I'm about to put a cooktop on the 2.3 x 900 peninsular (island with only one free end ( in my new galley kitchen. I am using an induction top so it can be fitted flush with the benchtop surface, allowing me to use the whole area as benchtop when not in use. I intend to have bar stolls on the living room side for entertaining. My joiner has suggested making a beautiful, thin timbercover to go over the glass induction surface for added protection. I just need to decide on down draft induction hob or a ceiling casette. My main aim is to remove the smelly cooking smells from my unit. The smell from one evening of cooking indian chicken curry currently lasts at least a week! Any advice?

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.

Hi M Tranter, we just finished our Blue Ivy house in Malvern, although more contemporary in style, we went bold with the blue in a very similar shade to yours! We actually fine-tuned the shade on site, as the blues will appear different depending on orientation and light. We never worry about 'trends' but choose material and colour palettes to suit each client, and the bold colours always balance out with the other elements in the space. Good Luck (and go for it!).

Hi Bianca, I have just seen your post. I personally think the best answer to your question will depend on a few other considerations because it really depends on the kitchen layout as a whole. Considerations may include; how will this affect the work flow in your Kitchen and what are the alternative positions available to you? Importantly; how big is your island going to be; an Island can be a great space for food preparation, meal plating, as well as the island being a social space for family as well as when entertaining. When placing the Sink in an island you may consider a sink also needs adequate additional space each side of it for the various functions it is used for; whereby placing a sink in a small Island can sometimes take away from the other benefits it provides. There is actually no clear yes or no answer, but to consider your Kitchen layout, appliance placements and its work flow as a whole. With the other things you have already mentioned here, I hope this extra helps in your decision process.