That’s a cool space ! To get the best help post a measured layout of the space including where windows, doorways are etc.: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5972404/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first-2020-interim#n=17

(fwiw I lived with open shelving jn a darling cottage kitchen years ago and they are brutal to live with, anything i used had to be washed when pulled off the shelf - every 2 weeks everything had to come off so the shelves could be wiped down. I was so happy when we reno’d and could move to glass front cabs)

I agree with your husband that the asymmetry looks fine although I agree with la_la girl that open shelving is harder to maintain a good look and keep clean. Here’s another idea for the layout to consider. I personally like the lighter floors when using darker cabinets but that just personal preference.

We need a to scale floor plan of the whole space showing every window, doorways where those lead and every measurement clearly marked . AI is not at this time even close to being a KD but there are many here to help. Post the plan in jpeg format here in a comment . If plumbing cannot be moved make sure to mark that. I personally would not do dark wood cabinets in that space . I agree open shelving only looks cool in pics not in real life where every time you want to use something first it needs washing.

Love the tile, it adds personality to your space. In addition to a floor plan, photos of the surrounding rooms would be helpful.

- I like the dark cabinets but not quite that dark.

- I don’t like cabinets against a hood. They close the area in and they get splattered/steamy from cooking. Perhaps eliminate the two cabinets and widen the shelves a bit but don’t abut the hood. Let more of the tile be seen.

- There are a lot of shelves with decor. The ones on the refrigerator wall seem too small.

You have an attractive setting with gardeny views on all three sides. That's a big asset for design. There's a lot of wall space for function with the pantry and door gone. The cathedral ceiling in rustic knotty pine, how far does that go? I see a skylight over the dining area in one picture. The dimensioned to scale floorplan will help.

What great choices you're making! Specific thoughts:

- Usually I'd say, "Those cabinets are awfully dark", but they really work with your large windows and the backsplash. If you lighten up, don't go more than 1-2 shades lighter.

- Asymmetry is fine.

- Yes! The backsplash is the star of your kitchen. Take it to the ceiling. Go big with your star -- and you've resisted other things that might compete with your backsplash. The simple countertops, for example, allow the backsplash to shine.

- You've over-done the open shelving. I'd keep the two open shelves at the ends of the refrigerator wall -- but close up the cabinets on the stove side. This'll give you more practical cabinets /storage, and it'll minimize the hard-to-keep-clean open shelving. Also keep the open shelves on the other side /near the bar stools.

- Is that lower corner cabinet open? No, no. Bring in a door!

- I love the ceiling! But are you considering adding pot lights to what's already exactly right? No, no, no ceiling acne on that wooden ceiling!

- I'd like to see the pendants above the peninsula and the central lighting pendant match.

- I see a dog's dish in the original pictures -- have you considered where this is going?

IMO the tile reminds me of a patchwork quilt so is that something you love in other spaces in your home. For me a big no . The color of the flooring and ceiling do not work with those really dark cabinets either .Sorry I have no idea how to comment on layout with no clue as to the actual floor plan. I think all you will get are guesses not really helpful IMO