Most people prefer island benches, but as you asked which is the better kitchen? Easily, the u shape works better in this space. Because the island has no visual connection to the kitchen shown,its disconnected and looks like an afterthought, it serves no real purpose and is not relative to the prep area. It isolates the fridge and Blocks the flow into the kitchen. Whereas the shape makes a design statement with those tall cabinets enclosing the fridge, it is definately more considered, and Does a great job of connecting the walk in pantry, making the overall kitchen look bigger.

Do you mean wall or floor tiles? FLOOR - how about a warm grey? WALL - earthy stone look wont date too bad

Thanks everyone for all your feedback and tips. Below is the plan I have come up with. Not sure how clearly it will show up. Have wrestled with the position of the ovens and sink - thought about swapping them and about having them centred but then think there would be too far between fridge and cooktop/ovens. Cooktop is 600m gas, then two below bench 600mm electric ovens, 900mm rangehood. Sink is double drain, double sink (1550mm in all). I know this seems excessive and against trend but I could not live without my double drain as always defrosting meat, bottles of milk etc and like to have one clean side and one dirty side of the sink. I love the idea of a bi-fold door appliance cupboard for toaster, kettle, microwave but not sure how practical it really is. Will the doors when open be painful and stick out near the fridge???? Do like the idea of having all that stuff tucked away though. What do you think of dishwasher position? Think I will make that gap between island and bench with dishwasher 1300mm as suggested. The only drawers I'm planning on having are a bank of 3 x 3 800mm in the island. I know that are more economical space wise but trying to keep costs down. Should add that behind the L-shaped benches will be windows as much as possible. Looking forward to your feedback. Thanks greatly.

I suggest printing off your plan and drawing your furniture on to scale. Allowing for at least a metre between things like the island and table, sofa etc , it will be hard to fit everything in. The room has a lot of doorways etc that need access space. You could perhaps have the dining table in front of the island and then a couch facing the island but is this enough seating? The other thing to consider is what dining seats you have and how much space they take up, both in and out from the table.