The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn This kitchen is about 13 feet wide, it is a u-shaped kitchen. To make an island work in a u-shaped kitchen you need a minimum of 158" of space. To make an island work in an-L-shaped kitchen, you need a minimum of 133" of space. Neither of these options would include an overhang for seating. To add seating, add about 15-18" to either of these dimensions. I am assuming 42" of clearance for walkways. If you are comfortable with 36" then you can go smaller, but this is not typically recommended. I hope that helps.