Thanks so much for the feedback! I'm so glad it doesn't look too big! One of the things I neglected to mention is that we have a ranch house that's about 1900 square feet, and the kitchen is 19x13 - which makes the square footage about 13% of the total square footage. While that's in the realm of normal (I think they say the max should be 15%), it still feels so big! But then we started with a space that was 1/2 the size it is now - it takes getting used to something so big and open.

We've tried turning the table, but then it blocks the walkway to the back slider and the view of the fireplace. Thanks for the idea though!

I think it looks amazing. What a beautiful kitchen!!!

It looks nice to me. Weird dwarfish islands never look right to me. It’s like an area rug. Don’t skimp on the size or it will throw everything off. I feel the way you do anytime I change something in my home. I feel like I’ll never get used to it. Then I get used to it and I can’t imagine going back to the way it was before. Enjoy your beautiful new kitchen!

Thank you! I'm in one of those spots where all I can see is what's bothering me - like a huge island every time I walk into the room. I know I'll get past this phase and just be able to enjoy it! First world problems, I know.

You're just not used to it. A year from now you be saying, "I'm so glad we decided on this nice big island!"

Haha! I think you're right. All the kiddos (plus mom and dad) will be able to saddle up to it. And I can see my kids using it as an aircraft carrier when playing with their toy airplanes - it's just about the right size ;-)

Right now, we can't even use the darned thing because the top isn't finished (don't get me started on the crazy struggle that is - finishing wood properly is sooooo hard). We'll get there, soon enough.

I love your design choices. I think the size of the island is perfect for the space. Did you design the layout yourself?

You're so kind! We did not DIY the design, there were too many details we didn't want to miss and we wanted the whole open floor plan to flow. Our designer helped us with the layout. I chose the finishes - hardware, lighting, island and wall colors, countertops, etc. You don't realize how much goes into a project like this until you're in the thick of it.

It is not too big. Mine is the same size and I love it. With time it might even look not big enough!!!

I really appreciate all the comments! I think the photos are deceiving and don't fully convey just how big the island is. It's still all I see in the space - how it takes over the kitchen and adjoining living area.

Does anyone have any recommendations on how to move on? Or what to do when something in your remodel just isn't working for you?

Julie:

Step back and look at the big picture please.

When you're in business, you take some unfair beatings on some jobs; it's inevitable. They are sometimes hard to take, but say you did a million dollars in sales and ate $10,000.00 worth of work. Swallowing 4 $2,500.00 pills isn't easy, but combined they're only 1% of your sales. If you can keep your losses to 1%, you're into black ink.

Same thing here. Look over your whole project. How much turned out well versus how much not so well? What is your percentage please?

Reading your description before seeing the pics, I was all in thinking it would be too big. I don't like an island more than 4 ft wide because it is hard to wipe down the middle and 8 ft long seems huge. However, it looks perfect in the photos. I really like the design of it for family seating. I am not a fan of 5 stools in a lunch counter style row. This is really lovely. Hope you get used to it. The whole kitchen is really lovely and seems well thought out design-wise.

I Love your kitchen! Quick question for you...I am in a very similar situation. Do you have exactly 42 inches on the back and front sides of your island, as it looks like you have more than 42 inches. My island has just been installed and I am feeling the same way. Ugh, the process is stressful!