THANKS to everyone for reassuring me! You're all right, the sink and window are completely asymmetrical, so I shouldn't even worry about it! Owls, I chuckled when I read your post, because having a 44" aisle is with the plumbing sitting right at the FRONT of the sink cabinet! If it were at the back, I'd end up with maybe a 36" aisle? I figure I'll just give up the space, and maybe put all the 'dangerous' stuff back there, granite sealer, draino, etc, and it'll just make it harder for the kids to access! Talk about compromises! My next worry is what he's going to charge me for not having that second DW in the plans (I really could kill my plan designer!) and now his electrical is done, and he'll have to go back and put in another dedicated circuit. Sigh. Thanks again for all your input (and support!)!

We're mostly a 1-cook kitchen (DH will do a salad sometimes and then the 39" aisle isn't a problem, it's that he's using the sink while I need to drain pasta!). It's 39" from counter edge to counter edge, and 36" from "point" of angled cabinet on ends of island to the opposite counter (little bit less to handle of oven). I'm 5' 2.5" and while I'm not as skinny as I used to be, maybe I'm not "average" either. I don't want to sound cruel, but my mom has gotten large all over, incl. below countertop level, and when my SILs were here I noticed they have gotten more "pear-shaped" and while I don't think anyone had problems getting past the stove (about 33" b/t handle and the 1" radiused corner on the island), it might have been too tight for one of them to even stand to side (in 39" space) and open the oven door. I guess it depends on the size of your family - not the number of people. I know I had trouble with bathroom stalls when I was pg - the darn doors always open *in* and i was afraid I'd get stuck! Once in a restaurant I was wearing a button-front jumper and did get snagged b/t the buttons on a chair back trying to squeeze behind a diner while leaving. How embarrassing! But at 8mos pg, I was almost as big around as I was tall LOL! (though the place was jammed, I'm sure there wasn't even 36" b/t chairs when people were sitting in them) I just couldn't do wider aisles in a 13ft wide kitchen - and I'd rather have more on the seating side/traffic/door side of the island than I do now (54" from countertop to wall, but we've got barstools and doorknobs to contend with).

By 'walk thru' do you mean the area behind the stools? If so, 32" seems a little narrow for someone to squeeze by if people are seated. Or would that rarely happen? I'm having similar aisle issues (I'm in the layout stage). I've read soem other threads that might help you. Be sure to note the second thread I noted within this one. There is also some good stuff here: http://www.thathomesite.com/forums/load/build/msg1217593727213.html?8. Here is a link that might be useful: thread on narrow aisles

Our kitchen is almost exactly your layout. I'll attach a photo. It is 13 1/2' wide and 12' deep. There was no way to have an island, but we love our large peninsula. It is 7' long by 38" with 12" overhang on back and end. Easily fits four stools. We have 47" clearance from end of peninsula to front of fridge and almost 70" from sink counter edge to peninsula edge. It is a great work triangle and open to the dining area. I like having the fridge by the opening to the eating area/dining room, to grab last minute items. Our grandsons love the peninsula. Great for snacks and helping me with making food.