It's definitely more centered than mine is! My house was built in 1945 when stoves were a lot bigger and that's why my range hood is bigger than my electric stove. Anyway, when you put up your floating shelves, you can either make the left size longer and the right side shorter. It will work that way unless you want symmetry. Then, I would suggest you make the shelves the same size and put them up in the same position on both sides of the range hood, just like a mirror image.

We have a large area under the spiral staircase which is under utilised. I have solved one area with a floating shelf but the main area directly under the staircase could do with something quirky and modern to stop our atrium from looking overly large and sparse. Any ideas out there?

These spaces can look awkward but yours is quite inviting with those windows. It could become a retreat space, that allows someone to be near the action without being in it. Seating or lounging would work with the very low head height. I could imagine it would be a great spot for a couple of cool beanbag seats, a small funky bookshelf and a sleek retro lamp, or if you have children to cater for a games setup with storage in a retro ottoman.

Provided there is 1200mm clear between the breakfast bar and the opposite bench then by rights, you should have ample room and if that's the case, I think I would opt for the design with the kitchen on the eastern side. My reason; you get a much greater feeling of open plan by having the dining and lounge on the North/South plane. I like the large WIP in this one - on paper at least. The second plan somehow feels wrong. I personally don't like the idea of having the breakfast bar being located in the lounge. If it were me though, I would ask for a 3D CAD plan of both kitchens [to walk through on the computer] before making up my mind on which one to opt for as it gives you a much clearer vision of what the finished kitchen will be like rather than looking at a flat plan.