not sure whether it's the right forum..maybe cross posting in Kitchen would make sense..but for now:

a) no to the making island one level because of the sink-will splash. I agree might look better aesthetically but the space probably won't stay bare..will you have bar stools there, for example? will look more considered when not just a piece of drywall as it seems to be now

b) what color will be new appliances? what material you want your new countertops to be? do the current ones bother you? any plans for the backsplash?

c) love that piece of furniture, makes kitchen more homey, provides storage, space for display. however it's you who should love it, maybe move it and live with empty space for a while..the ideas will follow. you might want to bring it back. or repaint. or make a tiny nook with small table and couple chairs/tabourets-if you see the need in one. or put there something less useful but still pretty-a tree? a grandfather clock?

d)..yes,.will look weird..I think. will be interesting to hear what others think. you can install just a hood and think where you can store a microwave so it's not in your face yet you don't need to bother withe island too much. unless you dislike the island in general and decide to tackle it anyway

Generally speaking nice space. I'd buy a light I love (unless you love the one that's there)...furnish to my liking and to family's needs..think about whether I want curtains(I'd probably want them..)..and just live, you know. And with time, I'd see what might be more functional..more beautiful..because the more you're in the space the more it informs you, and the more you know what you'd want it to be

that's very briefly..if you want serious advice on improvement of layout I highly recommend Kitchens forum.

I don't like the corner piece. Can you replicate the cabinets and extend them across that wall? If not, I'd find a flat, not corner, freestanding cabinet. Maybe a Hoosier if your decorating goes that way.

You're getting conflicting opinions here, but I see so many sinks in kitchen islands that it must work for those who have them. Sinks in islands

Just curious - it may be the lighting, but the cabinets look yellowish against the white walls; are you leaving them as is, or perhaps painting the walls a soft color?
Do also post here in kitchens - http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath

Hey everyone! Thanks for the quick responses. I tagged "kitchens" when I posted this so I am hoping it put it on that forum as well (this is my first time posting so I may be doing it wrong but thanks for the suggestion)?

@aprilneverends: so detailed, I appreciate it. In response to your points above:

A.) Yes, thinking of doing saddle-type barstools, like taller versions of this: Saddle stools

B.) Stainless steel appliances. I have been a fan of light colored countertops but think it might be too light for this space, so maybe I don't have to change the countertops? For the backslash I think I would like to do a subway tile with dark grout.

C.) Yea I just don't don't know if I like that piece of furniture. May replace with the suggestion like @bpathome said, or just leave blank.

D.) Good point-I thought it might look weird but I just wanted to see what others thought.

I am a fan of living in a space and then changing after a little bit unless there's something hideous. Oh, and I would change out that dining room light immediately.

@bpathome: never heard of a hoosier cabinet until now, thanks!

@my3dogs: thanks for the link with the kitchen sinks in islands. I am thinking of maybe doing a lighter gray color on the walls? Maybe like this: wall color