tkram1, I'm curious to know how your kitchen worked out. We also have a Timberframe home built in 1990. Our kitchen has similar proportions (about 15x12.5) and we decided not to use an island but a peninsula because we wanted to have a more open floor plan in the middle which has worked well for us. We did build a rolling baking cabinet (36x36) that fits under a granite countertop and has a butcher block top that we can pull out and roll to whatever part of the kitchen that we want to work in. It's been a great addition. The peninsula opens to the dining area which in turn opens to the front foyer and great room with hammer beam and kingpost. And the open kitchen concept (about 9ft x 9ft. open area) proved ideal for our family. Our daughter became a dancer and the wide open wood floor was her place to practice her ballet and there is room to walk around our 85# dog when he decides to spread out on the floor.

We also entertain with large groups and the island works great.... I do have the sink in the island and we tiered it..... the upper level helps to disquise the sink area.

Thanks Kim. Thinking it will work well in the space.

Do you know which walls are load bearing and which have your plumbing and electrical in them? I would find this out first. Even though architects and constructions companies can give you an idea of what can be done, most cities won't approve anything without a structural engineers stamp on some drawings. Save yourself time and money go straight to the person who can get you the answers. Hope this helps you out!