Why not one longer island running the long way in the room?

I thought the same, rantontoo. cheri127, I used all the current cabinets, except the ones floating on the right side of the image. There is filler and an open slot in the corner--the slot could be used for trays or large cutting boards--and open shelves on the clean-up wall.

If you can extend the island another 12", the 42" base could be substituted for the 30" base.

The following version keeps the 42" drawer, but omits the 9" pull-outs--unless you want to use one on the end. Although that leaves a few more inches in the corner, you can't use a 9" pull-out there because of the projection of the drawer handles on the perpendicular run.

You could center the clean-up sink on the bottom wall, with the DW to the right, but then you might have dirty dishes encroaching on the coffee center area. In the second image I added the filler to the upper in the top left corner.

Thanks for the suggestions. I do really like the idea of one long island. The problem arises in trying to break old habits. Because it's a beach house and we often have large groups there, everyone congregates in the kitchen with their devices, which generates a lot of chaos and clutter. Trying to police this behavior is not fun or relaxing for anyone. That's why I love the peninsula (we have this set up in our current beach house but not island); it keeps everyone who just wants to hang out away from the work space.

I do love the clean up sink where you put it, Mamagoose, but was worried it might be a problem there as it's the main aisle from mudroom, which is the primary entrance to the house. I'll have to study this though. I'm certainly intrigued. I also love that there is no tall cabinet (i.e. refrigerator) next to the dining room entrance. We would have to significantly rework the lighting, but that's nothing money can't fix. LOL!

I have a very similar layout with the large peninsula & a smaller island. It works pretty well, but I do find myself doing laps around the island. It's getting a facelift soon, but the layout is staying the same.

I'm not fond of the 2-island look - recently visited someone who had this, and it seemed almost like a 'we already had one island, but had some leftover cabinets so we just added another' look, or 'we just love islands, so we added another!' look. although this is a personal - and aesthetic observation. I get what you're saying about running around the peninsula, but for aesthetics, I think a peninsula with one island might rule over the 2-island idea if you can't go with the longer island.

I like this layout because it keeps the riff raff and their clutter out of my way while I cook but I can still socialize with everyone. LMAO! Riff raff and their clutter! Oh my, my stomach hurts from laughing! Sounds like my riff-raff of one... DH and his clutter!

DH and his clutter!

OMG! I'm laughing. I think I designed my whole kitchen to contain DH's clutter.

Oh Lord. I needed a good chuckle! You guys are too funny!

So here are the two choices. To change to a long island will require moving the lighting (ceiling already painted), wasting a large panel, and buying a few smaller panels. It won't be cheap but if it's a better kitchen, I'll do it. I could also buy another cabinet or two to increase the island width from 45" to 54 or 60".

Long island. Pros-better flow, nicer transition into dining room (without the refrigerator next to that doorway, better placement of ovens, one less sink, more prep space on island. Cons-intrusion into workspace by non-cooks, only room for one cook at island (though plenty of room to right of stove, breakkfast/snack area not a big, costs to move plumbing and electrical and repaint (not trivial), may have to wait a few extra weeks for additional cabinets and panels.

Island with peninsula. Pros-isolates work space from play space, no extra costs, fills the space better (it's a wide hall between kitchen and family room), directs traffic from mudroom and back porch away from work space, 2 people can work around the island. Cons- island shape and layout is a bit awkward with baking table, island not positioned as well with respect to cooktop, no circular flow through kitchen (this is a pro and con).

As you can see, I'm really of two minds here. I like both for different reasons and I dislike both for different reasons. If anyone has more input to why one is superior to the other, I'm all ears. Otherwise, it may come down to a coin toss. LOL!

I prefer the peninsula. Keeping the riff raff out of the kitchen, IMHO, far out weighs the inconvenience of going around the peninsula. My mother has a similar layout and those in the kitchen just set things on the peninsula to go outside. The riff raff are responsible for getting the items out. Great division of labor.

The only reason I favor the island is that you would be facing company while prepping.

I would stick with your existing plan. The "riff raff" can take the things you place on the peninsula and carry them outside for you! People love to "help" and this is actually helpful.

Well, your comments and opinions are certainly helping me save money! My husband and my builder thank you, for sure. I think I'll stick with the original plan, then. Thanks!

You'll have wider work aisles and better flow with the single, long island, but it's a beach house with lots of company, so if you want everyone, and their clutter, out of your way, then go with the peninsula--or make a rule that the clutter stays in the TV room.

To further complicate matters, you can also opt for a pass-through to the DR, if you put the sink on the bottom wall. ;)

Of the proposed layouts, I prefer this one ... it avoids the double island thing (which I generally dislike), yet keeps the "riff raff" seated where you want them -- out of your space ... while still allowing you direct access to the sliding door, which I think is of primary importance.

To further complicate matters, you can also opt for a pass-through to the DR, if you put the sink on the bottom wall. ;)I like the one below the least. It creates a little rat's maze for the cook, who will always be walking around that island-crammed-into-a-U. Too many steps around the peninsula to reach the slider. If you do go with this one, I'd insist upon the pass-through window suggested above.

I would leave it... most of the running inside to outside is from the ref anyway - grabbing condiments, salads, etc.. I would probably flip the ref. and wall oven positions putting that appliance closer to the outside and the family room and keeping the oven more "in" the kitchen. I would also turn the prep sink towards the stove or get a nice sized round sink and put the faucet in the corner..

Looks good!

The prep sink will be round with the faucet in the corner. I just can't do that with my software. Swapping the fridge and ovens, though, is intriguing. I originally put the fridge where it is so it's closer to where I'll prep but then decided to put refrigerator drawers next to the sink. It would require moving the electrical at this point which could be a pain since everything is drywalled and painted but it's worth thinking about. Hmmmmmm...

The peninsula is a great barrier!! We had something like this in a rental it worked great! I just lined up stuff to take outside. Reminded me of working in restaurants durning college, only I was the chef instead of the server lol

Hi, I have your layout with island and peninsula with the french doors out to the patio. yes, you have to walk around the peninsula but the riff faff does stay out of the kitchen , no small children running around at my feet. think of the extra steps as a positive, this is the kind of exercise that will keep us young!!

I think I would like the extra counter space of the peninsula.

I would also suggest that if you do the peninsula make sure you have a stool for yourself on the kitchen side. I do have a stool on the end like in your diagrams but I so wish I just had a small one to push under while in the kitchen, just a thought

I like the u-shaped kitchen. My very first house had a kitchen much like that design, and my young children stayed on the other side of the peninsula. Loved it! And we tended to use the peninsula as a buffet for outdoors if we didn't feel like hauling out all of the food. :)