I have always dreamed of having a standard height table act as an island in a grand kitchen. I just love the appeal of that! And of course, this Nancy Meyers’ kitchen in ‘It’s Complicated’ (this first image) solidified that dream for me. It’s practical for the most part, but there are still a few things to consider.

• a table is not as high as an island, therefore it will feel shorter for the average height person - great for baking needs, but not great for chopping needs

• typically we like to have chairs around a table so these may get in the way - of course stools that tuck under can always be on the side the kitchen counters are on

• it’s great for entertaining casually, but if you like to dine more formally, you may then need another space for that

• you do need a lot of space for this to work for your chairs to be able to pull out and not get in the way

• the table surface does have to be practical for both eating at and also acting as counter

In the end, my dream still stands.