When I had my kitchen opened out and re-fitted in my last house, the electrician asked me how many power sockets I wanted. I told him as many as he could give me. I think I had 11 counter-level and 3 lower down. If there hadn't been a massive window just above the main counter, I would have had more - there's nothing worse than not having power where you need it! Starting from scratch is a wonderful opportunity to get it exactly as you want.
The other thing that I need a lot of is storage. It's definitely lacking in this new place, but I intend to do a rebuild before long.

Friends of mine did a barn conversion and did an open plan cooking/ dining/ sitting theme as you moved from one end to the other. They had an island unit with a 6 burner gas hob, and round sink built in; a gas-fired Aga in a recess at the back. Most of the storage was round behind in a butler's pantry - marvellous! Fridge, freezer, store cupboards, washing appliances all tucked away. They then got an artist daughter of a friend to make a trompe l'oeuil door for it which gave the effect of a recess with shelves containing Cornishware jars, old brass scales and cookery books, etc.

Andrea