my questions are, what is the island for? who is using it, for what purpose? What are your primary functions in the kitchen? for some it is just cooking for the couple, some entertain whole parties, some do lots of baking with the kids, do you have fuzzy people using the space? All this effects everything you do. Sometimes people just feel they have to have it, because the style books say that. I saw a nice size kitchen, but they felt they needed a huge island and a table and an L added at one end. Probably a bigger table would done it. i changed out my old bath for my old kitchen, now I have a larger bath, and my kitchen includes the dining room and now has a pantry and an island that includes the range and a small sink for washing veggies, get to do all while looking out the windows.

thanks for info, that should hopefully help everyone, I assume no fuzzy people are involved. Personally I would do as I have done in my home, put in an island and you can handle a large one. Place the cook top there along with a smaller sink on one side. underneath you can store all those electrical things you cook with, waffle irons, griddles etc. So you can cook, entertain and be a part of the action the whole time, you can even hand out veggies to chop if you like. Place a bank of ovens where the stove was.

Now you have your fridge at the end so everyone can reach it, or you can go with undercounter fridges, one on the outside of the island for kids drinks, etc. one inside for the current meal preparations. Now you can put a pretty big one if you run it across the front of the sliding glass doors but that will really alter your traffic pattern. Or you can put at the end of the kitchen, That would still allow you to have a desk on the opposite wall or a table or a lowered counter on the far side for sitting, if you don't want high stools.have fun and let us know.

I believe havingfun was referring to pets, since many families treat them like small fuzzy people.

so you want to take into account food and water and how much space do they take, a large dog can take up considerable walking space, might want a spot under the counter for their bed. I saw a woman had a tap installed over their water dish at the end of their island. it all matters, especially with 3, if they are bigger and/or dogs especially take up space and want to be under foot, preparing ahead of time, can make that better.

Eric, I just scanned your pictures and got an idea of what you're trying to do. Since you've got kids and an open area to work with I have a couple of thoughts to pass along for you to consider. Easy cleaning, durability and multi-purpose use are the main features I'd be looking for. Using a resilient surface like wood, cork, or tile extended throughout the Kitchen/Breakfast area would be practical and look open & casual. An Island will add storage and useable counter top. If there is a comfortable distance from the basement door, then barstools can be added.

In front of your sliding doors a wood topped refectory table can extend to accommodate big arts and crafts projects, informal dinners and become a buffet table when you have a crowd for the Super Bowl. Distressed or recycled wood tables look awesome and you can use one or two benches if you like.

Suggestions for updating your space:

Paint the cabinets with white enamel paint.

Paint the baseboards and window trim in white enamel paint.

Replace hinges with hidden hinges.

Change counters replace with quartzite, granite or whatever solid surface you like.

Remove the 4 inch backsplash and don't replace it. Make sure the counter is sealed at the wall with clear silicone.

Paint the walls an interesting color using enamel paint that will protect from stains and splatters. No need for a backsplash.