right.

2. for all the reasons already stated

I have I have a similar set up in my new build kitchen and definitely vote for 2. It looks so much better with the symmetry and I agree that the light will be enough to never make it feel crowded.

by the way, what size Windows did you go with??

Why is there such a big gap between the windows and the cabinets.

I'd like #1 to have the windows closer to the cabinets.

What atomscat says...#2, but shift the windows outboard away from the hood, with less space between the cabs.

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2, or one with bigger windows would be my first choice!

Yes! wider windows with either 1 or 2 for the win

All, great feedback! Appreciate everyone taking some time to help us out.

Builder literally stopped the carpenter from building the wall that he just started.

We're going to go with 2 but may shift the windows slightly as suggested. Currently they are centered above the base drawers. There is a code for outlets to be within 2' of the range on both sides so we may need to shift them either way.

And onward we go!

Go with a 36" hood...it looks like a 30". It will give you bigger 'capture area' plus look better! Elevations would help better than these views...if you can get them.