I would recommend finding a place in the island for your microwave rather than above the stove. For the uppers on the stove wall, have the handle for the one on the right to the left side of the door, so it opens out and you don't have to look around it if you are standing at the stove and you need something from the cupboard. It will look better too :) Finally, I would remove the upper cab to the left of the sink if you can give up the storage. It will be better to have symmetry there. Or you could add an open shelf or art behind the door on that wall. It won't matter that there is no base cabinet under it.

Hi Lindsey! Great advice, and much appreciated. Love the idea of having symmetry re: the window!

Kim, such a great way to make the window a beautiful focal point. Thanks! The door/doorway leads directly to the basement unfortunately, otherwise think the dishwasher there would be fantastic!

Don't forget a cover panel at the end plus more probably for the structural support. But atleast a cover panel to finish that side off and give countertops support

Post this over in the Kitchen Forum. There is a member Buhel, who is very good at help with Kitchens.

Can you make the door to the basement a pocket door? Then could you move the dishwasher next to sink? A dishwasher across the kitchen is less than ideal; I worry you will really grow to dislike that. For the microwave, unless you get a cabinet depth microwave, your microwave about the stove will require a bump out. The bump out makes it hard to work on the stove top. A smaller microwave is a lot less powerful, FYI. Your cabinets look quite shallow too. Keep that in mind for dishes as some dinner plates might be 12 inches, which is too big for the standard, shallower cabinets.

Where is the living room? Have you already had the structural engineer in to specify the additional support needed and where it has to go?

Use all drawers in base cabinets. Imagine yourself putting away silverware, rummaging in the junk drawer, pulling out waxed paper, and looking for Tupperware lids. Drawers are better.

Move the dishwasher. Use an 18" dishwasher if it's a tight fit.

Use a real exhaust hood and not an over-range microwave. Move the microwave somewhere else.

A pocket door is a great idea. Or consider reversing the door opening to the basement if that's safe (I can't see the stairs or landing).

I agree about posting on kitchens. Buehl can work wonders - and that's where the kitchen gurus are. If it can be arranged better, they're the ones who can figure the way to do it.

and yes, drawers, drawers, drawers for under counter space.

over the yrs, I've never read anyone there, who put drawers in lower cab space, ever say it gave them less storage space. it's always been, that they had more than ever and more than expected. much easier access also.

For the first elevation drawing with the dimensions, is that a gap in between the upper cabinetry on the right hand side?

Love the pocket door idea. It might even free up some space for a pantry or at least more counter and storage space.