tkf: thanks- we are looking forward to using it- it adds a nice unique personal touch to the kitchen, you know? badgergal- i don't think having enough floor space is a problem- our measurements are below. i would imagine that if we put a hinged top on it would be out most of the time, and my two boys aren't the most gentle, so they would abuse it :) boxer: thanks and thank you for the inspiration pics. If we wanted to make the overhang on one end and make it big enough for two seats, how big would it have to be? I am thinking we might need to do seats perpendicular to each other since the depth is only 28"? distance from range to end: 48" width x depth:50x28' distance from end of island to where frig ends (marks end of kitchen area): 35"

Store your dishes in the upper cabinets to the right of the cooktop - that will keep them and anyone unloading the DW or setting the table out of your primary work zones. Put your trash pullout in the island next to the sink (opposite side from the DW). I wish you were open to other changes - the island is currently a barrier b/w the Prep Zone in the island and the refrigerator and b/w the Cooking Zone/cooktop and the refrigerator. I'd rather see your pantry on the left side with your Cooking and Cleanup Zones on the perimeter and your Prep Zone either on the island or b/w the cooktop and sink. If you at least switched the oven and the refrigerator, the island would no longer be a barrier. How wide will the workspace be in your Prep Zone? I hope at least 36" (42" would be much, much better). Your Prep Zone is in the island - opposite side from the DW - b/c that's the only water source. Note that much of your counterspace is wasted b/c it isn't located where it can be useful. You're cramming the Prep and Cleanup Zones in a rather narrow island and have all the unused counterspace on either side of the cooktop. 1.5" overhang + 38" cabinets/workspace + 30" sink + 24" DW + 1" support wall for the DW + 1.5" overhang = 96" (8')

Thank you all so much for your input! I have been thinking hard and spent half an hour this morning standing in the middle of my current kitchen... That thinking and standing has changed my mind in regards to a proper dining table. I am now considering a smaller island and an extendable dining table which will normally sit quetly by the wall but when needed will jump out to the empty space and stretch perpendicular to the island. Disregard the photo frames and shelving on the walls, I don't really have them, was just playing with the software. I can't change the pictures now as I'm at work and the software is at home... For now I've only made that island smaller and added the dining table "placeholder". mama goose, you've just opened a whole new world to me, I'm now in love with stud bay storage! Will definitely investigate, what a fantastic option. Might work like magic for my cookbooks collection. Also a great idea to have dish drawers facing the DW. The only thing is, I was planning to put power outlets on that side of the island, where would you have them if that wall is all drawers? I guess can stil put them under the seating overhang, on a side of the cabinet with the dishes? A little harder to reach but on the other hand, well hidden from view. Also, rotating that cabinet for dishes to face the DW, would you put some sort of fake "face" on the side that is now on the front wall of the island? Just for visual continuity... Hope this question makes sense. mark_rachel - I don't quite understand. Do you mean, shelving instead of the fridge? Where would the fridge go then? I'm changing the setup anyway and there won't be "permanent" seating there so hopefully works better, please take a look. kaismom - I did think no dining table. I don't think that anymore. Family meals are important. Christmas is important. Yes, I am definitely trying to design not just the kitchen but a space for the family. Please take another look, I've updated the plan. A smaller island and an extendable table. I agree - that large island would be too "permanent" and too "customised" for when we will be selling the house eventually. cpartist - I thought about table-height section of the island. I don't really like this option, but I understand it works for many people. I would love a MW drawer but I spent a lot of time googling and it seems like not a single brand is available here in Australia. This country is my favourite place in the whole world but in some aspects we are just behind the rest of the planet... I will think about swapping the MW with some drawers in the snak area, but this places it quite far from the rest of the kitchen... Worth considering though. Thank you for your overall kind feedback Sophie Wheeler - yeah, I see it now. Please keep ideas coming :)

Hi Suz, I’m late to the party but thought I’d play around with your fun puzzle. It is so nice to see Buehl’s still creating wonderful layouts and generously providing such great advice. Many others have great ideas as well! I used Buehl’s empty layout and just moved her appliances and things around. I have zero design experience, but here is my attempt anyways. :*) The existing sink under the window could stay with the 2 DW’s on the sides. This area i see being the messy prep zone and clean up zone. That way you won’t see it from the open pretty kitchen/dining/living room area. You could keep small appliances you use often out on the counters like a mixer, blender, air fryer, coffee maker, etc… Maybe an under-counter beverage fridge could fit? Being the entry from the garage, I do see potential for a traffic jam at certain times. Like if the kids come home from school at the exact time someone is emptying the dishwasher. Or someone needs the laundry as you are blending a margarita, but hopefully it would not happen too often. I also don’t love a sink on the island, so you could have the prep sink in the corner or over a little more on the stove wall. Depending on if you get the humongous fridge/freezer or not, you could get more counter space on either side for unloading groceries. I would probaly just use the island and pivot myself. I am not sure where you would like to display your large bowls, but I think you have a few options. Maybe have a custom cabinet made. Maybe it could match wood or color of the island cabinets, then have the perimeter a different color? I like the idea of keeping an entry wall too. Or, maybe just a half wall? Ok, I think I better quit decorating your house now or I’ll want to move in. You must be super excited!