plumeriavine - I would draw it up, but I wouldn't get it accurate in terms of finding out whether one would really see that it goes beyond the doorway from a distance. It's rather simple in that it's just a symmetrical extension of the poking-out sink area, on either side. While I'm not sure, I imagine the contractor could just angle it in on both sides the way it's already angled in on either side of the sink, right? resueyla - thanks - I think you (and others) are right that symmetry is key. I'm glad you don't think it would be too noticeable! :) kathy_wa - thank you for the suggestion of how to buy more space! boxerpups - Wowy wow wow thank you for the several very helpful pics! I love the column idea (square versions would be really appropriate in my arts & crafts house that has a lot of square columns, wouldn't it? How fun to imagine... ). The only issue is that it's not just the sink that sticks out, as it does presently in my picture (link) above. I wish that were the case cause I kind of like the look of just the sink sticking out. If the area to the left and the right of the sink were to also get brought out into the room to the same depth as the sink, then the sink no loner looks like a centerpiece and the columns or even cute little feet if nothing else, may not work so well? I guess that's what I'm asking now. I think I'm convinced things should be symmetrical for THIS particular kitchen which doesn't have much of a choice due to that long line from doorway to doorway. But am I correct to assume that the soon-to-be sticking-out area (including both sides of sink) will no longer have a way of looking special in some decorative sense beyond that? I mean could I put columns just to the left of the future (sticking-out) dishwasher area and just to the right of the future sticking-out area to the right of the the sink? Sticking-out area? Sorry - I'm tired and obviously very inarticulate at the moment! ;)

Thanks amberley. The only problem w/ the Shaws sink is that the drain is offset which means I'm supposed to move the swiveling faucet to one side whenever I turn on water, if I go by those rules (that seems it would be odd, doesn't it?). But then maybe a little splashing won't be the end of the world. Regardless, enough people have commented that if the sink's deeper, there's less chance of getting splashed which I suppose makes sense. I"m not too terribly worried at this point while at the same time wanting to take one last look at all my options in in case there's a good alternative before I put in the order. Thanks again for your feedback!

Late to the party, but, I though I'd chime in... Island Seating....If you want 4 people to be able to sit comfortably at your island on the corner like you have it (and since you appear to want to use it full-time, you should) be sure to have: 48" linear space on one side for seating and 63" (48" + 15") of linear space on the other side. This is so two seats are not sharing "knee/leg space" at the corner. It does look like you have about 12" "extra" right now for this, but with your talk of changing the island, I wanted to be sure it doesn't get forgotten! At least a 15" overhang on both sides b/c it's not just for a quick snack or very occasional use. Please don't skimp here...if you're going to be using this seating full-time for all your meals, I think this is much more important for you than for someone who just uses their island/peninsula for snacks, occasional meals, or kids-only. Again, it looks like you've provided at least a 15" overhang, but if you change the island I wouldn't want this forgotten either! Prep sink....I think the best place for the prep sink is probably on the cooktop side on the sink end. As you state, it makes it easier to use it from the cooktop for filling/dumping pots (a simple turn, no steps needed). It also keeps it out of the landing zone for the refrigerator (the end of the island) It keeps it out of the face of someone sitting on the bottom end of the island...more important than usual b/c you appear to be planning to use island seating full-time. It also eliminates the possibility of splashing that person. It also makes it better for workflow...take things out of the refrigerator and place them on the island. Go to the island and immediately begin prepping w/o having to move the food again for better access to water (i.e., you don't have to move it to either next to the main sink if you don't have a prep sink or to the other side of the prep sink if the prep sink is on the seating end). However, you have the Trash Pullout on that end, so some thinking about this is needed. I think putting the sink in the middle of island will make the island less useful for prep b/c you won't have a big enough expanse of workspace on either side to work. Ideally, you should have at least a 36" span of counter for decent prepping. (I had 24" In my old kitchen and it was nowhere near enough...it was one of the major driving forces in my remodel.) I'm wondering if the trash pullout could be b/w the cooktop and the corner... Range Hood....How you handle the range hood depends on what you do about the cooktop. If you pull the cooktop out the additional 6" as well, then... You might consider getting a deeper range hood...say a 27" deep one. This way, the hood can be installed normally and will cover the all but 3" of the front of the cooktop. Another option is to build out the wall a bit where the hood is mounted...from the bottom of the hood to the ceiling b/w the upper cabinets. Of the two options above, I personally I think the deeper hood is better aesthetically. Yet another option is to do what Wa8b did and put in a stainless steel filler b/w the wall and the hood. This works best, btw, with the type of hood that has a cabinet above it (like Wa8b) or that's has a full mantle built to the ceiling (or close to the ceiling)....b/c then the "filler" isn't obvious. This is also an aesthetically pleasing option. One thing, though, unless your entire family is fairly tall or at least has long arms, I would hesitate to center the cooktop in the 30" deep counter...it will make reaching the back burners more difficult and require stretching your arm lower across items on the front burners (b/c your arms have to stretch farther, they have to be lower to be able to utilize the full length of your arms).

Sombreuil is right about the KitchenAids, unless they have changed over the past few years. With inset, you must have more room (front to back). Here's a photo of a KA dishwasher that I designed in an island. There are 12" deep cabinets backing up against the 24" cabinets. So, I made ONE of those shallow cabinets 10" deep instead to allow more room for DW. You want the custom wood panel to be FLUSH with the adjacent cabinets. Dishwasher is right of farm sink. Here's the back side of the island. The cabinet on the far left is only 10" deep, while the others are 12". I capped the island ends with decorative panels and pilasters.