Finally managed to find an architect who's happy to work with me and my ideas, rather than just imposing their 'cookie cutter' previous projects on to us. 
It will involve an extension, taking the kitchen out by around 3m, which will make a long, thin space. Some of it will become a downstairs toilet.
The plan is to have a linear kitchen, so all units aligned down one wall. I've seen an example of this and it looks fantastic. Not quite sure how long it will be, but probably about 6m. (We have yet to have the proper measuring/plans drawn up).
The architect asked me to start looking at kitchens to decide what I would like - what's essential, what's nice to have, what kind of style, what appliances, etc. But already I'm overwhelmed. There's so much choice!
So tell me - if you've done your kitchen, what would your advice be? What do you wish you had/hadn't done? What's the piece of kit you wouldn't be without?
And any other tips you have!
My 'essentials' so far (in no particular order):
double oven
induction hob
built-in microwave
boiling water tap
tall fridge next to tall freezer (not American style as I don't think I'll get enough cubic capacity in the freezer with one of those)
washer and drier, stacked
dishwasher
I need lots of storage space. At the moment, my work surface is littered with baking tins and my pressure cooker, which I have no room for in the cupboards I currently have.
I also have loads of herbs and spices which currently sit (and constantly fall off) the bread bin, so need to find a way to store those - I have loads and loads, so a simple little counter top unit isn't going to be big enough!
We cook a lot, so although I (obviously) want it to look lovely, it needs to be properly functional.
Any thoughts, advice, suggestions, help will be more than gratefully received! 