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.

Planned Island (in the design photos) is square 1.2mx1.2m. From the back part of the kitchen, there is sufficient space to move it even 1.2m away. If we make the island smaller, there would be more room on each side for passage (current 0.72m), but even if we make it just 1m, that would only add only 0.1m on each side (bringing it up to 0.82m - enough to pass, but a bit tight in terms of looks, how it makes nice big open space appear crowded). And the island would be rather small so not really worth it.

Thank you everyone for your valuable feedback! Gary - great ideas, I agree with the stairs, its got that bottom landing that looks good but is it practical? The space in (4) is the master shower. And I love your easy switch with the fridge and pantry as the fridge has extra room to open out to - shouldn't cost much for this change. Will chat to the builder about swapping the pantry around and the costings for the change of stairs. Oklouise - the new upstairs arrangement you have created works so much better! Does the first floor change require a change to the stairs like Gary has suggested? Your upstairs main bathroom placement works better as it sits above the guest bathroom downstairs. I also like your idea about the guest bathroom. RE: Kitchen, I'm concerned with having both cook/sink stations facing away from the pool area. If I keep the sink in the island, would our existing 2.8 sink bench space surrounding be sufficient space to hang around? Kate - You have made invaluable points around the garage and the simple change in the guest vanity without the added cost. Min garage dimensions in NSW is 5.4x5.4. With our 17.4m frontage, this garage dimension is the max we can go to. I'm torn between the house with a more open foyer space, or reducing it to a smaller one to allow for bigger garage... we haven't lived in a house with a double garage, so for us this seems huge. We will also have an outdoor shed to store our lawnmower etc. Thank you again, really appreciate the responses so far!

Thanks for all the responses, it has raised some very valid points for consideration. I have done single bathroom design and it looks like the gains that are made over the bathroom, ensuite and laundry impact the decision. Being able to have more natural light (and ventilation) with bigger windows in a family bathroom and also the ensuite is just one positive. I will gain extra storage in the laundry and really does that ever go astray... being able to have toilet with a door in the ensuite will save burning off my nostril hair (I love my husband but really - is there something wrong) I can fit a double vanity in a family bathroom so for resale value for a family is improved as is a bath. Not going to be a big soaking bath, but will be fine to bath children and still have a separate toilet - not big, but still functional. What do you think?? (I know dimensions are not on, it just a concept but is to scale.