What about something like this... - remove the pantry closet = a second window into the kitchen (vs into the pantry) (plus you could make that window larger for more light) - turn the island the other direction - room for seating on two sides - have counter-depth, full-height pantry cabinets on the wall shared with the entry - gets the DW+Sink out of the main prep area, while still keeping the clean-up sink facing the window -gives you two+ prep spaces (1) on the island and (2) between the DW/Sink and cooktop (plus the space between the ovens & cooktop)

Thanks, luckyblueeye – I think that’s the best solution for the black hole if I were to keep this design. herbflavor - I wish we had that kind of space! Karenseb, we thought about moving the coat closet forward a bit, but it would really close off the stairs, since the wall on the other side of the stairs goes all the way down to the landing. Thanks to everyone for shaking me out of my “island brain.” My original design included a peninsula, similar to what Sophie describes, but I've always wanted an island, so I kept trying to fit one into this space. Here’s the current layout. Note it says "primary entrance" next to the garage. That's because everyone in this area inexplicably has 2 front doors. We're considering closing this off to allow for a better furniture layout in the family room. And here's a quick sketch of what I had for my original plan. I was planning on stacked drawers and an upper with the microwave next to the fridge, but I guess I should try to fit a pull-out pantry cabinet there instead?

I consider a chrome faucet a neutral and IMHO goes with most everything. Same with your glass door hardware. I would do chrome rather than ORB. I’ve shown you pics of the house I did for my daughter previously but don’t have a good one of the faucet together with the black Ikea Bagganas hardware we installed. We initially bought chrome cup pulls but switched to a simple black. Are you considering the black cup pulls in the kitchen you like? I do not think that the white quartz would make it look like a huge monolithic expanse at all. It may be a better choice if you are seriously considering the turquoise tile. I think either black or brass would look great. Not sure about mixing. I found it extremely helpful to snap a picture of my room and then paste the lights and hardware I’m considering using MS Paint. Helps to see it all together. It would also be a good idea to start a new thread in Kitchens and Home Decorating related to finishes so possibly some of the pros can chime in. They can give better advice than me about mixing metals. I have chrome on my main floor and just added antique brass to my pink powder and laundry.

What would you put in the island besides the prep sink? Garbage disposal? 2nd dishwasher? Trash? I'd put the trash beside the prep sink, under the prep counter. In a smaller kitchen I'd try to put the trash on the corner so it could be shared by two zones, but I don't think that would work here. You can have the GD and a smaller trash receptacle under the clean-up sink. If you're using two DWs, I'd suggest each side of the clean-up sink, so that both are convenient for unloading to dish storage, and you don't have to run back and forth looking for your favorite whisk, saucepan, etc. Also, I'm unclear why the freezer door opens to the pantry door. Do column doors only open 90' so no chance of hitting? Also, if someone is in the pantry, aren't they trapped in a way they wouldn't be if it opened toward the range? I made the door swing left-to-right to take advantage of the landing space to the left. I have no experience with columns, and don't know if any brands offer models with doors with alternate hinges, or if they are hinged so that they don't need more than 90 degrees to open fully. Hence my caution--you can check that out before becoming too invested in one brand/model, and check the specs of any model you're considering. Other than when loading the freezer on grocery shopping days, how long will the door be open? The pantry door opens in--I assume if someone is in the pantry the door will be open, so unless you have teens who enjoy torturing each other (and everyone else in the family), I'm thinking no one will be trapped in the pantry for long. Here's the plan again with the wide fridge. To help figure out what goes where, this thread, by GW member Buehl, has very good planning info. Another thought, you could have the trash shared by both the prep and clean-up zones by putting it on the end of the island, but having it open toward the sink wall. You would still be able to scoop debris into the open can from the prep counter, just to the side, rather than the front. I also moved the prep sink over--you wouldn't have landing space on one side, but you'd have a wider prep space and a wider cabinet below. Also, if you need more space for a wider fridge column on one side, you could move the pantry door back and tuck the freezer in there. Maybe in that case use a pocket door.