My island is like yours, 5x8 with 2 rows of cabinets and 2 posts. I measured so I could be precise: tapered leg starts as 3.5" and goes down to 2.5", skirt is 3". The picture makes it look a little smaller...I'm a stickler about scale...looks great in person.

Alicia - the horse may have already left the barn, but if there’s ANY way you can swap for drawers on the side facing the sink, you’ll be infinitely happier in the long run. My island is 5’ x 10’ (shush, you “big” island haters - I am totally OK with walking all the way around to clean :) and have drawers facing the sink and cabinets where you sit. I have significant supports so I did not need posts.

More this......

Get RID of the branch detail (as I said above) on the post above that island. I makes the ceiling appear even lower and it is OVER design.

A dark island or any color? better than white.

Nobody is trying to discourage you....cause heartbreak, but this is a far cry from your rendering above, EVEN WITH A POST.: )

Yes close the island ends, You are top heavy unless you do.

Don't use a rendering in a question, unless it is accurate. This is the INTERNET: ) LOL

Clear glass to enjoy that beautiful yard!

I am also soooo glad you will be moving the stove to the perimeter. Love the colors and the wood beams!

I am curious, in the rendering, what is that grey and white thing on the island?

Muntins break up the "blank stare" exterior look all too common on modern houses. I've always had them and never found them to interfere with the views from inside. Except in a house with a giant window designed to capture the view of the ski mountain I'd almost always use them. So I'll be the contrarian and say yes.

Depends on what you want in your direct view: muntins or landscape. We just bought a lake house with muntins on the large slider door with the fabulous view. It’s all I could “see”. First thing we renovated was that door. We’ve had it for 4 months and the difference is noticeable without the muntins - we still mention it to each other.

In front of that lovely window between sink and stove will be your prime prep space. you’ll want open counter there to use for prepping. besides which how do you ooen the cabinet if you are using the space?

I'm with lharpie on the cabinet. That is prime prep space, and you do not want to compromise function there. We have a very similar layout, and our island is used a lot for prep, but so is that corner space. It's especially crucial when two or more people are working at once and sharing the sink.

I would have to agree about the cabinet to the counter. I had it in one kitchen and could not wait to get rid of it. I prefer to work on one continuous piece of top. Plus I do find that when I'm working around the sink and prepping, I am a little messy , so that can mess up the cabinet.

Maybe if it were narrower?

Just a thought. It really depends on what sort of cook you are. Plenty of things look great but that doesn't mean they will function well. If you have a corner in your kitchen now between sink and stove, try putting a box or something there blocking off the counter and see how you feel.

Good luck!