not sure you should bd driven by trends,, basins on top allow lower bench height which appears less bulky in small bathroom and puts sink on same level as toiletries on the counter, less bending

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.

Full residential underbench drawers are better for you, less noise. Not many options though. Sub Zero has 610 and 760mm https://au.subzero-wolf.com/en/sub-zero/counter-refrigerator Fisher Paykel has 900mm (855 to be exact) https://www.fisherpaykel.com/au/kitchen/fridges-freezers/built-in-refrigeration/cooldrawer-multi-temperature-drawer.RB90S64MKIW1.html Both has customizeable front panel (I am sure sub zero can, f&p pretty sure you can do it, just like their dishdrawers) Going commercial, you have more range, built like a tank, and more noisy Adande is the top range drawers, Best available for commercials, they have double sided one as well, you can push and pull from either side Turboair / Polar is another option for more drawers. Williams / Skope only has the 2door - 3door - 4door type but they look very commercial, mostly stainless or glass door only.

before committing to the decoration why not plan for how you use the space..do you need storage for toiletries, towels, cleaning products and toilet paper etc start with the new vanity (with or without wall cabinets) ..you may be able to use a shorter vanity with gaps at either end (as in your photo) to give more a look of free standing furniture..using tiles salvaged from the old vanity to patch the walls..i think the tiles look so much better than altering just one wall for shiplap and you can avoid having to change the tiles elsewhere and focus expenditure on new taps, toilet roll holder, power point covers, light fittings etc