I like islands, but I don't agree that the bigger the better.

It depends of the kitchen> My kitchen is too small for an island, but a peninsula with a breakfast bar separates nicely kitchen and dining room.

I grew up with a worktable in the kitchen and it's fine as well. I am tired of trends.

I have no problems with islands. It's nice, but I have to laugh when on HGTV, you hear mothers say they want an island so their kids can run around it. Really?

@lg222 yeah I have heard that too. I am always scratching my head thinking "why??"

Islands seem to be a "must have" right now. I had a friend bemoan a home purchase with a galley kitchen and her inability to have an island. I love her kitchen just the way it is.

I love my island, trendy or not. Would I ruin a perfectly good kitchen to put one in? No. Would I design one into a new home? Yes. This is all personal preference. I love having a huge blank space to work in with seating on one side only. I read an article where a woman hated islands and preferred dining tables in the middle of the kitchen. I truly don't understand that. Tables are too low to stand and work, and I would feel really awkward trying to prep anything while seated - except maybe potstickers. Plus you'd have chairs that you'd constantly be moving out of the way. My preference: island, then peninsula, then extra wide counter with no cabinets above, then counter height table - but I'd probably opt for nothing in that case.

A size 0 dress will not fit a size 10 person in it. No matter how hard you try. The question, as posed, is a gigo generator.

It really depends on the kitchen layout. I would love a functional kitchen with a nice size island, several friends have them and they are very nice. My last kitchen an island would not have fit well, but my peninsula was wonderful. I really miss it. Current kitchen, is not roomy enough for any of the options listed above. Although there is sort of an island. It is more like a built in bar table, far enough from the actual kitchen it does not function as a standard kitchen island. Not crazy about it at all, but it does give me a bit of storage for items that are not used daily.

@Shannon_WI there is no need to be cranky :) If you prefer not to answer the question as you believe it has no merit, there is not obligation to do so. I always wonder at those who comment with the aim of trying to tear down other posters for daring to post.

I do appreciate those who have provided their constructive thoughts and feedback!

Personally a fan of the peninsula or breakfast bar because it gives you the opportunity to have more seating options!

Pros and cons to all. I love my island, it is big but so is my kitchen and it would look odd to have nothing in the middle. I have ample walking space around it and it provides a lot of workspace and storage. But sometimes it is a hindrance to have to walk around it. Pros and cons of a large kitchen. I've lived in houses with smaller kitchens that had no island or peninsula or work table.

But same goes for a peninsula and working table... pros and cons. I echo the others in that I prefer what's best for the kitchen.

Yep, the only real answer is "it depends". I love my u-shaped kitchen - there's no way to add an island or peninsula.

Those who discount (or adore) a kitchen solely on the absence or presence of an island do not know much about functional kitchen design. Sadly, that's a large subset of home buyers!

“I always wonder at those who comment with the aim of trying to tear down other posters for daring to post.”

I wasn’t trying to tear you down. I was trying to ascertain what you were aiming at with your question, and calling to your attention that it’s impossible to answer your post due to the variables that are so many. Also, why did you single ME out when 4 other posters said the same thing? I guess I should have been more terse and just said “question can’t be answered cause it depends”, and left it at that. My explaining why that was the case got me in trouble with you.

@Shannon_WI those who said "it depends" did not go on to describe my post as "aimless." I guess its all in the approach. Sorry if you came across in a way that you did not intend.

I am a fan of a peninsula with a bar in a u/g-shaped kitchen. It does depend on the space and limitations. When we bought our house and redid the kitchen after 2 years - we could have taken down all walls and made it a more expansive space. It just didn't work for us. We took down a few walls and changed a slider to a window. My husband really likes color and diversity between rooms - not just one large room that needs a more cohesive color scheme. He cooks more than I do and this works for us. It is a bit small compared to the expansive kitchens usually shown here but it is also a small house so it is all proportional. I do love having the seating at the bar that faces more towards the family room and TV versus island seating that faces towards the kitchen. We both have coffee and breakfast most days at the at the bar and catch up on news - specifically now. Everyone should do what is best for their space and lifestyle.

I’m late on this post but find it interesting due to the pandemic - there does seem to be a shift to less open concept kitchens... My kitchen was renovated a few months ago with a large pass through window and shared countertop with the kitchen for a more semi open feel to the main living area. We have seating there, and have had positive feedback from friends and family. Best of both worlds I think. So I guess that’s a fifth option!

I don't like islands and would never buy a house with a kitchen that had one. I am very happy with the peninsula that I have. I also prefer kitchens that are separate rooms.

My friend says people who like kitchen islands also like coffee tables and vice versa - I think that’s true!