When designing a kitchen to suit a large, open-plan space it’s critical that the proportions of the elements within the room are in keeping with the surrounding area. This Manly kitchen is a great example of how to design a highly functional room to suit a large space and the key is the impressive island bench. With enough seating for six or more, the island is the focus of the design and the area. Stretching from one end of the kitchen to the other, it is a multifunctional space that makes the kitchen the perfect gathering place for a large family or when entertaining a crowd. The island also defines the entry and exit points from the kitchen, assisting its ability to merge within the open-plan area in which it sits.