If you like entertaining or eating everyday meals at a breakfast bar, then an island with more overhanging area and less cabinetry or storage underneath might be for you.

Think about how you imagine using the bar both every day and on special occasions. We’re realistic with many clients who have families in pointing out that children will often sit there and talk with parents, complete homework, use devices and eat (sometimes all at the same time) — I call this the “mission control” island breakfast bar.

Think about whether the sitting area needs to be closer to the fridge and pantry. This is another way of managing who is walking in and out of the kitchen, and who can be kept on the outside edges of the island — for safety as well as to avoid overcrowding in the kitchen.

Some people like to drop down part of the island to table height (around 29 inches) rather than the standard 36-inch-high countertop. This can work really well in some kitchens, but do be careful that you don’t inadvertently limit your storage and appliance options by having a really large table section on the island.

Slabs of stone come in a range of lengths, but if your kitchen is big enough for one measuring about 118 inches by about 36 inches, you’ll have the perfect-size island for preparing food and entertaining, says Blake Riley, director at Improva (formerly Blakes of Sydney).

The maximum length of some brands and materials is 118 inches, so if you choose such a brand or material, keep the length at 118 inches or less, so the countertop can be made in one piece without a seam. Seams on islands are not aesthetically pleasing, so avoid this if you can.

A minimum width of about 36 inches will enable you to have bar stools at the back of the island, so your family and friends can perch there to eat or marvel at your cooking.