In this image you can see how the display cabinets punctuate the room with light. Tip: When deciding on an island size, tape it off on the floor and experiment. "A great deal of time was spent debating the size and function of this island," Meisels says. "We taped off the floor several times, taking great care in measuring the distance from all of the appliances, walls, etcetera. I had the homeowner walk from imaginary fridge to stove to sink just to make sure the 11-foot-long island wouldn’t feel too overwhelming for her." The marble-topped island turned out just right. It has plenty of storage for garbage, recycling, food containers and cookbooks. It also contains a sink, dishwasher and microwave. Out of season kitchenware is stored on the stool side. Pendants: Robert AbbeyMarble: StatuarioStools: Custom-made with Sunbrella fabric from Robert Allen