We had the same problem as you in that we needed every available inch. I just measured and my overhand is 6 3/4 inches and I believe that will work for us. It will be used more for a sitting and talking space and only eat there on Thanksgiving when we run out of seats at the tables. If it was used daily to eat there, then you might want more. It also will not be used daily as a sitting and talking space. I hope to post "almost" finished pictures tonight or tomorrow and you can see mine. One of my pictures shows a saddle stool beneath the overhang. I chose that style stool because I did not want a big stool for a small overhang. In the picture is a 29" stool, but I swapped it for a 24" stool.

Well, I am now noticing how tight the fridge wall is, especially for a wide sink, but I think it would work. I got everything on ours. If possible, it'd be preferable (but not necessary) to move the sink down enough that all inches of the prep counter were available to stand in front of and still free up the sink. In case you and your daughter and granddaughter on her stool might occasionally work there together. We have an 18" cabinet at my right hip as I stand by my corner, with the oven next in line beyond that, and it feels very comfortable, but 12" would do. Dishwasher next to fridge would provide 2 feet of counter above for both cleaning and fridge landing. My husband and I do love our 30" (28 inside) deep single sink, and that choice did help me fit everything I wanted in. He mounted it so that the flanges overlap the tops of the cabinet sidewalls (chiseling out wood at the top to fit it in) so we were able to use a 30" cabinet under it. BTW, my husband's a sink hog (or captain of his ship, whatever), and this sink is wide enough to allow me to come fill a pan even if he is planted in front of it. BTW, waiting pots and dishes disappear into it so it always looks tidy over there, even when it's not. Another device we used (I was looking everywhere for inches to fit in a 15" drawer stack) was a counter-high 12"-wide pull-out trash. I saw pictures on a forum posted by someone who had done it with a 12" Lowe's pullout unit which holds a tall plastic can, and it works extremely well. Actually, since we're empty nesters, we might even have put a drawer in on top and cut the can shorter. As it is, it holds a 30-gallon bag, and the height is nice for just sweeping stuff into it. The alternative, of course, was under the sink. Speaking of, once we no longer need to store pet food under the sink (also in pull-out garbage units), I'd like to retrofit it for some more full-extension drawers, although the plumbing was not specially positioned with that in mind. That's prime kitchen storage space, but it's traditionally been badly wasted, used like some kitchen back-alley area. I'd like to put my largest soup pots, large wok, etc., there, instead of in the deep cabinet over the fridge. At least my household chemicals are stored elsewhere, up in a closet away from our own grandkids, everything but dish and dishwasher detergents and a can of scouring powder. Don't need a 30 or 36" cabinet for that. Just another idea as you move your options around on the graph paper, but I think it's a really valuable one when more storage is wanted.

I can't help but wonder if hubby and I are just hobbits. Our first house had an overhang of 10" and that was our go to spot for meals. We rarely used the formal dining. When we moved into this house it had a peninsula that was 3 feet wide, a 12" base cabinet with a 12" overhang on all sides. Once again we ate all our meals there. We ripped out the old kitchen and put a new one in. Our island is 24" wide with seating on both sides (so basically a 12" overhang) and we eat 99% of our meals there. Our dining room is only a few feet away but we only use it for special occasions. Either we are all hobbits or we have become accustomed to a small overhang. Regardless, I understand WHY the minimum recommendation exists, I've just never seen it applicable in my own life. When we've had parties or get togethers, everyone crowds/crowded around the old peninsula and the new island, even after I directed attention to the table a few feet away.

Your layout is difficult to read (too small & illegible), but here's a couple of comments Island seating...you have 5 seats lined up on only one side of the island - like ducks sitting in a row. This arrangement is not very conducive to conversation, it's more like eating at a diner counter with strangers. With this many seats, I would see if there's any way to have a seat or two on at least one of the sides. It may mean a shorter island, but if you have at least 42" of prep space on the non-Cleanup Zone side, you will have enough prep space. You need landing space for the refrigerator no more than 48" across an aisle. What would really help is if you could tell us a bit about you and your family and how you plan to use the Kitchen. Please check out the following FAQ threads (they're also in the "Read Me" thread.) Good luck! How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information itchen Design FAQ Threads: FAQ -- Kitchen work zones, what are they? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638270/faq-kitchen-work-zones-what-are-they FAQ -- Aisle widths, walkways, seating overhangs, work and landing space, and others http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638304/faq-aisle-widths-walkways-seating-overhangs-work-landing-space-etc FAQ -- How do I plan for storage? Types of Storage? What to Store Where? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638376/faq-how-do-i-plan-for-storage Looking for layout help? Memorize this first. http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2699918/looking-for-layout-help-memorize-this-first