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I have been thinking about this a lot, because it's what I want for my retirement. (I'm older than the rest of the SeriousEats readers!) I would like everything that cheffy wants---but two refrigerators, not one, side-by-side. Then an island with cooktop and prep sink so I can talk to people while I cook, a marble pastry "station" in a corner, cabinets for all my many dishes and appliances, a pantry with more cabinets for cans, potatoes, onions, and all the things I buy at Costco and keep in the laundry room, and lots of large windows near the table so we can all look out onto the trees in back while we eat and drink wine. Often there's a sunset peeking pink through those trees.For my "sunset years," that's my fantasy, and I'm sticking with it.

Teachertalk, my hubby custom built our home (17 years old or so now) and I'd change a LOT of things that I designed in my kitchen...I'd make it bigger (and it's pretty big already ha-ha) and I'd have those 'inside' the window blinds' rather than curtains...I HATE cleaning my curtains...such a pain and I'm allergic to dust. -And funny that you mentioned two refrigerators because we actually have our older one [running like a champ] out in the garage. I'm a food horder...I grew up really poor so having a fully stocked pantry and fridge makes me feel secure. I actually eat LESS when I have more food and when the supply is running low I feel hungry...go figure? I'm sure I should get therapy over that issue eh? Nah! Hey, if the world comes to an end all the neighbors will be gathering at my home...shhhhhhhh don't tell anybody I'm stocked up and loaded for bear! lol

Teach, you seem like such a sweetie-pie (my grandma was a teacher)! Thank you for your kind comments...I truly appreciate you and your insights. :)

Oh! Speaking of Costco...I buy the bulk Sweet 'Walla Walla' onions and store them in my garage fridge in a perforated box...I've successfully kept them that way for over a year...and keeping them 'cold' actually reduces tears when cutting. I love having sweet onions all year round...awesome! :D

I have 80% of what I "dreamed" would be my dream kitchen now. I did not get a new car and spent on the kitchen instead. Wolf 36" 6 burner gas range w/ backsplash in stainless and warming rack/vent to the outside hood, granite, 4.5 inch butcher block, plate rack, wine rack, beverage cooler, huge island, huge pantry deep sink with gooseneck faucet. The whole kitchen backsplashed in italian tile.
It is only 80% of what I wanted. I am planning the next kitchen in my head.
What I would do differently. Just one note of caution, I love the look of stainless, but I hate cleaning it.
This is a working kitchen. You never are more than 2 steps from a counter or working space.
We socialize and entertain often in the kitchen. People just love it.
Did it bring me a lot of joy? Hell yea! Would I do it again, you bet.

One with a full-time cook in it so I could get on with other things and wouldn't have to spend another moment thinking about the next meal!

While I couldnt care less about about decorative touches such as italian tile etc, this is what I dream of for my fantasy kitchen:

- in-counter deep fryer
- eight burner flush surface gas range top
- two salamander broilers
- cast iron grate gas grill flush to counter
- smoker
- multiple sinks, in prep areas and adjacent to cooking cluster
- ice cream machine
- butcher block / polished marble work surfaces
- side by side conventional ovens
- wood burning pizza/bread baker's oven
- fire place equipped with hooks for kettles and rotisserie
- full battery of copper sauté pans and pots
- walk in refrigerator with individual cooling zones within
- deep freezer
- greenhouse windows for year round cultivation of fresh herbs
- tanks for live seafood
- stone cellar storage for wines, bulbs, tubers, mushrooms and cheeses
- soda fountain and beer taps
- integrated touch screen computers

I think that's it :)

I think Seyo nailed it. Just for kicks you should try to cost it all out to see how much your dream kitchen will set you back!

At this point in my life all I want is a functional kitchen. I don't want a lot of bells and whistles but I DO want enough counter space (and overall space) so The Husband and I can work together without bumping into each other or fighting for room; a pantry; durable, easy to clean counters, floors and cabinets; an open concept so friends and family can gather while I cook but stay the F out of my way; a place for the microwave so it isn't eating up valuable counter space; lots of natural light.. I think that's it. I don't need industrial appliances (at least I don't think I do....) nor yards and yards of counter space or cabinetry. Let's face it, the more space you have the more crap you seem to accumulate!

Seyo the tile is not for decoration. It is easy to clean. When I am cooking splatter happens. All those lovely things you mentioned are a pain to clean. Deep fryers and salamanders spell degrease.
I am a practical person I realize that some of you know this. Many people I know orderd their wolf or viking with the grill and every time they have to clean it they cry and carry on. A professional grade anything requires cleaning above the norm same thing with maintenance. If I were to do it again I would do the double ovens and the cooktop. I have a lodge cast iron grill to put on top and cleaning that is a pain but at least it come OFF the stove top.
When you are planning a kitchen/remodel et al make sure you take into consideration the cleaning. Go to the viking store or the kitchen place when they have the cooking night where you get to cook on the equipment.
Then ask how do I get off this or remove that, look and see. Caveat Emptor. Now having said that go out children and get great kitchens. It is by far one of the best things I did for myself and everyone.