Adding another photo that didn't upload in my original post

Honestly, if it was my kitchen, I would eat at the table.

was going to say the same. you have a table 5 feet away. why can't they eat there?

If you elongate the island you will need to spend a few thousand on a new island top. plus you'll need supports like legs if you want to make it a 'table'.

like this

If you elongate it, how much room will you have to the dining area table?

a cheaper Idea would be something like this, but this defeats the purpose of having that round table! you don't need 2 table within 5 feet.

the girls will grow fast enough and they'll be able to sit at the island as it is.

if you really want more island room, then do like the first pic

here is another one

My design book states that there should be 16-18" for each stool and 24" between the center lines of each stool. So the total length of the island would be 9*2 + 24*3 = 90" = 7-1/2'.

@annkh: "I would eat at the table"

Me too.

We do eat at the table, mostly for dinner. But quick breakfasts or lunches are more convenient at the counter. Clean-up is A LOT faster and easier. And it's tedious going back and forth 3 times a day when you have a 3 and 5 year old. Yes, they will grow but we all sort of congregate around it and it's annoying not having enough seats. I also prefer the counter over the table...tbh I hate that table. I know round is probably the right shape, but I'd much rather have a square table with armchairs. These have been difficult to find (within my budget, in the right style and material). It is what it is, I know I don't have many options, but I don't like sitting there. I go back-and-forth...change the island or update the table/chairs. Lol. I'm sorry if people think I'm stupid for not using the table 5 feet away. We do use the table. But I'd like to feel more comfortable when I'm at either, so I wondered what kind of suggestions were out there! 🤷🏼‍♀️

I think you could buy nice new table & chairs for what it would cost to extend the island but this blog has a lot of ideas https://graceinmyspace.com/how-to-extend-a-kitchen-island/

Before you go the expense of a new top and support for safety?

Spend 200 bucks on a 36 x 36 x 36 counter height table and shove it against the island. Height and width will match exactly. Get a couple backless stools at Target. You can even get a protective glass cut for the top.

Your kitchen has the island size it does, because the island actually should not BE there at all. This is a common house plan that would have had a peninsula with no island.

I see no reason your kitchen table could not have chairs WITH ARMS......and I must confess I do not understand the five foot walk for cleanup being difficult. You walk further to your fridge to make a meal. A five year old can carry a plate to the sink, and a three year old is no more than 18 mos from being able to do same. A five year old can learn to help set a table so it seems a bit of a first world problem.

Whatever...... link to table in the pic.

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/red-barrel-studio-36-square-counter-height-dining-table-csep1056.html?categoryid=147&placement=16&slot=4&sponsoredid=b0db35ebd3bf874b2252236691938c69cfa35084c97e9e355c1f7560b1303208&_txid=I%2FWEwmZhf1N%2F%2F8GiiUm3Ag%3D%3D&isB2b=0&auctionId=8677515f-c8fa-42ee-8b08-aaa3994b984c

Or just add four ARM chairs to the round dining table, which need not be square, to use chairs with arms. West elm below

I see your point. Heating and plating at the cooktop end of your space. Then turning and serving right there to your kids. Very convenient. The table is 15 transit feet away. Extending the island by 18" with a 15" overhang for an end seat wit 3 on the long side gives you 4.

You barely have the absolute minimum 72” space between the island and table that allows someone to walk between and out the door. Can’t block the path to the outside. You can replace the current comfortable table height with an uncomfortable counter height table, and just shove it against the island. That makes for a much longer way around the obstacle, but at least it isn’t permanent. And there would be no table in the breakfast area blocking that round the world path out.

Agee with Jan. My former home‘s kitchen had an almost identical plan as yours. when I had it remodeled I had the island removed & replaced with a penninsula. Since your island is already there perhaps Jan’s solution?

I like Jan’s idea of a temporary counter height table. But first I’d make sure both adults like sitting at counter /stools! Plus, the counter- table dimensions, leg placement, skirt height all play a role in what stools you can use, and whether 2 people can fit legs under, especially perpendicularly.

Still, maybe think through the longer- term situation. You pay $ for even the “ cheap” table, & you need 2 more stools- will they match or will you need to buy 4 new ones? Are you willing to give up your dining table ( sell/ discard) AND space for a better one? Sometimes we feel ok spending the same amount of $$ in smaller chunks, than saving & “ deserving” something that costs more at once. Plus, second- hand wooden furniture can be better & cheaper than online stuff.

Pretty soon you’ve spent $$ that might have gone to a better dining table & chairs.