Why don't you have an L shape and use the area under the window also for your sink and a couple of extra units? you could add shelves on either side of the window? Not sure why your fridge has to go at that end? might be best at the other end? As Sarah, suggests, get full height cupboards, and put the microwave in one of those, so that you're not losing so much space. Extra storage is probably more useful than having the microwave on display? It can easily be put on a shelf within a cupboard. (Our isn't even in our kitchen, but then we only use it once a week or so... so really depends) I'd also suggest drawers to the bottom of your units instead of cupboards.

Don't be swerved away from hand painted tiles! The best way to add colour and originality (I make hand painted tiles so I may be biased). I would take the tiles to just under the bottom shelf, and up to the hod. We have had tiles behind our cooker for 21 years, and we don't find the grout staying clean a problem. By the way - I think subway tiles will look dated in a few years, as anything bang on trend tends to do.

Hi, I'm building an extension and the hob is going in the island. The ceiling is vaulted and there will be a large rooflight above the island. I was going to go with a downdraft extractor like Bora or Elicia style. However I'm afraid of grease build up on the rooflight. Has anyone any experience with rooflights directly above the hob in the island? If so, does the downdraft do enough to stop grease build up? Any other design solutions that could work? Thanks for your help, Steve

Any one have any ideas for extractor fan piping ideas than can be seen in the open ? As I’ve too much space between my cabinets and ceiling of my kitchen can’t cover it up Not a long distance solid black 4” pipe or spiral ducting? Just need a few 45’ bends