The minimum is 1219mm. By the way in your new design do you have a landing space to the left or right of your oven? If you opt for less distance maybe your designer should do some research on ovens that have doors that open side ways instead of top down.

I am planning to change the island to a two-tiered one - something like this maybe? https://www.houzz.co.nz/photos/highgate-kitchen-phvw-vp~16177662 and reducing the space between island and cabinets to 1200mm (therefore increasing the depth of the island). Any ideas on how to make make the best of this space? FYI - we have a great view out the ocean on the right, so have designed a breakfast bar by the window. Thanks!

Provided there is 1200mm clear between the breakfast bar and the opposite bench then by rights, you should have ample room and if that's the case, I think I would opt for the design with the kitchen on the eastern side. My reason; you get a much greater feeling of open plan by having the dining and lounge on the North/South plane. I like the large WIP in this one - on paper at least. The second plan somehow feels wrong. I personally don't like the idea of having the breakfast bar being located in the lounge. If it were me though, I would ask for a 3D CAD plan of both kitchens [to walk through on the computer] before making up my mind on which one to opt for as it gives you a much clearer vision of what the finished kitchen will be like rather than looking at a flat plan.

Hi Lucy, So worth doing this research at the planning stage, well done. Check out our Ideas for practical kitchens including the 5 task zones here : https://www.blum.com/nz/en/ideas/overview/ If you would like a free copy of our Kitchen Inspirations Magazine please private message your address/phone to Blum New Zealand. All the best for your project, Blum NZ Team