Because it's a slider that opens on the left, you should have window treatments that pull open to the right. If you choose curtains that aren't thick or bulky and position the rod so when they're fully opened, they stop just inside of edge of the trim, that should give you a couple inches of space between the trim and the drawers. Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Having been brought up in a Lockwood home I can appreciate your love of the wood. I notice you have a light green bench and that would blend nicely with some similar colours in the room. I would consider having your cupboard doors replaced or sprayed to compliment the bench or visa versa you can have your bench updated with a new finish to modernise it. Perhaps you could just price out the cost of a new bench and leave the rest of the kitchen as it is. The odd bit around the dishwasher looks weird and that might be able to be fixed by curving a new bench into a small breakfast bar type set up. If there is room I would also reposition the microwave to the right of the cook top and use the existing space for a display or a lovely pot plant.

When I was looking at systems for the kitchen that I have just put in nearly everyone told me to keep away from pull out pantry if for general use. The reason being that get too heavy and do not work properly. I have underbench pull outs for oils and spices etc. and that works well but you can feel the weight in it. All of my food items except opened bottles are in drawers including cans point their sides and I am very happy with how it functions. I do not have any pantry.

ELE12BN Pull out Kitchen Mixer (Brushed Nickel) Finished in Brushed Nickel, Solid brass construction.