We have done 4 kitchens now and when the kids were younger we went with an island. Now I am a big fan of the peninsula/counter. My reasoning was simple. Every time we have guests some guy gets a beer or a glass of wine and leans against the sink thinking he is going to help. My solution (after many threats and nasty looks) was to put in a long peninsula with stools for 4. Then instead of a table on the other side we have a sofa, coffee table and 3 comfortable chairs. I do have a separate dining room. Always the favorite place in the house.
So my advice is what are your needs, how would you use it then go for it.
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couch in eating area
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