I sometimes see photos of Mediterranean kitchens where the counter varies in depth, with some parts sticking out from the wall. I think I see the logic. If the whole counter was a wider depth, then you wouldn't be able to make use of it without uncomfortably reaching to the back of the counter, but if some parts stick out then you get a bit of extra counter space if you stand in the niche.

I've never seen a kitchen done like this in real life, only in pictures, so I wonder if anyone has any experience using a kitchen designed like this? Did you find it useful to stand in the niche and make use of that extra counter space, or was it annoying having to walk around the part sticking out?