There are only two cabinets in the kitchen that open at eye level. We need more. My wife does not want to get on a step stool to reach each cabinet. We don’t NEED more counter space, but it would be nice. We are thinking of building into the breakfast nook, or some how pushing into the pantry/butler pantry area.
Link to blueprint
Besides the extra cabinets and such, have you considered a change in color? The black really is harsh against so much white/light colors. I would consider painting the island one color and then the back cabinets another. Then add a pop of color on the backsplash. with some colored glass tiles.