What did you eventually decide on doing with the space? Feel free to upload some photos! :)

Here's the explanation of how to know if you have room. Your total inches is 100. Assuming you have cabinet on each side, subtract 25.5 for each side (the depth of your countertops) and now you have 49" left. You need 33-48" on EACH side of the island. If you used a 12" deep cabinet for your island instead of the normal 24" depth, take the 49" and subtract 12 (but you will have some counter overhang) and you have 37" left. Divide 37 by 2 and this gives you only 18.5" of space on each side of your island - not nearly enough space to move around or to open doors/drawers/appliances.

1. Keep only what you need or want and avoid duplicates. Ahh. if only life were only that simple. You move in together with a "relationship" and your partner's "stuff" is "nicer" so you sell everything. Well, ladies and gentlemen, if it doesn't work out, if it wasn't "yours" before you moved in you'll have nothing when you move out. Consider all options. Store items of "yours" for a while that you'd like to keep, just in case. :) Store Grandma's antiques that you like that you may regret selling. If you Hate the antiques, sell them. 2. If your new abode is only YOURS.,,.keep only what you love and eliminate duplicates.

Djhamu, why wouldn't it be fair enough a question ? The reasons of measurement differences could be many: 1 - Approximates: Eg. 10'4" Could be be considered as 11' and 10.5" by two different people. 2 - Work Approach : In a ABC triangle one has an option of going directly from A-C or from A - B and then B - C. Depending upon which route they take their measurements will be different. 3 - Misunderstood/missed requirements: When you say I need painting, some one will consider just painting while another one will include 2 coats of putty one of primer and then paint. Difference! 4 - Taking measurements lightly : Some folks know just by previous experience that a 2 BHK home painting would cost them say X and they give a rough measurements which will differ from the one taken by some one more methodical with measurements. The reasons of price differences is like any other service say a Doctor. Skill, Experience, Demand and competition are some of the economic factor that help them decide market rates. It doesn't mean the costliest one is best or cheapest one is not good. Recommendation: It's good to be involved in the process but too much of intervention by a new cook surely spoils the broth :). When I go to a Doctor I don't ask him how he knows which medicine is best for me or how much I should take :) likewise trust your professional here (unless you have a strong reason of not trusting her) Best way to approach would be to hire a trusted consultant, get your 2D- 3D drawings, measurements, product and material specifications, in black and white . Use this detail sheet to get a quote from different vendors. For example with drawings in your hand you already know that your wall is 9'1 X 15' measurement ask a quote with details like how many quotes of putty/ primer and sanding of which brand are required. It shall cover most of the differences above. 3 tips : : I have personally seen that people who 'know too much' are very easily duped. They fall quickly for the 'ego' trap. : Trust the people who have done good job in past with your friends and family, search around , get involved but not too much. Genuine reviews are there because people have been happy.. : Finally, don't fall for sweet talks :D Some one is 'cheaper' for a reason. Most of the jobs you mentioned is measured either in per/sqft or lump-sum basis. Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.