I can see why you are retired Sophie, your arrogance is noted. Your invalid assumptions and snipey tone suggest it may be time to take up knitting or at least find another forum? We have several professionals involved on this high end project. All of whom understand ergonomics. Nevertheless, I was interested in other opinions as there is still an acceptable range within expert views and average heights are on the rise. That said, from a stylistic point of view there is often a push toward lower. Further, the huge range of heights in ready made furniture shows just how much variation there is. Some of it is ergonomically designed, some is not.

With the pantry being located where it is, it provides a opportunity to make it inbuilt and continue your bench top along. This would then provide more bench space and would make sure you are using that wall to its full potential. However for space and flow and to make your kitchen more ascetically pleasing, we would suggest keeping the island bench and making the appliances integrated. This provides opportunity to make that far wall a feature wall, which can be as simple as a blackboard or pictures, to making it a colour feature (depending on you cabinetry) or even to make it high class you could create a wood paneling feature. I hope this helps, either way you can add bonus features to your kitchen, you can create more storage and bench space with changing the pantry, or you could make a design feature out of that wall. It is up to you and where you design flair may take you. Good luck! :) If you would like to see these designs with a quote please call us on 03 423 9067 and we can organise a free one for you. Below are some pictures - in built pantry vs. feature wall. (making where the appliances are a low bench top with below cabinets). (goes beautifully with a black and white colour palette).

I'm thinking you should make them higher as the ceiling goes higher, but that's just my opinion. It's a slight difference in height between the exterior sliding doors but the height difference will be good I think. What'd you end up doing?

Wow - what a view! Yes definitely take the curtains to the ceiling it will add grandeur and frame the view even more beautifully. You can get a custom bent track made that will take the curtains around the corner so the window is not obscured when the curtain are open. Contact your local interior designer - they'll know what to do