MY opinionn have the toys in the kitchen and keep the DR for dining. I think kids toys belong in their bedroom except for some out to play with and put away at the end of the day.To give cabinet space for such a short term lifestyle is not worth it at all. From what I can see you are already short of cabinet space .

My opinion is live with your kids in the most joyous way possibe, hug them near and dear as often as you can, and love every toy you can see they have fun with, and run the opposite direction from anyone who suggests otherwise

As for decor question, I happen to personally dislike all kitchen islands, so — if they don’t have plumbing or gas — i rip them out and replace them with tables. Any appeal in that for you?

When i cant remove an island entirely I look for solutions like this

DECORACIÓN VIVIENDA · More Info

However in your space there is a challenge about not blocking traffic flow or intruding too much into you other space. Depends on how much you can shrink the island probably, and among other things

Can you at least post a to scale floor plan and BTW my children grew up loved and hugged but did not take over my house . Without a to scale plan it really is impossible to advise what can be done .

You should be able to incorporate a round dining table into a corner of the dining room and still have enough room for a play space. You don't have the room in the kitchen, and removing your kitchen storage isn't a good long term idea as the playroom as some point won't be needed. Another option is moving your living area into the dining room, and using your living room as a combination dining and play area.

It all depends on the measurements, budget, your lifestyle and flooring ramifications. Ideas below will depend on the space.

You could replace island with a rectangle shape placed horizontally with an extension like below.

If you remove the large pantry section and desk, I still think your island could be a problem (vertical island may work). The seating would be built in.

Third option, which is the most cost effective is removing island and just adding a table.

I say remove the island completely and put in a table. It doesn't look like there is any storage in your island anyway, so just replace it with a table.

Thank you for taking the time to share all your suggestions with me! Very much appreciated.

I love my island (and it does have cabinets and drawers on the other side) so if anything, I may replace it with a smaller one (but I've always really wanted the large island for multiple use). I intended the large island to serve as a dining table also, but it doesn't work so well when we want to eat family style meals together (that's the issue).

The family room/kitchen combo is where my family and I usually hang out, eat, watch tv and spend time. We have the formal dining room as a play area for my daughter so she can be near us since we are mainly out in this space, vs putting her alone in her room by herself. I agree, if I move the pantry cabinets, I still don't think there would be enough space for a dining table in that area either. I tried moving my sofas to potentially have the dining table behind it, but it makes the whole area look even more cramped. Perhaps I can move my coffee table and put the dining table near the sliding door area? But then I feel it is misplaced there due to the fireplace/altar.

I guess my only option would be to decrease my island size potentially OR create a space for a dining table in the play area.

Thanks again everyone!

Lived in an apartment where I put my dining table up against the island (something like pic below), it worked out exceptionally well.