I think that you need to leave a wider gap, 30cm is not wide and I think it will look like what it is, ie stopping the units so they don't get in the way of the french doors. I would go with a 60-80cm gap and make a useful feature out of it with floor to ceiling shelving. I've found a picture showing some shelving stepped back from regular depth units, so you get an idea. Another option is to use a rounded base unit if you like them and maybe put a stool or plant in the gap.

You're the customer so have it how you want. Its more expensive to tile wall to wall which is why lots of kitchens are only tiled up to the legs, but its getting more and more popular to have the kitchen fully tiled before fitting like they do on the continent. When we have a kitchen to fit and its been tiled we lay hardboard over the floor to protect it, so it is an extra small cost. Accidents can happen though like dropping the oven but that could of been an old existing tiled floor that could be chipped and no replacement tiles available. Also its harder for your fitter to install as he has to scribe and seal all your decor panels to the floor when its been tiled is another reason installers prefer it to be tiled afterwards.

How about adding brass knobs? They have a traditional look which is lovely. What colour will you be painting the doors?

Hi Jen, thanks for the respose. the range is pretty much flush with the front of the units. However the doors open past 180 degree so even if we pulled the range forward the door handles would hit the cupboards. i was hoping someone may have experienced the same issue and found slimer handles.