Looking for feedback on a potential kitchen design change to create more symmetry.

The main idea is to create a more balanced look by having full-height cabinetry on both sides of the kitchen. On the right, we’d have a paneled refrigerator, and on the left, I’d like to incorporate a concealed door (or pair of doors) that matches the surrounding cabinetry and provides access to the pantry/laundry hallway.

I’m also considering shortening the island from 11’6” to 8’6” so that it’s centered relative to the kitchen cabinetry and work area, rather than the room itself. The goal is to create better visual symmetry within the kitchen, even though the island wouldn’t be centered in the overall space.

A few questions I’d love feedback on:

• Would these changes improve the overall balance and appearance of the kitchen?
• From a design perspective, is it more important for an island to be centered relative to the kitchen cabinetry or the overall room?
• Would shortening the island improve the proportions of the space, or would I be sacrificing too much functionality?
• Is an 8’6” island large enough to serve as the primary dining area?

One important consideration: The island will be our only indoor dining space. We plan to have a separate dining table on the outdoor deck, but no dedicated indoor dining table. I’m trying to balance the visual proportions of the kitchen with the practicality of having enough seating and counter space for everyday use.

For reference in the attached image:

• Red outline: Cabinets that would be removed to shorten the island.
• Green outline: Proposed location for concealed doors designed to match the cabinetry.

I’d really appreciate any thoughts on whether the improved symmetry would be worth the trade-off in island size, especially given that the island will also serve as our main indoor dining area. I’m also curious whether others think centering the island within the kitchen cabinetry, rather than the overall room, is the right approach.