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?

I have a stool on the kitchen side of the island and love it. It does men you lose a cupboard to allow for the stool , and the space between the island and kitchen bench needs to be at least 1200- mine is 1400. It is great for socialising around the bench. It seems to be where we all gather- I can sit and join in, organise food, drinks easily. It works so well 2 of my friends have incorporated the idea into their kitchens.

Serene, I believe your ceiling is ok, You don't need to go full height, there is a lot of ways to design kitchen for a high ceiling. Seems like yours is more than 3m high. Why not put some potted plants above the overhead cabinet? It can be fake plants, nobody will notice the dust if its high on the top. On your other question, I prefer Washing Machine to have a proper tub to soak shoes or really dirty towels, so if you can build another roof to boundary fence OPTION D like your sample photo, it will be most ideal. In Malaysia, its hot and humid, and lots of rain, so having a shelter that allows you to air the clothes is best.

No, and it would be better. Left as is, the people that sit at the island, will be sitting in the walkway, and the space in the dining and lounge, being only 4340 wide, would be compromised. It is not just the width of the island bench, you need to also take into account the room taken up by people sitting at the island. Could be, Maybe another 500mm into your lounge and dining area. Shown on your plan as theatre?