Does the sink need to be in the corner? Do you currently have a formal dining room?

If each square on your graph paper represents 8" then you will be left with 36" between counter & island and island & pantry. That is inadequate. You should have a minimum of 42". There are several good articles on Houzz that address this.

As to the island v. table dilemma, I assume this would be your only dining area - is that correct? If so, I would go with the table. Sitting in comfort around a table really contributes to having an enjoyable dinner conversation. You are not going to get the same atmosphere sitting at the end of the bar on stools - sorry. Besides, it is so nice to set a beautiful table every so often and/or on special occasions. Throwing a few placemats on a counter top is not quite the same.

You should rethink the sink location. Try to have it under the window if at all possible. Who wants to stare into a corner while doing dishes? Or maybe move it, or the stove, to the island. That is if you truly have room for an island. Not all kitchens are meant to have one and your space maybe better utilized having cabinets on both walls with a good sized return that can seat two or three people. That way you and your husband can both be happy!

obstructing the natural walking path between the 2 doorways with the large island is not ideal. I guarantee you will end up regretting it if you do that. Is it possible to install bench seating along the far wall to use with your table and not have chairs at the end? You can extend the island to where the wall ends at the 58” doorway at the bottom of the plan. I would take the wall cabinetry to the trim also and same for the cabinets to the L of the stove.

Counter-height seating is fine in small doses, but not as the only option for every meal, every day. Look for a smaller table, or one that expands if you need it for guests.

I like all of Adalisa's ideas, especially the bench. I need to correct my previous comment, that should have been 6" per square and two squares equal a foot in length. And yes, a return is the same as a peninsula. Just how wide is your kitchen?

I think you would *really* regret giving up a table and only having counter seating - another vote for table and smaller island. I like the idea of a bench or built in seating along the side and pushing the table you love to the left a bit.

I agree with the others about keeping a dining table. I'm not sure you have room for an island at all. Consider a peninsula coming out from the pantry wall. It would allow counter seating, more storage underneath and could serve as a buffet for entertaining. You could put 3 snazzy pendant lights above it. Your table is just too big for the space. Love the bench idea for under the window. You could put built in china cabinets or bookcases on either side. Get a smaller table with leaves for seating more people when necessary.

P.S. I have 42 inches around my island and it's still pretty tight. Don't go 36 inches. Not enough room. And, although on paper your table fits, there's really not room for it with those openings. You have 12 inches between a tucked in chair and the doorway! A round table with leaves would fit much better.

Another window seat picture. Remember, there's storage inside the seat, too.

Here is a kitchen that could work for you. Have fridge, pantry and oven all on one wall. The fridge should be on the end where it is most accessible without interrupting kitchen traffic. The peninsula can go on either side also depending on the best traffic flow. This would give you lots more storage which is important for a family of 7. You can get some backless small stools for the peninsula/bar for the kids to sit at that will not interfere with traffic when shoved under the overhang. Start searching photos on Houzz for ideas - there are thousands of them - I bet you'll find something that will work for you, but at 11' an island is not an option.

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I think that would be perfect. That way you have the whole right side for pantry, fridge, etc. It will give you more room to maneuver in the kitchen, lots of storage and counter space. Be sure to leave the opening between the right storage wall and peninsula end at a minimum of 48" for good traffic flow. The overhang (for seating) of the peninsula only needs to be 12" and should end where the kitchen wall meets the door way. As said before, get small swivel stools without backs so they scoot under the overhang when not in use and don't intrude into your dining space.

Can you have the banquette continue around the corner to the door way? That would really save you space when using the dining table. Lots to think about but I am sure you will love your new kitchen when it is all done! Be sure to post some photos of the final product and good luck.

One more thought, you could put a small cabinet with a coffe bar setup & microwave drawer at the end of the pantry/fridge run across from the end of the peninsula and then put the fridge next to it. That would really help keep traffic out of your kitchen work area and give your family easy access to snacks & drinks.

That two-pedestal farm table is perfect. It will make it so easy for people to slide in & out of the bench in back. The bench is going to look great. What a neat place to sit, read a book and have a cup of coffee, if that ever happens with 4 kids : ). Get chairs that are not too deep and have fairly straight backs so you can shove them under the table as much as possible when not in use. I still would like to see you bring the cabinets all the way to the door trim if at all possible. Talk about this with whoever designs your cabinet layout and does the ordering. Those folks are very aware of the kitchen egress requirements and can be of much help.

You are very welcome and I am glad I could be of some help. That big island would have been a huge mistake so it is nice that your husband is happy with this solution as well. Keep us posted on your progress!

Your new layout with the table and bench looks really nice. Another idea to maybe add on with your new layout: On the wall with the refrigerator put the wall oven and microwave on the left and the pantry on the right and have the cabinets go to the ceiling on this wall - here is an example.

Then you could have the stove on the wall where the wall oven is, put the sink by the window and the dishwasher where the stove is. On the new island you may want to make this deeper like 36 to 40 inches (24 inch base cabinets fit with 12 to 15 inches of counter overhang for comfortable counter seating)

I had the same layout you describe for many years with the counter on the end next to the refrigerator. It was not a very usable spot as it wasnt big enough for a desk, looked cluttered with keys and chargers, and was an awkward spot for coffee station with water or sink for cleaning across the room. It really depends on how much you need the kid snacks, etc separated from the rest of the room. As they get bigger is there a natural transition to another use in that space for you?

I really like your new layout.. I think it will work well.

The new layout is perfect! I am so excited that it is finally coming together for you. :)

Maybe you could get a wine/beverage fridge under the microwave? I love mine! Frees up space in the big fridge and kids/guests can help themselves easier!

You should think this through a bit. If you center the chandelier over the location your table will be in most of the time it will look a bit odd when you go to expand the table. If you are ok with that then fine. You could put the chandelier on a chain, and then swag it to the best location. That would require a couple of small hooks in the ceiling. Or you could do some type of track lighting, there is some pretty cool stuff available these days, that can run the length of the dining area, take a look on line.

A thin pad at the back of your bench would be very nice and could add some color to that area as the seat cushion won't be quite so visible with the table in front. You can't make it very thick as you wouldn't want to bring the bench out any more than necessary.

The chandelier will look totally at home centered above the dining table.

After mulling over the floor plan for so long, I just realized I have no idea what style/color cabinets you’re getting. Maybe it was said way back when in the post….

You should have a back put on the bench as it will definitely be more comfortable. You can add cushions if you would like for added comfort/decor.

Anyway, if you need help with any cabinet, fixture, hardware or lighting selections, just ask!

As I look at your latest drawing I realize that your table will be centered in front of the window, am I right? If so, center the chandelier in front of the window and all will be well. For some reason I thought you were going to have the table more at one end which is why I had reservations regarding centering the chandelier over the table - my mistake. Your kitchen is going to be beautiful. Trust your taste and don't get discouraged.

4isablessing Any updates on your kitchen?? I’d love to know! :)

Hello everyone! I just wanted to finally give an update on our renovated kitchen. The renovation started this past summer, July. It took most of the summer to finish (yeah, it was too long) but by labor day weekend, we were finally settled in. We got everything we wanted and we are now enjoying our kitchen/dining room. Thank you for everyone who helped us think through all the decisions we had to make. :)

Here are the pictures: Sorry, didn't have time to stage it. Not easy with 4 kids. :)

OMG - what a great job! It turned out perfect. I bet your husband hasn't mentioned that 10 ft. island idea again. LOL

Ruthmand, thank you for your kind words. You are right my husband forgot about his 10ft. Island. Hahaha. It was a long process about 9 months but it was worth it. Now our kitchen is so much more functional and so far we've had two parties already and everyone just hangs ouy around the kitchen.

Check out this design, it might give you some new ideas.

Chelsea Loft: Dining Room · More Info

Your kitchen is fantastic! What great help was given and taken! It worked beautifully! I am facing a similar dilemma with even less width. IF you have any tips, let me know.