I would personally rather have an island sink than a sink against a perimeter wall. Especially since you have a huge window to enjoy while doing dishes.

I started that way, but the island is rather small, and I believe the work flow is better. By moving it to the counter, I now have uninterrupted work/serving space. It's a bit of a compromise.

here's the before

Congratulations on the kitchen reno. The layout looks efficient. Perhaps a little dense with cabinetry? I like your idea of no cabinet over the sink. Perhaps a shelf or two, maybe potted herbs. That would draw the eye there since you have no window. Good luck!

I think the cabinets above the sink look fine, but as acm mentioned, the need for storage might drive the decision. If you don't need the storage, and would rather use a shelf for display, maybe you have an heirloom teapot or collection of cream pitchers, etc?

Kudos to your KD for including the DW return panel, trash pull-out, and a corner susan--you might want to make sure that's a super susan-type. One small thing I might change--if possible--make the hood 6" wider than the cooktop, to help capture steam and grease.

I really dislike having a sink in the island back to back with the range, and think you made a good choice going for that uninterrupted workspace. Wishing for my kitchen...

Is this from an actual KD or a sales person in the cabinet store there is a huge difference BTW.Why would you want a trim above the cabinets that looks like a soffit , take the cabinets to the ceiling I like a larger gap between lower and upper cabinets most of my clients like 20-22 “ instead of 18” that also would help with the cabinets reaching the ceiling.

@acm I like the idea of continuing the uppers, and perhaps shallow shelves. I believe we have plenty of cabinet space. I just did't want a bare wall. I'm also not big on decorative inserts, etc. So...I like your idea :)

They are supposed to be the standard 18" above the counter. For comparison, the stacked uppers are 12".

@Patricia Colwell Consulting he owns the store, and we are working with him with a close family friend.

The rendering appears like a soffet - which I hate (I have them now). I will see about a taller upper cab, but that is a small inset and crown. It's the rendering that is misleading. He is working with us to keep costs down where we can - it may have worked out to less $$ than going to a taller upper cab. I will ask, thank you! But we also are just using them for storage - not every day items, seeing that they are so high.