What about a J shape so the bench towards the sitting area is less that than the back wall. All the central island gets in the way as you walk diagonally across the room. The modern pull out drawer pantrys are great - sop much easier to find things. This could be along the back wall to the garage . I would make this the storage wall with the fridge, pantry etc to keep all the tall parts together.

So do you mean the bench on the western wall should be shorter? Or add a short section on that eastern side? And do you mean get rid of the island? I like your idea about the tall parts being together, especially on the wall where there are no windows.

I think the L shape works for the shape of the room. I am not going to consider the appliances etc, personally I do not like a sink in the middle of the Island Bench so I think you have made the right choice there. The only thing that sticks out to me immediately is that your Island looks too small I think you should extend that out to make the end flush with the length of your cabinets on the garage wall side. It looks like you could probably add another meter onto that end, which will add more seating, more storage and to me would appear more balanced.

Here's a couple of ideas that work really well as alternatives to a walk in pantry. They integrate into your wall cabinetry, allowing you to keep central spaces open and free flowing.

Using drawers to create a pantry as Esselai suggests. Check out how Harn Triomax soft close drawers are used in just this way. Availble in classic white or metallic grey. Two front to back depth options - 500mm and 5500mm. And 8 drawer width options from 450mm to 1200mm.

HARN TRIOMAX PULL OUT PANTRY KIT - Smart, Efficient & Installed Into Your Pantry · More Info

Alternatively, there are a number of quality pull out pantry options in the German designed and made Vauth-Sagel range. Some are installed with fixed fronts to match your cabinetry, and others are installed behind hinged doors. See below (from top to bottom) the VSA model, DUSA model and HSA model. These all come in a variety of width options and specs, from chromed wire shelves to sold bases with glass panelling.

Vauth-Sagel VS TAL Gate Pro Pull-Out Pantry/Larder - Premea Model · More Info

Vauth-Sagel VS TAL Gate Tower Pantry - Premea Artline Model · More Info

Vauth-Sagel VS TAL Larder Pull Out Pantry - Premea Artline Model · More Info

Thanks very much for all that info Access Group! That looks like a great solution to my walk-in-pantry dilemma. I assume you supply these?

Thanks Bernadette, I don't like the idea of the sink in the middle as it seems like it would get in the way of a good breakfast and food prep area. I will definitely add more length to that island, what a great idea. Our current bench only seats 3 and its just too small!

Thanks Fusion Landscape Design. I'm unfortunately in the Hawkes Bay so it's a bit of a haul to the nearest Blum showhome! I would love to do something like that though, to get a real feel for the kitchen, how its laid out, sizes etc ... :)

Hi Ingrid.

You are most welcome and yes, we do indeed supply these options. We're New Zealand based. If you are in NZ, we'd be very happy to help with any further queries, or even to send you out a couple of our illustrated project catalogues. If you are in Australia, we can let you know who to contact there.

All the best, the Access Group team.

I am in NZ! Hawkes Bay to be precise. I'd love to see a couple of catalogues.

Hi Ingrid. No problem. I'm sure you won't want your physical address on one of these public comments, so send it to me either through a Houzz message (use Contact Me button on the Access Group profile) or direct to lesley@accessgroup.co.nz and we'll get those catalogues away to you pronto.