I'm certainly a believer in a single level island, but if the live edge on the island you're showing is tapering off at a downward angle, as it appears, I wouldn't want to be using it with a glass of wine in my hand. So yes to single level islands, and a firm desire to see a solid, level countertop on the island.

single level. i had the same thought on the live edge photo but i think its level.

The live edge is very smooth and friendly to the touch. The overall surface is very flat and flush with the engineered surface. So it is easy to place your beverage any where...except on the very edge...of course.

So true about the stools...especially for kids

Agreed. Clean-up sinks are best against the wall. Prep sinks are OK on single level islands.

If there's a sink on the island, you can add a built-in dish soap dispenser. Actually I prefer a built-in dispenser no matter where the sink is located. It's amazing how much bigger a kitchen looks if the island is all one level.