We are also a family of four and have four seats at our large (8x4) island. When we purchased the house there was only room for three, which was OK, since my son was an infant and sitting in a seat that clipped onto the island. But soon it became a problem that there were only three seats. I removed a base cabinet to provide the extra space for a stool. I did lose that storage space, but I really wanted us all to be able to eat together. Like you, we don't always eat every meal together, but it is really nice to be able to all sit together. My dining room is also directly off the kitchen, but we still don't use it as a quasi-kitchen table. Having said that, I think the arrangement is important. All in a row is less conducive to conversation. We have two on the end and then two on the side, in an "L" formation. Having more seating is also really nice when you are entertaining; there are more people to hang out with you while you cook and prepare! Good luck!

9" sounds better--I misunderstood the measurement of the island depth on the last plan you'd posted. There are many pics of cooktops under windows (I linked some above), and a few GW members have done the same. Angie_diy and cotehele are two that I recall. You might do a search, and message them to find out how they feel about the issue. If it gives you a better layout, I think it would be fine, and although glass shows spatters, it is durable--more durable than my bead-board backsplash. I would assume that any solid surface behind the hood would help contain the steam and grease plume better than the open cooktop first considered. Where would that grease have gone? I've never had a cooktop under a window, though, so I can't add any first-hand experience. One GW discussion/pros and cons cotehele (and a few others) weighed in on this discussion

Hi Kendrah, Thanks! I want something a little less “diner-esque.” It feels either that or clinical, especially in addition to the amount of stainless already in the kitchen. I do plan/hope to redo the kitchen but instead of a full remodel, I think I’ll be more likely to piecemeal it for now by changing the vent and cooktop, the undermount sink and maybe the backsplash for now. It’s the most poorly done tile backsplash I’ve ever seen and it goes to the ceiling. 🤦🏻‍♀️ In 5-7 years when I feel justified in changing all of the floors (the house is only two years old so I feel wasteful doing if right now), I may do a full remodel with new cabinetry and new countertops, but hope to reuse the cooktop and range come that time. I do plan to get new counter seating. I don’t like these much either but I bought them off of the first owner for a bargain because i didn’t feel like spending money on new counter stools (and six of them with spare for one more!!) until I knew what look/feel I’d be going for in the kitchen.

nice traditional kitchen. no cabinet painting needed. play up the traditional feel. issue is the stools as its a good sized island but not sure about the overhang. what do you think about more substantial stools..thats more the question. do people congregate so a case for more investment in stools..or not so much ??? first two pics..traditional fixtures ..there would be lots to pick from.......then stools to think about to provide comfort w seating for longer intervals. stools noted below....