So disappointed to see no replies to this, I need to know a similar thing in reference to a L shaped kitchen.

for a comfortable walking space the island should be about 1200mm - 1500mm away from the long side to the other counters and at least 900mm -1200mm from the end to any other counter or wall then the island could be 600mm deep and 900mm long to fit your cooktop BUT the cooktop on such a small island would not be very safe to use (unless you live alone and have no visitors) and there should be much better options....post a plan of the whole room with measurements and a list of everything you need to fit in the whole room

Thanks to everyone who has helped me with their comments. I’m attaching some more photos in the hope that one of you who can use creative technology will be able to help me visualise where I’m headed. I have taken on board the comments about not creating a hazard but would still like to see what this would look like: A narrow gap between the pantry wall and the end of the bench (about 400 - 500mm) big enough to create the island look but not big enough to tempt walking through. The ‘step’ built up to cover the plumbing and then covered with dark concrete tile. Then this tile to come out through the living area incorporating the support post up to the sliding doors as a feature contrast to the timber. Can anyone create that image? I haven’t bought my tiles yet, or I would just lay them down and look at it. But I have a picture of them that I could upload. Also, as you can see, I pulled out an old fashioned room divider so I’m fairly sure I have the depth to lay the tile so that it will be flush with the existing flooring. Thanks in anticipation. Jane

Hi There, I'm a senior kitchen designer. There isn't a lot of information for me to go by to give you a lot of advice (as I might be about t suggest something to you that brings another problem with it) but I can tell you that I like the shape of the kitchen, however the flow is a bit mismatched. A couple of points to consider: - How many bedrooms is the house and how many people live there? Currently, where you have the fridge placed in relation to the sink means if you're entertaining guests or have children/teenagers in the kitchen to access the fridge while you are cooking they will cross the path of the cook making things frustrating and less efficient for you. To evade this, I actually recommend changing the orientation of the island. I don't have your exact measurements but based on what you have given I do think you've got more than enough room to do so. - As a result of changing the island orientation, I would recommend keeping the sink further to one end of the island. This way you have more of an area dedicated to seating/dining and one area more so to the dishes. The orientation I have suggested will also allow for additional depth as opposed to the standard 900mm - it will be harder to splash somebody with an island depth of 1200mm! Positioning the sink where I have it is a very social setting - allowing seating to be around the island so those seated are able to look at each other as opposed to being lined up. Those at the sink (And studies do show that you spend about 65% of your time in the kitchen at the sink) are facing the dining area square on but still being a part of the action in the lounge area is also a plus. - I've bought the oven tower back to the cooking zone. Kitchen designers like to work with dedicated zones to ensure as efficient kitchen as possible. You'll see I have noted the improved work flow on my basic and very messy diagram. Studies show that best work flow will be in one continuous direction to make the process more streamlined. I have grouped the food storage >> Prep area by the sink >> Cooking area >> Serving/plating area >> Cleaning >> and crockery storage. - Secondary sink? It doesn't need to be anything big, maybe just 300-350mm means when you are entertaining you can stack those dishes inside the pantry. It's an 'out of sight, out of mind' approach. It could also be very useful to you if that was where you are planning to keep the smaller appliances such as a toaster and kettle as you'll often need to wipe things down or rinse things out. Plumbing can be very useful in these areas! If you would like to chat with me further you can flick me an email, I'd be more than happy to help you further with any advice you might seek :) Emma Gamble em.gamble@hotmail.com