change the base cabinets on the side wall to 15 in deep..skooch the island that way and put a couple stools on window side of island then. Maybe one more stool on back side of island for a threesome to sit at the island. Do you really need the entire backside of island for storage...just getting the corner opened for the one stool along with two on the end would be better. I think it would be used for seating. the 2nd plan is the one I'm looking at more favorably.

I prefer the first one because the fridge is easy to access without going into your cooking and cleaning area. And I would do a stainless range hood to break up all the cabinetry on the back wall.

Thanks luckyblueeye, I also like this option for the same reason. However, because of the clearance needed for the refrigerator doors, we lose about 15" of counter space around the rangetop, but I'm thinking it's worth it =)

Thanks herbflavor, I hadn't even thought of seating on the short side of the island!

Thanks for the input mama goose! I also feel the fridge is more accessible in the 2nd option. The problem I run into is that the fridge is 36" deep, and it cuts off more of the walkway between the back wall and island, and feels more restrictive in the doorway area. You make very good points about storing and using dishes. I'll have to think about that. Thanks!

Oh! I forgot to mention, the double oven pictured will actually be a microwave oven combination.

My fridge is in the same location as your second layout. I don’t know how wide that aisle is where your fridge is, but it better be 48 inches between your fridge and island. I have 42 inches between the fridge door and island and is not enough. I also have single door fridge, but I think even a French door in that location would bother me. I like option 1. I like it a little further from the congestion.

I like the first option, because I wouldn't want the inside of the door of my 400 degree oven to be inches from paint and drywall when opened. I assume that would be bad for the paint job, but I could be wrong. In the second option, however, there is room for one person to cook at the stove while someone else is at the sink. If you did option 2 with a range instead of the wall oven, you would keep the oven away from the wall and still have room for multiple people at the oven and sink.

I like the first option - the fridge seems more accessible to people who aren't cooking, without getting in the way of prep or cooking. I would also switch the DW to the other side of the sink. That puts most of your prep on the left side of the island/cooktop, and most of the cleanup on the right (toward the other cabinet wall).

I think I prefer the first option. Are those windows in the top right corner? Do you have a pantry? If I read mama goose's recommendation right, that would be putting the dishwasher across from fridge. What's the width of your aisle? I wouldn't suggest that. In my house, during prep and clean up sometimes both appliances are in use at same time.

Thanks Karenseb, the isle will be 48" wide. We currently struggle with space between the fridge and the range in our current layout, and definitely appreciate the need for the bigger isle.

Thanks mononhemeter, You're probably right about the paint. Also the oven is more accessible from both sides in option 1. We have debated over the micro/wall oven combo vs a range, and the micro/wall oven combo won =) Maybe placing the sink closer to the oven side of the island will make plenty of room for multiple people.

Thanks salex, I agree with the fridge placement, it's very large and there's more clearance on that side. Moving the DW over to the other side is very logical, I just have to convince family members that just because it's always been on the right, doesn't mean it needs to stay that way =)

Thanks jmorawiec, the top right hand corner is not windows, they are two doorways. The left doorway is to a family room, and the right is to a jack-n-jill bathroom. The isle will be 48" wide. I don't think I'd put the DW directly across from the fridge because both are often used at the same time - very good point.