How has the peninsula worked for you function wise, up until now?

My preference is for a peninsula which gives a better working surface area (in my opinion). I know islands are incredibly popular now but with your set up I would opt for the peninsula and bar seating. However, I would line up the end of the peninsula so it is even with the other cabinets.

The kitchen designer suggested an island, but I've had two kitchens with islands and really didn't like running around the island or having other people hanging out in my kitchen while I was cooking. Friends have suggested that an island would "open up" the room, but I kind of like the peninsula and how it separates the room. It defines the kitchen space.

What are your goals for the remodel?For example, when I remodeled my kitchen, I wanted more storage space, a bigger prep space, and better efficiency (things close to their point of use). I also wanted to get things off the counters, so I designed in a knife drawer, a drawer for canisters of dry goods, and a charging station in a cabinet.

Identifying your goals will help you determine the best layout to meet those goals.

What do you like about your current layout? What do you dislike about it?

Do you use the peninsula for seating, or do you use the table right next to it? Do you have another dining room?

It looks like the island has 6 feet of workspace? If that's correct, I think you have plenty of counter space for prep work. I think an island is a more classic look (even if it's on trend right now). I would only choose the peninsula if you need the cabinet space below it. To me a peninsula looks dated, but not so dated that I would forego it if the peninsula was functionally superior to the island.

And as a follow up, I might consider flipping the island (if there's room) so the longer side faces the great room. That keeps your prep space close to the stove, but also allows you to face people in the dining and living areas.

L none, unfortunately, there's not enough room to flip the island and still have a decent size island.

justlol Sounds like you have your answer! If you've never liked them before then I don't think you'll start. As long as you dont have upper cabinets above the peninsula it will not "look dated". You need to design your kitchen for how you like to operate within it. I say go with your gut and ditch the island!

The peninsula layout works best for your kitchen. Go with that. Don't feel like you have to put in an island because it's popular, especially if you've already had one and didn't like it. Losing those cabinets about the peninsula already opens it up so much more.

The peninsula will give you more storage & counterspace. I like the peninsula for that space. A peninsula is not dated. Having an island in the wrong layout will get old.

I would choose an island over a peninsula for a simple reason: the island work/prep space is closer to the sink and the cooking area. I hated having my largest work area on the peninsula across the kitchen from the stove/sink; thus, for 30+ years, I tended to prep in a 12”x12” corner between sink and stove.

I like the visual openness of the island movk-up too.

Rantontoo - Yes, I find myself always prepping in the little corner between the sink and the range. "sigh"

It looks like there may be enough room to widen kitchen to get a small prep island or rolling cart as well. Make sure there's enough room for people sitting in chairs out of doorway.

Islands keep with the open floor plan layout of a home by breaking up a large space without sectioning it off. Peninsulas close off a distinct section of the kitchen by creating a border between the living space and the cooking space. If you plan on doing a lot of entertaining in your kitchen, the island counter is a better choice, as it lets the cook remain part of the action while preparing food. The peninsula counter, however, allows the cook to have some privacy. Consider how you plan to use the space, and how it connects to the rest of the house. How you live is a great determinant of which kitchen layout you should choose.

Your existing layout is almost identical to a kitchen I had. I find it interesting how my experiences and opinions of the layout are almost opposite of yours. The peninsula was my preferred prep space, but was far enough away from the range I found myself burning things since I'm a prep-as-I-go person. I either had to change my cooking style or change my kitchen. When people got into the kitchen (and they always did), it was hard to get them out of the way as the peninsula didn't allow the circulation an island does. Getting rid of the peninsula was like gaining breathing room for me as well as a much better flow. If you're happy with the layout you've been using, no need to put in an island to please other people. But maybe try out your temporary set-up and see if you like it.

I did not have to choose between an island and a peninsula, but I did have to consider between a couple of different plans that we came up with. I wanted more counter space and storage. I calculated how many Linear feet of counter space each option gave me, and estimated how well it could be used. Then, I calculated how much actual storage I would have (linear feet) in uppers and lowers. Then, I also figured exactly where all items ( and I mean ALL items) would be stored, and which configuration would allow me to store them best. I had to find places for spices, Tupperware, garbage, bread machine, cookbooks, pantry items, dishes, cutlery, placemats, dish cloths and towels, pots, oversized plates & bowls, etc. I found it worked best for me to organize my kitchen into work zones. Lots to plan around. I got rid of anything i didn’t need and/ or seldom used, and I used ideas from Garden Web/ Houzz a lot!

I had a U-shape kitchen in my last house and we didn't like it. We are a two cook kitchen, so we were always seemed to be in each others way. Our Ushape was about 11ft long...but we still fought for countertop and work space. If our U-shape had been just another 1-3 ft longer, it would've functioned a lot better for us. For a one cook kitchen, I think they're ok, except when people invade the space when you are cooking/entertaining....like sandk said. My kitchen now has an island and my son is almost 18 and my MIL also moved in. We can all move around and it functions better for us. 42"-48" aisles are preferred though.

You are going to have sufficient counter space either way. My question is how you use your dining and living room area. How large is your family? Do you entertain/have lots of company that needs seating? I think I would prefer the peninsula with bar stools on the dining/living room size. Example, if you need more dining seating, it is close enough to the table that everyone is together, though separate. If you have a need for lots of family room seating for a larger group, guests can sit in the family room, at the dining room tabl, and even hang out on stools at the peninsula.

Thanks to everyone who has posted comments so far. You have all given me great advice to ponder! I appreciate it.