I have very similar rooms. I have my sink in the island and love it! I also did not want a two-tiered counter. I feel it ruins your counter space. I used a little herb garden in a rectangle plant stand just behind the faucet. I also thought about having something made using my leftover stone. With my large farmhouse sink, if I don't have time to put something in the dishwasher I set it in the sink for a bit until I get back to it. The only thing I wish I had done was to have a space for paper towels in the cabinetry because I don't like a towel holder on the island.