Concluding this section of the article, I advise you to consider islands carefully before getting your heart set on one. Simple math dictates that you should have a kitchen that is at least 12 feet in width before you even toy with the idea of an island. If you are considering an eating area, add at least another two feet for chairs or stools. If several people in the household cook, or cook and keep the same hours, leave more room. Remember, space is at a premium in almost every kitchen I have ever seen.
Cooking means that things get hot.
Hot things and arms and legs don't get along. If you add kids to this mixture, don't squeeze yourself too much. Knock out a wall or leave the island for the next home. Comments are welcome, as always. Next month I'll tell you how to set up an eating area around your new island.