Also, the island is currently shown on the small side (40" or 42ish x 5 ft) because originally the dining table was going to be between the island and the deck, on the island side of the kitchen. But then we moved the dining area to the other side of the room and saved space (potentially) by using a banquette. So, currently, the island is smaller than it could be (meaning, it could be bigger and more functional, and not impede traffic, etc.)

Ideally, I'd love to put a prep sink in one side of it.

Hi Jenny! You've come to the right place. I suggest you start by reading Buehl's "Read Me if You're New" thread to get started. You will get tips for how to draw your layout to scale, info to include in a post looking for layout help, and how to embed pics/plans. This part is important because, take it from me, you'll get better/more responses if folks can see your drawing in the post instead of having to follow a link. Try all of this and post back again.

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Read Me thread

You probably need to add some more details and post another sketch before you can get a lot of help, but here are my thoughts and questions on what you did here.

I see 11' width, how long is the length of the kitchen?

Is the plan for a second cook to help with washing/chopping from the other side of the island? Otherwise, I'm not sure that you need a prep sink. Your work zone between the left wall and the island looks small for two cooks, and a single cook will be steps away from the sink almost regardless of where you put it.

Also, if you are putting a sink or range in the island, that will decrease your comfort of using it as a dining area. Draw in your sink or range, chairs and counter overhang in the next sketch. My old island had a cooktop -- I never even bought stools to have someone sit at the overhang. I didn't want my kids sitting 12 inches from a hot stove while I was cooking, and the dining area behind the cooktop wasn't deep enough.

You also need to select your fridge -- it makes a difference whether you have one door or two, and whether the freezer is a door or drawer, to figure out if there is enough clearance around it.

I see all counters with uppers above -- are you not going to have a pantry? Also, in your appliances list, do you want a microwave somewhere?

Thanks for the hints, breezy!

Thanks for your thoughts, Janet. The length of the kitchen is also 11". My husband isn't wild about cooking, but he will prep for me when we have the space. My 6 year old likes to pitch in, but isn't doing much yet at her age.

You second my thoughts about putting a sink or range in the island. That's what my architect wants me to do, but I DO want to use the island as a casual eating spot while I'm prepping. I wouldn't feel comfortable having people sit there if I were cooking (I WAS worried about splattering) or washing (who wants to look at someone washing dishes?: lol!) I suppose that's why I was thinking about putting a smallish prep sink at one end of the island, where it wouldn't be used for cleanning, just prepping, and hopefully wouldn't interfere with people sitting at the island.

I was thinking about a fridge with a bottom drawer freezer and probably just one door, unless french doors would give me more room. Currently I have a S x S counter-depth fridge in the space, but I've never really been a side by side gal.

I DO want a microwave or a speed oven somewhere, but need to figure out where. Originally the pantry was going to be on the shallower wall on the other side of the fridge, but my architect said that the L-shaped couch might interfere with it. So, I'm not yet sure where it would go, if not there.

{{!gwi}}From Kitchen plans

{{!gwi}}From Kitchen plans

Hi Jenny, this is just a quick plan, but in order to get the good plans others here can do, you need to provide dimensions. For example, your table/banquette is a great idea, but if you are building in something that will be plunk in your path to and from the back door it might become aggravating. I put in a pantry at the end of the frig run, wasn't sure if the couch was a built-in for more storage. Anyway, knowing exactly where doors and windows fit in and real room dimensions will get you more :) I was also thinking that if you could avoid the expense of the bumpout, you could have a lot more $$ for the kitchen. I think I'd take the extra space - my house is on the miniscule side though!

Aha! Found my sectional couch icon!

clueless, I JUST found your posts when I was looking for my old post! You are SO awesome! Thank you SO much for that cool rendition! What software is it?

Did those before I realized you had a window that would be above the range! I have seen a couple of really nice kitchens with a glass block wall above the range to allow for light but no blechy sights. The grout between the individual blocks looked like iron. The software is Sweethome 3D. I found it looking for free software for a Mac, but it's good for a PC too. Pretty basic, but great for getting ideas and my brain needs 3D. Have fun!

Here is a link to the kitchen I referenced above.

Here is a link that might be useful: glass block