We're moving on to the renovation of our kitchen and I would appreciate feedback on the attached plan. Walls are fixed, the confines are shown on the plan. The two "windows" on the bottom of the plan actually open to another room, and we don't want to modify that. The sill height at those windows is also too low to consider for normal countertops — see the second question below. Suggestions welcome!

I’m also have two questions about countertops and using wall units as base units.

We would like to use birch or beech Numerar wood countertops, but the size of the kitchen will require joints, both in-line and corner. If you look at the plan, you’ll see the length of the counter that runs under the sink will require a joint somewhere. Additionally, to make the corner going to the stove, we’ll need a joint. We had a Numerar birch top on an island in a previous house, and it had rounded edges. How have you joined Numerar sections to be relatively seamless — both inline and perpendicular?

The next question is simpler — have any of you used a wall cabinet as a base cabinet? On the bottom of the plan image — item #17 — we have a opening into an adjacent dining area with a sill 28" from the floor. It is a great place for a coffeepot and storage beneath. Can I just put legs on an 18" high over-refrigerator cabinet + a countertop and use it as a base? Or are there issues with the way wall cabinets are built that prevent that?

Thanks in advance for feedback…

Dave