One level islands are better for prep, seating, and entertaining.

Another thought--do you often have help in the kitchen? Would you consider a prep sink on the island, so that you can face the living areas as you prep, especially since there is no window in the kitchen?

Thank you, Mama Goose, for taking time out of your weekend to share your detailed suggestions! If the island had a prep sink, would you consider moving the trash bin cabinet to the island? Interesting that both you and rantontoo suggested a one-level island instead of a two-level island. I kind of prefer the separation that the bar height level provides while still keeping the feeling of a very open kitchen. However, I'm thinking that it is cheaper to do just a one-level island. I'm not sure which way to go....

If you look at current kitchen designs, most have one level islands...there are reasons for that.

Yes, with a sink on the island, I'd put the trash pull-out on the other corner, convenient to the clean-up zone. I love being able to open the trash pull-out and brush all the debris from prep directly into the can.

Then you can have nice, wide drawers for pots and pans beside the range.

GW discussions--One-level island?