Thanks for the great feedback so far! Keep it coming!! The original island was 8'x3'8'. The new version is 4'6x8'. It was initially supposed to be a workspace/table combo, but I realized to Lisa's point that it will really be only used as a table if we keep it like that. I also had the concerns about more appliances than storage, and that's part of why I started modifying the island. If we were to use the architect's design as is, we would add an additional workspace, much like you did. We were thinking something less fixed, like this: [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/architectural-portfolio-eclectic-kitchen-portland-phvw-vp~2936999) [Eclectic Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2104) by Vancouver Photographers Shawn St.Peter Photography However, our concern is that with 2 islands and the corner nook, it starts to get very cluttered and busy. That led me to want to move the dining area to the nook and use the island as a work station w/ more storage. There are only 2 of us for now, but with house guests and entertaining, we would want to be able to seat 4-5 regularly and 6+ for special occasions. You make a good point about the limited side seating, so we will remove it. I'm glad you all pointed out the issue with the dinnerware being so far from the dishwasher. My concern is that if we move the sink/DW back to the corner, there's not really any more storage over there, and then the sink is really far from the fridge. We could put the dinnerware and glassware in the uppers over the DW in my layout to resolve the issue, and then would just need a place for the flatware - either over the tupperware or back in the corner by the ovens. I could also probably get 18-20" of drawers next to the DW if I cut the tupperware/wraps drawers in half and take the extra 6" from the drawers on the other end (which would also put more counter space between the sink and ovens). OR the dinnerware/flatware could go in the drawers on the end of the island. So let's assume we can solve the storage location issue - would you still move the sink? (I don't think we could do a second sink because of the costs, so let's assume only 1.) How does the pantry on the left allow more space for the fridge doors? We would have french doors on the fridge, so I assumed it wouldn't matter which side. I actually wanted the left originally so I could put stuff from the fridge directly on the counter to the right, but since the laundry and pantry are paneled it looks better to flank the fridge with them. I guess if we kept all cabs the same color, it wouldn't matter as much. We put the fridge and pantry at the same depth as the laundry for 3 reasons: 1. a 36" deep fridge would look built-in without built-in prices 2. deeper pantry = more storage and 3. if we put the "tall things" in a contrasting color to the other cabinets, we would want them all flush so they form a wall. We haven't seen the ovens under the counter in person. We are planning on using the new Bosch swing door ovens, so hopefully that helps with some of the bending issues (only down vs. down and over). It does mean that we would want 30" clearance on either side, though, for the door to swing out. There is also a chance we may not be able to use both ovens because we only have 100 AMPs and it would be very $$$ to upgrade, so we could reduce to a double wall oven or just a single. I'm not a huge fan of the double wall oven because it seems like the top oven is too high to easily see and reach inside. However, I don't have personal experience using them so maybe it's not really an issue? Here is the link to my other post for reference: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/remodel/msg0812432221051.html I plan to add an update as soon as we make a final decision on the contractor!

Love the new rug, and for heaven's sake, just hang the TV and enjoy watching it! It is a nod to the notion that real people live in this room, which I find healthy and refreshing. I love how you have made this space your own with smart decor choices and a welcoming, relaxed vibe. And yes, your new rug IS to die for!!!!

Looks like you have a really large porch off side, I actually like that you plan to connect it off those patio doors out of kitchen/dining area and give yourselves a small private balcony off master not connected to rest. Not sure what your weather is like but ours here does not justify a massive uncovered/unscreened/unenclosed deck (and to cover and screen all of it would be $$$$) and risks becoming more headache than pleasure, so I understand why you don’t want one. Plus the concerns about shading the future walk out basement. I don’t think you need to burn your house down :) I still vote Option 3 after seeing or understanding more of your overall short and long term plans.

I use a lazy susan from Rubber Maid purchased back in the Pleistocene era that I keep in a cabinet away from the stove. Certain things are kept in the refrigerator. Everything is dated when purchased, and every 2 years I go through it all and through out what is old, unless I taste it and it tastes good. I do love to save those little bottles. They are great for making your own spice blends, sorting buttons of different colors, screws of different sizes, making your own spice blends. My mother used to keep her spare buttons in beautiful cake tins. Remember when people gave you gifts of cake in beautiful colored aluminum cake tins or beautiful boxes that looked like hat boxes? Well, they were our repository for buttons. It made it a treat to hunt down that special button for mom. Too bad those days are gone! The tiny jars from jam samples are good for storing those tiny quantities of saffron that might come in a cellophane packet. Or craft supplies. Who said recycling is a new thing?