Bottom line: You will need 25.5" for each wall cabinet run (24" cabinet + 1.5" counter overhang)...since you already have the appliances (including DOs) you're locked in to that depth on both sides if you put them in the approx locations in your original layout. You need a minimum of 36", preferably 42" for each aisle b/w counters...whether b/w wall runs or island & wall run. For a galley (i.e., no island), you really should have a 48" aisle since all the traffic + kitchen work will happen in one space. So... No island, the minimum width of the kitchen should be: .....Minimum aisle and no traffic: 25.5" + 36" + 25.5" = 87" (7'3") .....For ideal aisle of 48" or Traffic b/w island & one run of cabinets: + 12" = 99" (8'3") Island w/24" cabinet only (no seating): .....Minimum aisle and no traffic: 25.5" + 36" + 28" + 36" + 25.5" = 151" (12'7") .....For one ideal aisle of 42" or Traffic b/w island & one run of cabinets: + 6" = 157" (13'1") .....For two ideal aisles of 42" or Traffic b/w island & one or two runs of cabinets: + 6" + 6" = 163" (13'7") Island w/18" cabinet only (no seating): .....Minimum aisle and no traffic: 25.5" + 36" + 22" + 36" + 25.5" = 145" (12'1") .....For one ideal aisle of 42" or Traffic b/w island & one run of cabinets: + 6"" = 151" (12'7") .....For two ideal aisles of 42" or Traffic b/w island & one or two runs of cabinets: + 6" + 6" = 157" (13'1") Island w/24" cabinet, seating on one side, & minimum aisle (36" b/w non-seating side of island and other wall): .....With run of cabinets behind the seats and no traffic or counter behind seats: 25.5" + 36" + 40.5" + 48" + 25.5" = 175.5" (14'7.5") .....With run of cabinets behind the seats and either traffic or counter behind the seats (but not both): 25.5" + 36" + 40.5" + 54" + 25.5" = 181.5" (15'1.5") .....With run of cabinet behind the seats and traffic and counter behind the seats: 25.5" + 36" + 40.5" + 60" + 25.5" = 187.5" (15'7.5") .....With ideal aisles: 25.5" + 42" + 40.5" + 60" + 25.5" = 193.5" (16'1.5") If you have only one wall run of cabinets, you can subtract about 2' off each of the above measurements... Now, some questions... (1) Where does the door lead that's to the left of the range? Is it used a lot? (2) The door on the long wall w/the oven cabinets...does it lead to the DR? Is the DR used a lot? (3) The open area at the opposite end of the kitchen from the range....is that the Den/Family Room? When everyone was working on my kitchen, a comment was made that a kitchen that's 11' or 12' wide is more difficult to work with than one that's 9' or 14' wide. The 11' or 12' wide kitchen it too narrow for an island and too wide for the traditional Galley w/a 4' aisle b/w the cabinet runs. So far, no one has disproved this... whew! A lot of #s!!!

I want to add to this old thread (in case someone else comes across it while looking)... I was **freaking** out that my aisles were only going to be 42-44" in my kitchen and my designer assured me it was "great"... she was SOO right. I have 42/43" aisles in my main workspace and it is HUGE. HUGE. In that area I have a big prep sink and a 48" range. I have no idea why someone would want MORE space. It's actually sad I could have had a little more space on the island... I read all these forums and was sure I needed 48"... I just don't get it- the people who wrote these guidelines. My kitchen is large and the whole family is regularly in that work space... Actually if it would have been smaller maybe they would all stay out :) of the cooking space. I am not petite either at 6' but anyhow...my kitchen is beyond roomy with 43" aisles. I hope this helps someone :) edited to add: 43" is referring to my "work" aisles (range, prep sink, MW drawer, and large drawers in island. cleanup sink and DW on peninsula). The main pass aisle to den is 48" and the separated drink station/pantry is 55" from the islands' side.

Hi, Your post is great. I am seriously considering using Barker. If I do end up going with RTA, I will definitely measure the height/width of every single cabinet as soon as they arrive. I can start planning the inspection early. :) That means clearing the living room or something. Yes, remodeling = problems. All those remodeling shows on TV make it look fun, but that's fantasy. :) I had bathroom cabinets done. I bought them at a local kitchen showroom that ordered them from a company in another state. They sat in my house (in boxes) for months while other work was completed in the bathroom. The day they were finally installed: 1) The linen closet door was missing; Oops... it was sitting in their warehouse; 2) The installer messed up two doors when he put the handles on; they were crooked. When he straightened them, the original holes were visible (image of me smacking my forehead). They ordered new ones... that took like 6 weeks. When the 2 new doors were delivered, the installer did not bring the linen closet door. I called to remind them of that. The answer was, "Huh? What door?" They searched the warehouse, but could not find it anywhere...and THEN the manufacturer could not find my order to make a new one (it has been too long for me to remember why...), so the local kitchen dealer had to pay a local cabinet maker to make a new door (and it was gorgeous - the finish was slightly nicer than that of the rest of the cabinets). I'd love to know who this local guy is, because I'd hire him. LOL. I only did a vanity and a linen closet, but they were very expensive cabinets, They were built perfectly. That was my first project... many other things went wrong in that bathroom. It put me into the mindset of "problem prevention" with subsequent projects. I try very hard to ask a million questions and take measures to prevent problems, but it's impossible. I don't have a crystal ball. Just about everything I've had done after that has had issues, too... :( The important part, as others have commented, is how the contractor corrects the problem. The only thing I would have done differently today would be: Drive to the kitchen showroom myself on day one and say, "Please give me my door." Still wondering how a door disappeared, and what good it did anyone. :) Did it accidentally end up in the trash? Did someone later find it, take it home, and make a tabletop out of it? :) My only request: Could you please post photos of your beautiful Barker kitchen? :) Thanks!

You need to get that right before you worry about your island. Additionally you said draftsman. Most are poor designers. Have you considered working with a person of design talent, (architect)? Below is my list I always post. Anything in bold is an issue that should be fixed. The best houses orient the public rooms towards the south for the best passive solar heating and cooling The best houses are L, U, T, H, or I shaped. The best houses are only one to two rooms deep. And covered lanai, porches, garages, etc count as rooms in this case. The best houses make sure kitchens have natural light, meaning windows so one doesn't have to have lighting 24/7 to use the kitchen. (And no, dining areas with windows 10' or more from the kitchen will not allow for natural light.) However in this case, I'd say you want the dining area to have windows too. The best houses make sure all public rooms and bedrooms have windows on at least two walls. The best houses do not if possible put mechanical rooms, pantries or closets on outside walls The best houses keep public and private spaces separate. The best houses do not have you walk through the work zone of the kitchen to bring laundry to the laundry room. The best houses do not have the mudroom go through any of the work zones of the kitchen. The best houses do not use the kitchen as a hallway to any other rooms. The best houses do not put toilets or toilet rooms up against bedroom walls or dining areas. The best houses do not have walk in closets too small to stand inside. The best houses have an organizing “spine” so it’s easy to determine how to get from room to room in the house and what makes sense. Additionally this house will be dark on the interior. How much land are you on?