[houzz=] Here is another that uses the corner well. This also will help offset the lack of symmetry on the range wall as well. Your cabinet maker would need to work out all the measurements. The base drawers to the right of the range may need to be reduced in size to be the same as the ones on the left, which will also help balance the wall. This tall unit to the left of the range will help to balance the large pantry on the right. Where the below picture does not show it, you would have room to place a small matching wall cabinet to the left of the corner tower to balance and to balance out the space between the window. Then you can still have some type of unit to the left of the sink with the appliance garage, but it would not need to be quite as wide and would give some space next to the sink. Look at this more and see what you think. There are some very unique features to your plan. A very high level of customization and much thought has gone into it. It is going to be beautiful. Would love to see the final plan and pictures of the final product. Let me know if you want us to look further.

I'm assuming when you say lacquer you mean an actual painted finish over wood. When I was researching this as I also have toddlers the main issue I saw was not fingerprints but chipping and difficultly in repairing or touching up in the event of chipping.

It sounds like importing it is the only way to go. Hopefully you no longer suffer from kitchen envy.

Hi Ang, I thought I'd follow up my earlier comment with pictures of before and after of pine cupboards I specified to be painted in a budget makeover. My clients tell me people presumed they had purchased brand new cabinetry, so startling was the makeover. Somehow I have put the "after" on the left and "before" image on the right!