I am not sure about the idea that your kitchen needs to look like it is in a display home at all times with nothing to indicate that you use it regularly. I love cooking and still manage to put used dishes straight into the dishwasher and keep the benches relatively clear. Any open plan kitchen layout will have the same issue ie you will still see dishes on the sink no matter where you place it in the kitchen. Stay focussed on the function, walking from one side of the kitchen between the sink and cooktop is not efficient nor safe. Next time you are preparing a meal imagine you are doing it in your new kitchen layout as this will test whether it functions properly for you. Definitely keep your larder/pantry you won't regret it. More than 3-4 stools at the island can be over rated, most people prefer to sit around a table as a family rather than line up at the bench looking at the sink and stove. It sounds like you have always been on the right track, just try not to over think 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.

Hi Siri, appreciate your time in changing the layout but I still prefer my current one. although I'm happy to resize things but not move around. I made a mock-up last night but not sure if the changes i made will still fit. I've convert the linen to WIL although not sure if the modification i made is enough. I'll send this through to my builder. Thanks M.B. for your valuable input. I also do handwashing but my concerns: on placing the sink are 1. I have to do undermount sink to look good but then I need a drying rack beside it. so logically the the normal sink is better functionally but no pleasing to the eye :). 2. Wife doesn't want a mess in the island bench. also, she wants to utilize the whole thing when we host parties (food in the bench). 3. I prefer facing the window to see my garden/landscape while washing. And if we decided to use the DW, atleast, it's all there 4. Normal double sink and DW will come together in the butler. once the plates are dried up, we can store them in the cabinet?

Please post measurements of the room. Where are the doors and windows?