I am planing a kitchen remodel, but will remain within my current footprint due to space constraints. The current island is a peninsula with a sink and dishwasher with a 12-inch overhanging bar on the other. I am trying to decide between keeping the current all counter-height configuration, versus having a raised bar-height counter on the other side. Two issues I have are:
1) Sink spray from sink onto diners on opposite-side counter: My current kitchen solved this by having a small backsplash behind the sink (see picture - currently laminate counters) - I don't find it very appealing visually and haven't seen this in any pictures on Houzz. I see only the smooth-topped look when a sink is placed in an all counter-height island. If I stay with a single-height counter I may have to repeat this feature to avoid sink spray. Any other ideas?
2) Dual-height counter hides kitchen mess in an open loft. I have been considering going to a bar-height counter on the opposite side mainly as a visual barrier from the adjacent living spaces (it would also solve the water splash problem). The downsides are that I lose useful work space and this height is perhaps not as comfortable for seating or for using as a buffet service area for the immediately-adjacent dining room. It also seems that the dual-height counter requires you to use several inches of under diner-counter space to support the higher side. Anyone have experience with this problem or gone from one height to another in a remodel and have regrets? Also, I should mention that I'm planning to sell my place in a year or two so want to make choices that most people would find appealing and functional. Thanks!