Speaking of islands…I don’t know the climate where you will be…but a friend has a heated island. It’s sort of like what is used in radiant heat floors. We were there on a chilly evening, and sitting there was so nice and warm. I would definitely look into this option if it were building again.
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Check out Lowes…
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If you can do it, I highly recommend recirculating hot water, or if there is some newer, cooler version of the same. It is fantastic to have water hot in seconds and not waste the water to wait for it to travel from a hot water heater.
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Yes! Yes! Yes! 
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I’ve never heard of recirculating hot water. Is it expensive?
For a new build with full access, I think you have to pay for parallel pipes to the farthest water usage?
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We have a recirculating system for our multi head shower and it’s wonderful! For new plumbing, it shouldn’t be that much of a cost difference. I believe the expense is with the hot water on demand hot water heater.
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Recirculating systems can coexist with tank heaters (had this setup in House1) and tankless boilers (have this in House2).
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Some kitchen setup ideas. Here is the view from above of the dishwasher setup I use and absolutely like! Dishes go into the drawer across. Utensils go into the drawer to the left.
I wanted to install a second dishwasher to use one for keeping clean dishes and the other for dirty (and switch), but this setup seems to be working well to minimize dish movement across the kitchen. So no second dishwasher. 
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My folks have the circulating hot water; the system is also on a timer so that it runs from around 6am-10pm. It wasn’t expensive, but it was also for two different houses that were built in the early 2000s. For the three story house it was terrific, for the two story house it didn’t seem that necessary. (At this point I’d also look at the vastly improved tech around tankless hot water systems and compare the two.)
Unrelated: I’d also mention heat pumps; that technology has grown by leaps and bounds and is fabulous for keeping a home comfortable year round - providing heat in the winter and cooling in the summer.
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I keep my dishes in drawers next to the dishwasher as well - it’s fabulous! I have the silverware in the top drawer, and then the plates and bowls just below that in a deeper drawer, and then the bottom drawer is storage containers (Glass-lock or tupperware).
Drawers instead of bottom cabinets are so convenient.
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We have a lake house where we redid almost all surfaces inside and out within past 7 years. We like wood trim and cabinets. Our kitchen has cabinets made of natural alder with off white Cambria quartz counters. Big fan of light color quartz counters. Our floors are hardwood, stained and finished in place, with some coretec in back hall, laundry, room, one other room. Several area rugs throughout. Our inside trim and doors are stained wood. We have windows/doorwalls all across lake side of house. Sunroom of traditional knotty pine ceiling and walls, but mostly windows on 3 sides. We used mostly off whites and various blues, transitional furnishings for decor, light tan walls in main areas. Inside colors go well with lake views. Have a fieldstone fireplace and rustic mantel. Have 3 decks with white furniture. Outside is smart side siding, tan with white trim, with stacked stone 3 ft up, and stacked stone and white simple columns for porch. I think it is cozy yet light.
We found guest rooms are well used. Most are on lower level, walkout with lake views and carpeted. Family room, bathroom and small kitchen there as well (came with house)
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We have all our pots and pans in drawers, but dishes and glassware in upper cabinets. We have 2 upper and 2 lower lazy susan corner cabinets which hold a lot. We also have two tall narrow pullout cabinets.
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I would appreciate seeing photos if you want to post or message me-thank you 
First off, go explore Maria Killam’s blog, Colour Me Happy. There is tons that you can learn from her blog so that you can create a timeless house that you will still love in 5 years and not be cringing over design mistakes that you wish you hadn’t succumbed to. She also has packages for people who are building their houses to make sure that they’re picking all the right stuff (making sure the colors, including their undertones work with each other, that their hard finishes will leave design choices open in the future for when people change their mind, that there aren’t too many elements in a room screaming “LOOK AT ME!!!” etc.) I’ve learned so much from her blog over the years, and despite all I’ve learned, I’m extremely tempted to get one of her packages when we build our retirement home (many years from now). But even if you don’t get her packages, you will learn so much to help keep you from making design mistakes. (And no, I have no affiliation with Maria Killam.)
Now that I’m off my soapbox, did someone say they wanted some pictures? These are all from Houzz.
If you’re looking for a way to have darker wood cabinets but still have a light feeling kitchen…
Or maybe you want the white look, but not as austere?
This kitchen is a great mix of natural and light and wood-tones. In fact, looking at other pictures of the house might give some great ideas for other parts of your house:
If you’re looking for cozy and comforting, this kitchen might provide some inspiration, too:
If you’re actually looking for how you want to design your kitchen cabinets, here are some ideas, all of which are good for universal design:
Dishes & Spices
Or if you prefer, you can keep your spices in a drawer. And notice the great back-saving stand mixer (or food processor) lift!
A very accessible corner cabinet unit, here storing pots and mixing bowls:
Or if you prefer to keep pots and pans in a drawer (plus inspiration for sorting your recycling)
And there’s a spot for everything, including paper towels (and don’t forget there are also pull-out trash can drawers available, too).
And definitely do not forget about pull-out shelves in the pantry!
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Love the second and third pics.
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Those are beautiful pix, Austenut!
I see so many kitchen styles these days - for the OP I’d think a lot would depend on their overall aesthetic of the house, considering the structure. I’ve seen very modern, angular, minimalist kitchens that have darker tones and lots of wood. Those are very different from some more traditional type styles (still fresh and new) that incorporate rustic wood elements.
Austenut - is the website you recommended a replacement for a designer? We worked w/a designer (v. affordable) in preparing my parents’ house for sale (whole house rehab) and she was absolutely so helpful and incredible. Wondered if the website is intended to stand in for that? Interesting if so!
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My gosh, those first couple photos are 
!!! Saved that first one for myself! I’m not always a fan of wood toned cabinets but that combination - again, with all the windows/light - is gorgeous!
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Thanks for the link to that blog! We’re getting ready to finish our basement and her post about basement wall colors and lighting was really helpful!
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The blog that I linked to is not a replacement for a designer. She does, however, offer online design packages, and seeing some of the results, I think she does some fabulous work. If you already have a designer whose aesthetic you like and whose results you like long-term, there’s no reason to switch, but not all designers are equally successful at creating solid bones, which is where I would be particularly interested in getting her assistance. Making one mistake (wrong paint color, tile, backsplash, etc.) will more than offset her fee, as you either live with the mistake and have it irritate you, or you have to pay to redo it. I’ve been reading her blog for so many years and trying some of her techniques that I might risk making the decisions myself, but I really am tempted to get her services when we do a whole house build (interior and exterior decision choices).
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