Thought I would bring this thread up to date. Here's where we're at (at the moment). On Monday the support wall for the peninsula goes in so that electrical and plumbing rough-ins can finish. A few things we are looking to do, based in large part from helpful comments on other threads. counter height peninsula with seating for 4, including 1 at the end. 18" overhang provided. prep sink (15" wide or so) in the middle of the peninsula. This will divide the space into 2 prep areas, each about 4' wide. And for holidays we can make pies etc with our teenage kids on the same surface, using it from both sides. When we're working at that peninsula we'll be looking out over the family room to a vaulted ceiling with sky views. Fridge is 6 1/2' from the closest prep area at the end of the peninsula. The kitchen naturally is pretty dark because it is in the middle of the house. We'll put a solatube in the center to bring natural light in. We're probably going with a 36" range to provide more space on top for dueling pots and pans. We stir fry a lot so we'll get one with a center wok ring. This is a good central location and allows for a third prep area to the right of it between the range and clean-up. This is also a location where we can vent through the roof. We have plumbing for the pot filler and are 50/50 on whether or not to put one in. It would be handy for pasta, which we make probably 2 x week. Cleanup area is out of the way and near dish storage. Dining room is on opposite side of the wall from the cleanup area, so about as close as we can be to dining room, dishwashwer, and casual dining (peninsula). Interior designer (who doesn't cook) had wanted us to put the fridge at the end of one of the U's, but this would have reduced the cleanup area and cabinet space. Also visually from the family room I prefer seeing the fridge from the side, with cabinets around it. He wanted to do this so we wouldn't see the fridge from the living room at all. If this were a huge deal, we could get a paneled refrig, but we'd rather not. If the fridge were put there it would actually be a bit farther (by a foot or so) from the main prep area, but it would be closer to clean-up which would be somewhat better for food storage. Still thinking about micro / speed oven (probably on wall near fridge somewhere) and refrigerator drawers (probably not--will need all the drawers we an get in the peninsula). Comments still welcome. This is still mostly virtual but it becomes more reality every day. Will post some actual photos soon.

Three things - I would at a minimum trade the ref and the oven. This is because I use the ref a lot more than the oven, it makes an easier route to the ref from the sink or cooktop, and I have a chance to get into and out of the ref while people are seated. Which is the another thing. You may not be able to open the ref door while people are seated, or at least without the thrill of potentially hitting someone. I know this is shocking, but a 36" wide ref has at least a 35" wide door which means it will stick out into the aisle at least 35" plus a little bit more here or there for handles and door depth. A seated person sticks out into the aisle about 24". You have only a 42" aisle from the counter edge to the ref (without handles). The seated person and the ref door overlap by about 18". Excepting its likely worse than that. The island really isn't going to be 36" wide, it will be about 39 to 40" wide. A normal cabinet is around 24" deep without its doors or a decorative back. Both of those elements add 3/4" each. The countertop overhangs the front of the door by another 3/4". So the counter top is 26.5" plus 12" for a seating overhang or 38.5". Because your other aisle is already narrow (will actually be more like 38" wide, the seating aisle in front of the ref will be about 40" wide. Personally, I would get rid of the island seating and use a 30" wide top. I would want an aisle of about 60" (but at least 54") where seating is in front of important appliances. The last thing is I know you think its safe to have your cooktop with a seat in front because you placed a 42" tall counter behind it. It's not to me. Poor dh actually lit a newspaper on fire seated at that exact position. There is something about the raised bar that "feels" reassuring even when its dangerous. Aside from fire, spatters and splatters of hot fluid will easily go high and further than you think. Over time, I grew to resent the height of the stools and the loss of workspace right beside the cooking surface. I strongly encourage you to build a full height wall, but only right behind the cooktop and to consider having the seating at the counter height instead. I would tell you it was cheaper, and it is because the hoods are so much cheaper, but honestly, it will occur to you that you can use the difference on really fancy tile.

Fiedajune. You and I must have different page layouts. When I look at the top of this thread, it only indicates it was posted in home decorating (the sub-thread, if you will). However, I'm in GW, so maybe you are elsewhere and see something different? From my GW perspective, I agree with My3dogs that there could possibly be access to additional help in the kitchen forum if the OP wants to try there.

. Most specifically is the fridge too far from the sink? Room is about 18 feet long so fridge to sink is going to be 14 feet apart. Yes it's too far. 9' or less is considered ideal. On the non working side you need a minimum of 36" of walking space.