Our contractor recommended a minimum of 42"

At least 42". Look a your plan....the size of your oven door and dishwasher door fully open, do you need to get around it? Use frog tape or large piece of cardboard the size of your island and lay it out on the floor. This will help you visualize it.

I have about that plus a couple of inches and am very happy with it.

residential design criteria suggests 42"-48", however building code requires to have minimum 32" of unobstructed clearance. every kitchen I have designed, I always use at least 42"

@Ikziemke - I am glad that you said you only have 36" and it works. my kitchen is currently being installed. the walkways were suppose to be 40" but due to some electrical problems they ended up being 37". I am a bit concerned about the spacing but glad to know it working for you.

36" is the absolute min. and 42" is much preferred for ease of movement when more than one person in kitchen.

ikziemke, what color is your kitchen?

@Ren, I’m getting the same advice here but I’m sticking with the island. This is the 3rd kitchen I will have with only 36” around two sides and it’s been fine. In small footprint kitchens we have to pick what works for us. On a side note: the other 3 homes all sold within the first week at full asking price - new buyers weren’t bothered by the 36” spacing :)

Cameronaw, we sold the house with the kitchen above in 2015 and it sold in a snap for a great price. The kitchen worked beautifully for us while we lived there. No regrets! 42” is great if you have the space. We didn’t in that house, but the island was sooo functional nevertheless. We do what we can with what we have!