Hi Lil, I believe your original plan works much better than the revised version. While the notion of ideal working widths is great, the larger problem here is the post. I worked on a project very similar to this last year where a post could either be connect to, or separate from the island. What we found was that by separating the island the space between island and post became very awkward. It's not enough of a space to comfortably walk through or be seated at the island in front of. Instead of your room feeling open and generous in proportion, it is going to start to feel cramped and awkward. We have a kitchen in our showroom (Kitchen Studio Tauranga NZ) with a 6ft gap between bench and back wall and it works wonderfully. It allows someone to work at the sink and a second at the island with ease. Stick with the original plan. It will feel a lot more spacious, without compromising work flows.

Hearty Home. If it ain't broke don't fix it is your best slution. The pressed metal looked the part to moi; subtle character, and not like everyone elses. I've just renovated; all new kitchen has bevelled-edged white subways w' pale grey expoxy grout. Timeless is always timeless. Changing your pressed metal look could make the rest of the kitchen design look odd. I note this article is months old; So now I'm wondering what you did?

Given the bulkhead over the stove impacts on the symmetry with the window now, I would put the shelves over the microwave and maybe extend the pantry cupboard to it’s left up to ceiling if you need more storage. This will balance the symmetry, then you could add a shelf either side of window for more decorative effect rather than storage.

So people can get drinks and snacks without going into the kitchen? Yes, that's useful. Would the dishes also be in the WIP then? If you want the fridge on the side wall rather than an end wall I wonder if you might have to widen the WIP? Think about where you'd keep linen cupboard type things. It's not just linen, it might be suitcases, Xmas decorations, vacuum cleaner, all sorts of miscellaneous stuff. Better is what works for each individual. For example suitcases, some people put them up on the top shelf in the bedroom and some would rather have an easier alternative to dragging out the ladder to drag the suitcase down. Vacuum cleaner, the laundry cupboard might be fine but maybe a different cupboard is closer to where most of the carpet is. If you buy a place you just make do but if you're planning from the start you can think about exactly how you'd prefer it.