[urrugne]

Thank you so much for your help, Dave. I think that the thumbnails are accurate renditions of the proposal, except the color of the countertop.

To answer one question you posed, the water heater is currently in the corner undercounter cabinet. That is where it must stay.

I would really like the wall cabinets to look like one big white rectangle. In other words, for the lower (and upper) edge of the vent fan to be in a straight line with the edges of the wall cabinets. Is this possible? I see it in all the Ikea catalogues, but I can't figure out how to put the pieces together myself.

Seeing the tall cabinet in the thumbnail makes me think it is detracting from the open look I am seeking. What do you think? And what about the island? Does it add or detract from the design? I think the extra storage space is necessary, in some form, however.

Any recommendations for appliances--especially the oven and cooktop? What looks and works best in this 24" space? Slide in? Drop in?

I saw a reference in another forum, with photos, for Asko washer and dryer that can be housed inside 24" cabinets and behind the doors. Can someone confirm that this was not trick photography?

Another question for all of you: how can we improve this "modest" proposal?

Thanks again from the southwest coast of France!

[Dave of the Coonties]

An over-the-stove microwave with its own vent might help the row of cabinets look more uniform. White microwaves are obtainable. Your kitchen guy could probably place a Solar cover panel above it.

The column for electrical wiring (represented by that tall cabinet) doesn't look good at all. It may be worthwhile to get measurements and arrange storage to surround the fridge and part of the column, making everything look integral.

The trend in the US appliance market is to sell flashy washers and driers--the exact opposite of hiding them in cabinets. Unfortunately, they'd look very intrusive in your setting.

Maybe they could be placed in a wardrobe?

[Harpy]

Yes, the asko washers can be hidden in cabinetry, but of course it does make for a very noisy kitchen when the washer and/or drier are running.

Besides large flashy appliances, there's an opposing trend for exposed washers/driers under counter, but this is kind of a hard sell for many Americans, who tend to prefer a laundry closet or something if a laundry room isn't feasible.

[Harpy]

Here's an interesting thread on W/D in the kitchen over at gardenweb. I don't think you need to register to view, just to post:

washer&dryer in kitchen? - Kitchens Forum - GardenWeb

lots of pics there

[urrugne]

Thank you both very much for touching on this subject of where to locate the W/D. If you take a look at my post of actual.pdf, you will see a big closet to the L of the raised "Breakfast Bar."

My "modest.pdf" proposes knocking out both of those (leaving only a column to enclose electrical wiring) to open up the space and integrate the kitchen into the living/dining area.

The locals tell me that other owners have chosen to house their W/D inside this hall closet. They all love their raised "breakfast bars."In this case, the row of base cabinets below the "breakfast bar" must remain to hide the plumbing from the sink into the washer. I guess the raised portion could be removed, leaving only a flat counter.

So, I've got to make a decision. What is the best design?

As for the "bling" from exposed appliances, I am more a fan of soothing and understated. The link to Asko integrated W/D from Garden Web is exactly what I have in mind. I want people looking at the Gulf of Mexico out the terrace window, not visual distraction in the kitchen.

Thank you for your guidance.