Your idea to keep appliances and sinks off the island is a good one, because it leaves you plenty of room for prep space, dining and gathering, and keeps the mess from being the center of attention. Utilize the services of a kitchen designer to help you nail things down. You want the fridge closer to the eating areas, the sink and dishwasher in it's own
clean-up space, and the baking and cooking area where there is minimal traffic. This way, multiple people can work in the kitchen without getting in each other's way.

i dont like a sink in the island either, it's a mess magnet 24/7. I have my cooktop in the island with a downdraft, that is messy during active cooking which turns out to be a really small part of the day. your call. otherwise without photos i couldnt possibly comment.