I think a comfortable distance between the island and the counter is around 42". It seems that you have only 30" between your cook top and the counter. I might be a little too tight. The wall between the entrance and the kitchen could be 4' long instead of 6', you would then be able to move the island a foot which would give you more room between the cook top and the island. Could you switch the location of the toilet and vanity in your dad's bathroom so your enter facing a vanity instead of a toilet which is a lot nicer.

I would love to help, however without something such as photos or a plan drawing of your existing conditions it is difficult to give you any guidance. Do you have any images that you can post/share as well as more of a description of your personal taste, whom you cook for (family, entertain a lot, number of people, frequency in cooking and for whom etc.). I hope you can provide some more information, as I said I'd love to help you out.

HI RinaI do agree I love jewelbox rooms, but I consider them more cosy ... and with a grey marble floor it goes all Versace Italianate! I am trying to balance the colours by bringing in a pattern on the covers rather than plain. I feel this will bring colour without overpowering the room. In the pictures I showed above, the rooms are basically neutral but the colour is brought in via pattern - I think this might be the way to go...Ideally a green or blue on a subdued grey would be the best, but I dont know what the market is like for Sumit...Cushions can do a lot to tie in the other white/grey elements.Shelley - navy is a good suggestion, but as Sumits area is quite tall and thin, trying to keep the general area light Any more suggestions most welcome. These are just ideas after all and Sumit will choose what works for the room in the end ;-)

Here are some beautiful designs, all available for purchase via Houzz.com: [houzz=] [houzz=] [houzz=] [houzz=] [houzz=] [houzz=] [houzz=] [houzz=] [houzz=]