We would like an Island in our kitchen - just to use as extra bench space and an eating space for four people - just need to know what is the minimum space to have around Island as it would be in the middle of the Kitchen with sink dish washer stove and Pantry cupboards all around etc Kind Regards Karyn

Although bench space is important so is a range of stacking heights for small and tall consumable items. Consider this task in your new kitchen, which SPACE TOWER pantry will be right for you?

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.

That looks fabulous