Sorry! I'm new to this forum. I read the FAQ post for asking for help with layouts and tried to answer all of those questions.

Basically looking for feedback on changing current layout to proposed layout posted under pictures. If we really ever only use the DW after meals is it a big deal to have it in the work triangle (I had read to avoid this)? Also are the corners of the island by the fridge/back door wide enough or going to end up being pinch points? Open to other suggestions for changing the layout.

Thanks!

The 12' wall on your proposed plan is off by 1 square/6".

If possible I would like to have the sink and DW in the island facing the family room. I feel like this is where I spend most of my time daily...

You don't really have a work zone on the island--only 18" to the left of the sink. The NKBA recommends a minimum of 36" prep space next to a sink. And you have 4' to the left of the cooktop, which has no specific use. Is there a possibility you could recess the fridge into the future pantry closet? Would you consider a range instead of separate cooktop and ovens?

You did a great job of including pertinent info in your description!

@mama goose_gw zn6OH, thanks so much for your response. My mistake - the 12' wall should actually be marked as 12' 6" in the proposed layout. We will gain 6" from the wall thickness when we demo the wall that's currently attached to the peninsula.

"You don't really have a work zone on the island--only 18" to the left of the sink."

Does the counter space to the right of the sink not count because it is over the DW? Will that not really be functional prep space?

Unfortunately we aren't able to recess into that wall as it's load bearing :( That was my original thought, to switch the cooktop and fridge, similar to the photo below. But the fridge will stick out too far into the aisle. Not sure how else to fix that.

Hmm I hadn't though about a range. This is the first time we've a wall oven and separate cooktop and I love it. I'm not a fan of the freestanding ranges, but would be willing to consider a slide-in if it would help with functionality.

Just wanted to add - I know one option could be to bite the bullet and switch to a counter-depth fridge. I'm having a hard time getting the hubby to agree to that one. Our fridge is relatively new and he doesn't want to loose the space switching from a standard fridge.

If you have the space for a header (red rectangle), you can recess the fridge into the closet/pantry through a bearing wall--just treat it as a door opening. I wanted to make sure the slope of the stairs would allow for the full height of the fridge. This is what I was thinking:

On the island, 24" (would be 27" m/l after accounting for return panel and overhang) is better than 18"-19", but still less than ideal, and as you point out, over the DW. The island layout could be flipped or otherwise rearranged; you'd need to decide where you want to stand to prep--in front of the fridge, or in front of the range/cooktop.

If you use a range and omit the wall ovens, you can have more space between it and the fridge. You've accounted for 30" for the oven cabinet, but you might need filler to the left, to make sure the oven door clears the trim for the DR entry (if cased), and I think a 33" oven cab just looks nicer. This plan doesn't account for a MW, but MW could be included in wall oven stack, or in an upper to the right of the fridge, if wall ovens are omitted.

I think there should be enough space between the island seating overhang and the nook table (60"), to allow traffic to pass. The shallow, stud-bay storage is modeled on cindyandmocha's wall of pantry cabinets. Scroll down in this thread.

Range/no ovens, with island layout rearranged:

Just take your time and consider all alternatives. Think about the steps you take to prep a meal, and where you will store all your utensils and ingredients. Someone else might have a better idea.

Maybe the easiest solution would be to ditch the island. You could leave appliances in current locations, but put the DW to the left of the sink. Then make the base cabinet to the left of the fridge the same depth as the fridge box for a bit more counter space. Good luck!