Yes, 34" is too small. I had 36" in my previous kitchen and that felt too small for more than 1 person.

Added: and I would want more than 12" of landing space next to the range. Aim for at least 20" if possible.

Thank you Lucky, do you think a 18” island would look funny to give us more walking space? I read online that we could purchase a bathroom base. Our design doesn’t have that much counter space so the island would help.

I would do it free standing then.

You might consider skipping the island and making the perimeter cabinets extra deep, which would provide more counter space--although it would be in depth rather than length. You could incorporate a mobile cart into the pantry cabinets, then pull it out when you need more prep space near the sink or range. I would want landing space beside the fridge, and also to the right of the sink, if possible. Pictures of the existing kitchen would help.

NKBA guidelines

New to Kitchens? Read me first.

Discussions--Extra-deep counters

What are the actual dimensions of the entire space you have to work with? Could you also post a sketch of the entire floor the Kitchen is on?

See the sample below and the Featured Answer in the "New to Kitchens? Read Me First!" thread.

FYI...it doesn't have to be on graph paper and, while it's nice, it doesn't have to be to-scale. Just be sure to include ALL the measurements.

Hi Buehl, thank you for your help, here is quick draft of the layout.

Keep in mind that the cabinet box size is 24”. Add 3/4” for the doors. The countertop depth covering a 24” deep cabinet is typically 25-25 1/2”. The island would be about 27”. Now you are looking at more like 30” aisles based on the dimensions given. Think of that as the width of a narrow public bathroom stall.

Don't put the fridge and sink at opposite ends. You don't want to schlep foods across the room and around the island to be prepped under water. That's just one of the issues I see.

The island does not work at all. Even as a mobile cart, it does not work. A peninsula will work much better.

Verbo do you think closing out one of the walls and making the kitchen into a u shaped kitchen would be best for the space we want? i love the open kitchen feel but we really need space.

Are any of the walls exterior walls?

Any windows?

Are you on a slab or do you have a basement or crawl space below the Kitchen?

Hi Buehl, i updated the picture we are on a slab and have a window

Thank you Beverly, i appreciate the help

My kitchen is about the same size as yours, except that it is L-shaped. I am able to have an island only because my pantry wall is 15" deep instead of the usual counter depth. The island is 72" long and 25" wide with 2 banks of 3 drawers on one side. It works beautifully for me. But... my kitchen is a one-cook kitchen. It's very efficient but it doesn't promote collaboration or company. That was a compromise I was willing to make and it suits my family. It may not suit yours.

This is my kitchen:

Richard St. kitchen reno · More Info

Richard St. kitchen reno · More Info