[jomoncon]

How much room do you really need around an island? I know the IKEA software wants 4', the NKBA recommends a minimum of 3.5' between the work surfaces and 3' behind seating. Here's my problem. My kitchen will be 12' wide. I figuring 2'3" for the cabinets & counter, 3'3" for the island & counter, including a 1' eating bar. This leaves 6.5' which is exactly enough for 3.5' between the sink & the island and 3' behind the seating.

I've measured out 3.5' in my current kitchen by dragging the table that close. That's enough space for me to work. Since it's just me in the house, sometimes one ot two casual friends, I think the 3' behind the seating will be OK. What do you think?

[DesignDiva]

3.5 feet is adequate. You might have to scoot by another person instead of having complete clearance, but you certainly won't have to crawl over them!

[timberstone]

I just measured my island... 37" between the cupboards/counter & the island. The island is 39" wide. The area for seating (other side of island to wall) is 49" but I have a big plant stand on that wall which actually gives me only 39" of usable seating space.

We've found that this is tonnes of room, even when entertaining. However, we don't have children & I don't think this would be enough room if there were busy children moving about.

You should be fine with your space.

Laura

[fisheggs]

One thought I had when I looked at your plan...is the door on the left a major entryway (like from the garage) where you might need to move large things from time to time? We've been moving a lot of furniture recently and there were a couple occasions where the current bad kitchen (which is next to the garage entrance) was too tight for us to get the table, couch, etc. through, so we had to go around through the front door (a bigger pain than you might imagine). They had a 30" aisleway, so it was actually narrower than the door itself.

[philly girl]

Hey!

I like your math but I have a question. Did you account for the depth of the stools? NKBA standards suggest 36" for aisles... but when it becomes a seating area as well as an aisle you want to allow 48". You don't have that much space, so, if you can, I recommend you swap the dimensions...

And! If you already thought of all that, just ignore me! LOL!:shock:

[Vanessavoy]

My understanding of the requirements for space is to make sure that if you are working at two separate working stations, you don't hit the person behind you. Or to make sure the oven door has enough room to be open without a door banging into it. I can't tell what you'll be using the island for from the diagram. I suppose if you live alone it won't be an issue, and if you don't mind risking the refrigerator or dishwasher door hitting someone bending over to get something out of an island drawer, that part probably isn't a problem.

[laura]

You could reduce the overhang to 10" (whch is still enough) and gain two inches behind the island.