needs a better 3d render, image too flat and doesn't look natural

It feels like a very impractical layout - for such a large kitchen, there is very little usable worktop space near the sink and hob for food prep. The island is too far from the sink and hob to be of any use, so is basically a second table rather than a worktop. There's nowhere to safely put a hot dish when you take it from the oven, a pet hate of mine! It's very much designed to be looked at rather than lived in.

Try adding a large colourful painting on the wall above the table and maybe change the island work top for a piece of wood with a rich and interesting grain. There's not enough difference in the finishes even the wooden floor is pale.

If you're a keen cook the kitchen layout looks reasonably OK - easy to shove the bits into the sink when you're hacking the veggies about, but the bar stool arrangement looks uncomfortable. How can you relax with Sunday morning breakfast when you're in constant danger of sliding off the stools?

It looks gorgeous and sleek and enviable to have, but you need to think about how it will make your friends feel relaxed and welcomed when they come round to eat.

No criticism - we've just bought a house and are facing the same questions ourselves, which is why I'm giving so much thought to it - but maybe a useful suggestion?

I think the overall look of the kitchen would benefit from a degree of symmetry. The worktop should be centred on the island with the taller units either side. I certainly think the fridge/freezer should be integrated. Either the sink or hob could be moved onto the island to free up some worktop space. A simple way of adding personality to the design would be to have a vibrant colour on the splashback or unique hanging light fittings. I hope this of some help.

I would listen to your son... he knows best

I think it's a great kitchen, just needs injection of colour. Change the grey on the wall, change the lights, change the seats to colourful versions Bunch of flowers, bowl of fruit on the island (bowl of lemons one of the best and cheapest decoration for kitchens). Tada!!

I'd move the sink as close to the windows as possible. Being able to look out when washing up is much more cheerful than being stuck in the bowels of the room at the far end.

Not a kitchen designer but, as someone with a kitchen, I notice all the business stuff faces the wall. I hate that: 'Woman Work Kitchen, Woman No Need Make Conversation, Wall Plenty Interesting Enough For Woman - When Food Ready Woman?'. Not that I, as a woman, do ALL the cooking here - just most of it.

Could you put the hob on the island, might be a better balance?

I think it looks great!

So busy looking at kitchen I missed the spectacular view! Move island further into the room and put the table at the window! Then add colour ...

Make the focus of the room that lovely big door. Could you put the table near the window and also the island? I'd also make the island have a sink and or hob so that you get more chance to enhoy the view. As other people have said, think through the practicalities of making a meal. How close is everything, etc.

It lacks colour. You need an accent wall and accessories in the same colour. Otherwise it's a nice kitchen.

It's a really lovely kitchen. What I think it lacks is a bright white ceiling which will open the room up as it looks squashed with a dark flooring and greyish ceiling. Then just introduce some white accessories to pick up with your stool seats. Make it more homely.........add a modern fruit bowl, herbs by the cooker and small vase of flowers on table. A 20" Thomas Kent clock by the table would look amazing preferably in white.

I like the look - just needs a pop of colour on the walls. HOWEVER, ergonomically, it doesn't work. Like the other commenters, the business end needs to be up near the island and the storage/tall units at the other end - a flip flop. Probably VERY expensive to fix with plumbing and if the cabinets are custom/bespoke. I would NOT put an appliance on the island - it clutters it up and its either wet because of a sink or has cooking stuff on it and always messy. A long run of island worktop is better for baking/pasta making/homework/ craft projects/ hanging out. You could put a smaller SECOND island (rectangular, square, L-shaped?) near the business end instead of the table and chairs - as it looks like you have enough space. This might be your most inexpensive fix and would correct the ergonomics. Just think of the work space!!

Here's a photo of a similar kitchen which divides up the tall cabinet banks. Bringing the island gables down to the floor is both practical and looks much better, three lights rather than four. I would suggest quality finishes and attention to detail if you want to pull off the simple and understated look of muted grey and white. And lighting is sooo important,

Best of luck with it. Dee.

Matt Grey kitchen without handles - Glasnevin Dublin · More Info

I think the tall units should be rearranged. the hob should be in the island.

I would add some splash of colors, chairs, fruit basket as well. nice canvas on the wall

Many people would love to have a kitchen like yours. I suspect you won't really want to make major, costly changes so soon so the best route may be to introduce more colour via redecoration and accessories. Change the splashback. Paint the wall by the dining table. As they are adjacent to one another I would consider having the splashback and wall the same colour to connect the two areas and make a feature of that corner. Hang pictures or a clock. Replace the bar stools. Add some flowers.

I think part of your problem may be the ceiling is low for such a large space so that should be as unobtrusive as possible - which probably means white.

Make the simple, less expensive changes first and then live with it for a few months. I think they may do the trick.

If not I would then consider relocating the island and dining area. The island doesn't look like it's got any power or plumbing running to it so that shouldn't be too difficult but will probably require the re-laying of some of your flooring.

Perhaps you could post some photos of the changes you finally decide to make?

Why is everyone tearing the kitchen apart?! Question wasn't about a makeover. It's a great kitchen, apart from needing injection of umph in the way of colour, and maybe the island and dining table possibly being swapped over at the very most.

Very interesting comment jonathandb1972.. Thought the view too good to be true. What's happening here Houzz?

In general its too heavy at one end, not enough prep area around sink & hob.

Although the kitchen is white, it is set into a return where there is little direct light from the very large window which casts shadows in the space making even a white kitchen look sombre by contrast. I would suggest more powerful down lights at least 13W that would highlight and reflected off the stunning gloss units. Additionally you could add plinth lighting under the kitchen units. Cool white to keep it minimalist or RGB ribbon (red, green, blue, which would allow you to colour mix) which can give the kitchen a whole spectrum of characters depending on the colour you choose or both RGB and W to keep your options open. Ribbon light is also a low cost way to improve this space. Ensure you get nothing lower than 9W per metre as it may not have enough light output against the natural light from the window.

I can't make head or tail of this kitchen! It would be useful to see the other two walls, including the internal door(s). The black and white zigzag patterned rug is too busy, and why is the table not somewhere where diners can enjoy the "view" from the window? Why is everything so cramped, when there appears to be so much space available.

Assuming this kitchen is still at design stage (CAD drawings suggests it is), I would suggest going back to scratch with your designer or perhaps trying someone else as this design has been slated for lots of good reasons which have been listed above.

Once you have fixed the layout you can then worry about aesthetics

just a few ideas:

change the flooring

add some green either dark or lime.

make the island bigger - include the hob and sink , or step it up so you sit up slightly higher than the work top.

make the island a different shape.... make a feature , curved at one end?

and make sure the chairs are facing the garden

swap the american f/f for integrated