I think a “dairy” table would fit better. I cheaply made my own with 35 inch legs and a butcher block top.

Your kitchen didn’t come with an island because it’s not really big enough for one. You have a little less than 8 ft of clearance between your sink cabinetry and the window wall (judging by the floor tile that I’m assuming are 12” squares). The island cabinet takes up almost 2‘ in depth leaving you 2.5’ clearance between it and the window. That’s not enough.

The island looks heavy because it has the wrong dimensions for the space. Your aisle width on the window wall should be the same as it is for the opening to the next room (I’m guessing 3’), so your island should end where the cabinetry next to the range ends. You should try for at least 42” of clearance behind the range. If my math is correct, that leaves you 36” of clearance behing the sink. That’s not much.

A better option might be a moveable cart, or a baking table. These are narrower by design, so they will help you with clearance, and they have open shelving that will keep the look lighter overall.

thank you very much for the diagram and feedback! I think maybe we are wanting too much from the small space. Another drawer is really a must since we only have one. We were trying to fit in storage as well as seating but it may be that we can’t have both.

Lighter colors on the island will make it look less heavy. The real question is how it works. Can you move around it freely, open the refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven doors, open the island doors and drawers? If someone is sitting on a stool, can someone else walk by?

Here's a gray similar to the backsplash, to start visualizing (lighter? darker? more blue?):

Looks like the over hang can fold down if you need more room for entertaining and it gives you storage so give it a try. The present color works with the floor but I really like the light blue above!

I agree with you, seating is probably too big an ask. You can have drawers, just keep the piece shallow. Two feet is too deep.

If you need seating more than you need an island, post a diagram of your space. You may be able to get bench seating with storage drawers below.

the thing to do long term is use the corner to the right of windows where the clock is. figure out what you would want ideally from that corner and a way to execute a plan reasonably. For now I would drop the overhang on the island you just bought and place it longer side against that longer wall. you'll use it for now.....and then think a bit more...... small spaces need every inch figured out carefully. BACK TRACKING a little....where is the fridge?? [left of dishwasher maybe]

Consider having casters added underneath your island, will give you more flexibility to turn it as needed in the space. The space to the right of windows if you don't need seating there consider adding a pantry on the right of the windows.

That island seems like a helpful and practical choice - if it were me, I’d color match to the cabinets so it looks intentional and blends in (just bring a cab door to a nearby Ben Mooore)

As a rule of thumb we use a minimum of 48" between kitchen cabinets and an island. We do sometimes go down to 42" on one side if necessary but do try to avoid that in general.

Congrats on your beautiful new home. I image searched your home. It looks like a recent flip. You should have no problem finding the brand cabinets and countertop. Place a base cabinet of drawers to the right of the window with the back of the cabinet along the non-window wall. (The drawers open towards the range.) Get a countertop and extend it 15" beyond the cabinet to the right of the cabinet, and place a stool beneath it. You will have drawers, seating for one, open floor space in your kitchen, and a cohesive look.

As others have noted your kitchen is too small for an island and for seating for two. But, I'm always in favor of getting at least one stool in a kitchen. You won't have kids eat breakfast in your kitchen or a couple have dinner, but the cook of the house can sit for a coffee break, work online, or have one person keep them company while cooking and that is very worthwhile.

Here are views of the other corner of the kitchen where some suggested bench seats. I like the simulated image with the tile color, it was exactly my vision. There are 44” inches between the cabinets and the island, but only about 33” between the island and the windows. It really was a shot in the dark grabbing this piece, we wanted something that didn’t feel like a “cheap cart.” All cabinet doors, dishwasher, etc are able to fully open

How many people are in your house hold and do you assume will be in this space at the same time while eating and cooking is happening? Ok, now make that happen. Put the people in place, cook a meal, eat, juggle whatever. Clearances are on thing - you can open and close doors as a test. But what does the circulation of the space feel like when it is actually being used by people doing the tasks that will happen in here. Test drive your set up before you decide on paint and wood finishes.

Thank you, Kendrah! There will be two people in this space - we generally enjoy breakfast and lunch sitting at an island, time spent together cooking. We do have a large dining area but have always enjoyed the casual space of an island. We plan to “live with this” for a bit but I came here for other ideas and really like many of them. We have already found the extra counter space helpful. This island was only $100 and I enjoy projects so I will probably refinish it and resell if we find it to be in the way.

I agree with eam44. The kitchen does not have room for a functional island. You stated that the space was too small then said you were adding an island. A small round table & a storage cabinet with drawers next to the door leading to the hall would likely work better. The island is not only functional it eliminates functional use of the kitchen space.

First you need that to be moveable and I agree somthing much less bulky and not square To me that looks like a wasted corner so why not a tiny round table and a small chairs there still useable for prep or whatever but lets you have breakfast too.

The reason we didn’t just go for a table in chairs in the corner is because we only have one drawer in the kitchen and could use a little more storage.

Right. If you want storage, a work surface, and seating your best bet is the banquette. You can have drawers in the banquette and a narrow table that can double as a work surface, and have the seating you want.

Or, if you feel you’ve already made your decision, just live with what you’ve got. Best of luck.

I suspect the drawers they need are for easy reach items rather than close to the ground. It sounds like they are happy with a more crowded feel and prioritize two adults seated at the island instead. If that it works for them -- kudos. I think you have found a nice piece of furniture to play with and the mock up with the grey paint works well. Here's to only 2 cooks in a kitchen. We love it that way too!

Select a kitchen cart that makes a statement.

Looks great, like it's always been there!

Looks great!