I feel like I'm making loads of decision but still not really getting anywhere. There is so much to think about! Spotted some lovely toggle light switches so I've already bought them. I know where the light switches are going but its a case of figuring out the best places to put the plug sockets because we have so many in my mums house but we still run out! We've opted for a few USB sockets too so at least if we are charging phones and laptops, we are freeing space for other things too. In terms of kitchen layout, the suggestion of the seating in the bay window is great but because that would mean the kitchen would have to go at the other end, we've decided against this. It would work, and would probably be the best option once the horrible extension is knocked down but at the moment, the extension blocks all the sun light on that side so the kitchen would be very dim and dark for a while. The extension is something we are saving for and is more likely to be done in 4-5 years time so I'm not sure it makes sense to be in a dark corner for that length of time. We've had the house a month tomorrow and so far it has been ripping the house apart. January is the month we put everything back! Super excited. Plumber, heating engineer and builders are all put to the task in January. New floor in the kitchen, wall removed and built up again to accommodate the new window so that we can have units underneath, first fix plumbing, first fix heating and boiler installation. All other windows to be installed. Hoping that guttering and chimneys can be looked at too! We have a chimney breast on almost every wall which I'm sure was great for heating years ago but as they are no longer used, they cause so many damp issues! I bought paint tester pots today - I have no idea why, we are nowhere near ready for that but it just felt nice to buy something pretty and cosmetic rather than look at insulation and damp proofing. P.S; any suggestions on obscure glass for the bathroom and hallway? I've been given a huge list of options but unsure as to what to choose. Thinking just Contora or Arctic?

We are having a mixture. Brushed steel in the kitchen to go with the appliances, as they are quite visible at worktop height or in the sides of the island. White flat plate in the hall and drawing room. White plastic upstairs. I agree that it’s better to get white plastic from a reputable supplier which won’t go wrong, than a cheap metal socket or switch which looks the part but will give up within a year, or be a nightmare to fit. Also bear in mind the flat plate ones require a deeper back box (35mm) so if you already have standard 25mm ones you won’t have the flat plate option.

Having open end(s) and side(s) would free you from constraints of doors and adds visual interest. Access from both sides makes the internal space more usable, since deep cabinets tend to lose things at the rear. Incorporating some drawers facing the table, sink, and cooker could be helpful for cooking gadgets and tools and serving items (cutlery, hotpads, and napkins) can be handy and reduce counter and wall/backsplash clutter. I recently had an island included in my newbuild with access from 3 sides, which included deep drawers, shallow drawers just under the countertop, and the end access is a door on one end and is open on the other. I also included electrical sockets under each end and these are very handy for things like toaster, mixer, blender, grill, waffle iron, phone charger, etc., some of which can be stored below but readily accessible for the dining table or for cooking prep work. Be sure to include some overhead lighting (and decide if it will be recessed or a feature). Consider an overhead pot rack but don't get hung up on the idea- it has advantages and drawbacks. Keep the walkways to 1.2m minimum and 1.5m if there are 2 cooks! One of the best things you can do is make a model (or several) using posterboard. It's easy to do and you can view it from various side angles rather than just a plan view from above and even photograph it from different angles to get a better sense of a future reality. Put the model (or photos) where you can see it/them over several days before deciding on the final form and placement. If you want to use off-the-shelf (vs custom) components, you could join upper wall units mounted on a base facing different directions. Consider having a different countertop surface and colour or texture of materials to make your island a feature. If you are retaining the wood cabinets shown in your photos a light colour island will keep your kitchen feeling more open. I chose a stunning cultured stone top but a very plain laminate for the wall counters to emphasize the island as a feature.

HI Sarah, There are a number of options when it goes to integrating sockets in to a kitchen island. The first and easiest option would be to have the worktop cut to accommodate a normal double socket, however this can look a bit of an after thought. The alternatives could be either a pull up pop up socket, which you can manually pull up and push down or as Carla pointed out a S-box flip up socket. Both of these options will have the options for integrating USB charging and some will also have wireless charging. Please be aware as Carla mentioned, the pop up sockets (S-Box) with the seem-less worktop attached to the top will require a specialist worktop fabricator. Hope this information helps.