Hi Samantha, My house in America had the fridge freezer and the built in double ovens next to each other. Usually the concern is the heat that is produced by the oven makes the fridge freezer work harder. If it is built in, the cabinet provides some separation between the two appliances. It's probably not the most ideal, but unless you plan to do an unusual amount of baking, it's probably not issue.

Hi Barnaby, Sounds like a great buy and a fab family home! Having been through a very similar situation in the last 6 months (moving into a house where the back wall had been extended and the house was left with a very similar 'steel and nibs' to your kitchen, where it had been opened up) I'd definitely recommend getting some advice from a few different people. Two builders told us it would be impossible to get rid of the visible RSJs and the nibs of the old external wall. It was only when I persevered and asked an architect to come and have a look and got a structural engineer in that we realised it was completely possible and far less expensive than we thought. We only ended up spending £2,000 on fees (£500 architect and £1500 structural engineer) and £12,000 on building works and it has completely transformed the space. If you're lucky enough to find a creative builder they could be really helpful with the layout but my experience was that they are more about the 'doing' and 'practicalities'. I found getting some independent design advice (from a concept planner) on the space and layout super helpful and then once we had an idea of what we wanted we were able to ask a couple of builders to price up. The designing of the layout was a fraction of the cost of anything else and saved us a lot of money in the long run. You might want to have a think about chatting to a concept planner (there are several great ones on here) and get an idea of some designs and costs. Just a suggestion :)

New kitchen being planned. Undecided on whether to go for 2 single ovens and integrated microwave or 1 single oven and combination oven. Combi seems small but interested to hear from any who have one.

@Gabby Wong @obobble @OnePlan (Concept planners) Thanks all! Bruises subsiding ;-) It's just so overwhelming - the number of decisions to make, and the desire to make it just perfect. Having lived with a kitchen that we installed 19 years ago that has most definitely NOT worked for us I am beyond excited about a new and practical space. This is part of a much bigger ground floor remodel and I have spent many many hours thinking and discussing options with different and unbiased kitchen designers, friends with perfect and imperfect kitchens, and friends who know our kitchen and how I use it. There are many restrictions in the space - as there are in all kitchens but we are getting something close to ideal now. I have written down everything I use in the kitchen that stored everything - on paper - in the new one - considering carefully how and where it is and will be used. So silly things like where do I hang tea towels to dry when there isn't a radiator in the kitchen area shouldn't give me worry lines - I know when it is installed there will be an end of unit where I can do this. but that doesn't stop me thinking about it! The image that the designer sent is not perfect we both know - software limitations - and I will definitely ask them to install either the combi oven or single oven at low or under counter height - that's what our current oven is, so bending down to take out my turkey isn't a big deal - as you say, safer than standing on the dusty IKEA toddler stool. And the top of that unit can hold the glasses - my other worry line creator. Anyway, your thoughts and ideas are helping hone the design. But for now, we're sticking with the american F/F - impractical, over-priced, sticky outy - but I rather like the industrial look and lines to break up the fitted kitchen-ness.