Today’s kitchens are more than just places to prepare meals.
Effective lighting is essential within a kitchen and needs to be focused on the working areas.
Whenever possible install a utility sink in the island to create a fully functional food-preparation area.
Undergoing a kitchen renovation will usually prevent you from being able to use the kitchen. You will have to make alternative arrangements for dinner and plan on living around a mess for a while.
Make sure there is countertop landing space of either side of the cook top.