Here is a picture of the first floor if that helpful.

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IMO, these oddly angled islands are a huge waste of space as well as unnecessarily expensive. I'd change it to a nice rectangular island. I don't know measurements, but it looks like you should be able to fit a large one. But going "as big as you can" may not be the thing to do if it would result in an island where you can't even reach the middle to wipe the counter - so keep that in mind. Overhangs should be 15" for comfortable counter height seating.

Long side should be opposite the range and fridge with an aisle width of approximately 48" from counter to counter, and the short side will then be at the clean up sink with and aisle of similar size. To make it really function well for a growing family that likely does or will have multiple cooks, splurge on a little more plumbing and get a prep sink in the island. I'd put it toward the refrigerator end. In new construction it shouldn't cost much more to plumb for it. I'd want a sink that is a minimum of 16" wide to fit things like a colander or salad spinner. That's what mine is, and I honestly think 20" would be perfect. I couldn't fit larger and do fine, but if I could . . .

For what it's worth, I like the overall plan. It is simple, which I consider a good thing. Your study, that can be used for first floor living if needed, is something I will never be able to do in my house, which is my only real regret now that my kids (and me) are older.

are you sure about 2 smallish closets in foyer....I would make one single larger closet in the top position.....narrow the opening between dining/foyer a bit... and some wall at lower position. A friend has a wide,centered passage between foyer and dining and it's not a great feature-very echo ish with regards sounds...cold drafts.....and no view really. I'd go for the one larger closet in a heartbeat. Perhaps a small closet in lower left corner of den for shelving or hanging storage for misc. use. Have you ruled out square island? It is a great first floor.

I think the island is useless. It is too are away to be used for prep so it is just a place to sit. Change it to a rectangle in the proper spot and you can use it for prep and seating.

Builders tend to put in these in as they are eye catching shapes. They are not put in for function.

If your budget permits, you might want to consider a trapezoid island. Instead of coming in at the inside corner, create a straight diagonal line. My MIL has this arrangement and it's conducive to circulation and seems to be kitchen-friendly. She also has a prep sink in the island. You have essentially her kitchen layout and it works very well, except she has a closed kitchen with a pantry wall where yours is open to dining. I think I would prefer your walk in pantry.

Here is an island similar to hers. Her sink is smaller and on the stove side of the island. She also has a bar fridge in island.

[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Dallas Home Builders Veranda Fine Homes

Her island is shallow enough that we can all reach to the middle.

If you can add dimensions to the kitchen to include aisle widths etc it will be easier to comment on the plan. Two quick observations - the fridge is a long way from the sink and a single level island will be much more functional for everyone. Remember the recommended space for each stool is 24". As it stands now the island is kind of floating in the middle of the kitchen and too far away from the working portions of the kitchen to be of much use (guessing here because there are no measurements).

Nice layout. But I also dislike the island. I have a big square island, and I love it. That big surface comes in so handy at times...great with multiple cooks, wrapping large gifts, and other projects. But as controlfreakecs said, I do have to walk around it to clean the other side. Not a big deal for me, but something to think about. Rethink the 2-level island. That eating side is very tall for little children. But since you are tall, I guess they will be too. I'm only 5' tall, and I have trouble crawling up on stools that high. Agree about the two tiny closets. Only other comment I have is your mudroom. I really like the layout, but it will be dark. Consider a solar tube there. You'll be amazed at the light it brings in.

Here are a couple of suggestion, based on my second rule of kitchen design: Waste no space.

This is a quick sketch:

I would move the pantry door to the left so the space behind the door could be used. I would also recess the area behind the door into the wall. You could end up with a six inch (or more) by nearly 3 foot long usable storage space there. Great for brooms, cookie racks, all sorts of hanging stuff.

I would definitely change the island as shown. I would want a prep sink, flanked by 2 drawer units. On the ends, I would have doors to access the triangle-shaped areas. You'll be surprised how much you can store in these. Then, under the overhang, I would have cabinets to allow accesss, inconvenient but great for off-season, bulky, and seldom used "stuff."

I would definitely NOT do a two-level island. That big flat area would be great for all sorts of work, as the previous poster said.

Major disadvantage of this: the island is nearly 5' wide and might be hard to clean.
Major advantages: the island is nearly 5' wide and offers great prep and dining space.
You gain significant storage and better traffic patterns.

This post was edited by Bellsmom on Tue, Dec 3, 13 at 11:45

Lots of people don't like unusual shapes around here, but they can work for some people. Dimensions would help in giving better feedback. Your aisles look a bit narrow, especially in front of the fridge (don't forget about the handle and countertop overhang). The corners for seating also look a bit cramped as well, although it is an easier situation than a 90 degree corner.

I definitely would recommend a good sized prep sink near the end by the fridge. We use ours as much as the main sink. It is 21x21. I'd also reconsider the raised edge. As noted, in such an open plan they are not hiding much and what they do is cut down on potential work space. I can't tell you how convenient it is to spread all of your ingredients across the island, while keeping your prep space free.

I like how your refrigerator is recessed and love the nice big pantry.

I hope you are planning on most if not all lower cabs to be drawers. They can be more expensive than roll out shelves but have several advantages. I've linked a thread below with some reasons and good organization pictures.

I'm hoping you get some more ideas for the island. Here's my attempt to explain some of the issues with that shape:
- The yellow areas are all wasted space. Most of us crave storage and dislike wasting space if we can help it.
- Your drawers will collide when open (dotted lines.) With kids... yes, they will be open at the same time at some point!
- As mentioned above, the main part of the island is a bit far from the ref, cooktop, and sink.

{{gwi:2109937}}

Here is a link that might be useful: Drawers vs pull out shelves

oops I didn't see bellsmom's island idea before I posted.

I'd definitely play around with that idea and other shapes to see what works best for you. I'm adding a pic of a GW island with a table nestled in that I've always liked.They can pull out the table to add another chair or two when needed. This may or may not work for you, but I thought it might be worth a peek. Look at Houzz for ideas of islands with seating and see if anything looks intriguing to you.

Draw onto your plan where you plan to store things (pots and pans; prep items like knives and cutting boards; dishes; trash pullouts; etc.)

A GW member who did lots of research for her own kitchen and has provided great advice on this board put together a helpful thread on organization. I'd take a look at that to help you map out your cabinet plans.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cabinet organization

Another vote for rectangular island here. And I prefer single level. I'd also consider some kinda short wall, perhaps even only counter depth, between the dining & living room. I do like open concept, but I prefer a little more separation. I guess the raised bar is a way to do it, but there are better ways I think.

I see a few things you might want to consider.

Consider a larger rectangle island adding a prep sink and under counter microwave.
Eliminate the 2 entry closets and add closets to the den space. Move the double door from the den to the wall facing the living room. A closet or built in bookcase in the den space. This will make your entryway more open.

If budget permits consider a fireplace for your living room space.

Mudroom - extend the mudroom bench and off center the door into the mudroom.

This post was edited by rtwilliams on Wed, Dec 4, 13 at 8:43

I prefer one level, rectangle islands myself. The advantage of the larger, rectangle island planned above is you can how put some cabinets on the outer side for those rarely used gadgets and a beverage frig or bookcase (or both) on one end. I designed an island with a slim door for a WS step stool. I have seen others designed for spice storage.

Sounds like we should look at island shapes again. I definitely want the most use out of space and for us to be able to converse with each other while sitting at the island.
That is my main focus so shape is not an absolute.

I will zone in on the kitchen area for sure and put some time into organizing.

I truly appreciate your expert eyes!!!

I also agree with the one level rectangle island suggestion. We had an angled island and when we remodeled the kitchen turned it into one level rectangle and it functioned so much better, also increased the storage by a good amount.

Elacey-it is sounding like the island shape was appealing so you could gather and converse. I think you can still get that with a rectangle and 2 sided seating. A rectangle would give you better aisle spacing to use the island for other things besides seating. You have a nice plan and will have a nice kitchen also!

"...We are large mammals, my husband is 6'5" and I am 6', so elbow room is a necessity! ..."

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but if you are both tall, chances are your children will be as well - and pretty soon! My kids were way off the charts from the moment they were born! (Our pediatrician always chuckled when she plotted their length/height - b/c they were literally off the charts!)

Anyway, I bring this up b/c while the minimum recommended overhang is 15" of clear knee/leg space, I recommend you shoot for at least 18". We have 15" and while my daughter (6') and I (5'10") will sit at it, our knees are up against the back of the peninsula. My DH (6'5") and DS (6'6") don't use it at all - they said it's too shallow for them (and I thought I was doing great with 15 inches!!) If I ever do another kitchen, I will have at least 18", maybe more.

BTW..."clear knee/leg space" means after accounting for the cabinets and decorative doors/panels on the back of the island (or peninsula). So, your island should be at least:

• 15" overhang: 41.5" deep
  1.5" counter overhang + 24" deep cabinets + 1" decorative door/end panel + 15" overhang = 41.5"

• 18" overhang (what I recommend for you): 44.5" deep
  1.5" counter overhang + 24" deep cabinets + 1" decorative door/end panel + 18" overhang = 44.5"

As to the total depth of your island, chances are you have long arms like I do - so you can probably have an island deeper than 60" deep. Our peninsula is 41.5" deep and I can reach across it and grab the far end (so probably I can reach another 3 or 4 inches) - so I know I could have an island at least 83" deep and still be able to reach half-way across to wipe it down. Would I want one that deep - no, but my point is that you should fit the island for (1) the scale of your kitchen and (2) what you can reach across to wipe down (at least half-way).

If you are planning to re-sell in the next few years, you might want to consider keeping the depth to what most people can handle (I'd say 60"); if you're not planning on selling anytime soon, then make it what you want it to be and can handle.

I'll check back later to take a look at the layout, right now I need to attend to my family! :-)

Oh - and I agree with Controlfreakecs about the sink. Ours is 15-3/4" square (interior dimensions) and while it's OK most of the time, there are times when I wish it were bigger. Like Controlfreakecs, though, I couldn't fit a bigger sink. If you have the space, I recommend at least 12" on one side of the sink, a 24" sink base, and then at least 42" on the other side. If you can swing it, I would go for 24" + 24" + 42" (or more).

That is great information on the depths for long arms and legs! I hate sitting at a bar and having my knees bang. We have no intentions of moving so we will design everything for our height.

And yes I want all drawers on the lower cabinets. I am too tall and lazy to bend down to see inside door cabinets. I end up just throwing things in from the upright position right now.

I will plan on adding in a prep sink as well.

Great plan! Lots of wonderful details and love all the storage! As for the island...maybe something like this? :)
{{gwi:2109940}}From Kitchen plans

That looks good LL. I also like that your pantry is by the fridge - so often those go hand in hand. That is true in my house anyway.

I like that island too, LL. Simple, functional. The layout looks great: someone seated can get to the fridge for something and then take their dishes to the clean-up sink (what a concept!) without ever entering the cooking/prep zone. Very nice. I predict you're going to be really glad that you added that prep sink.

Regarding "elbow room"....Be sure you have at least 24" of linear space per seat - with no overlap at the corner. So, to fit 3 people across, you would need an island at least 6' wide - 2' per person.

Here's a visual. The first island only seats 3, but the other two seat 5.