Rule #1

Islands work best in kitchens with ample clearance between cabinet banks & circulation zones, and when they aren’t an obstacle to kitchen use.

That being said, I really like a single level counter at 36″ on an island. It opens up the space without the disruption of a 42″ high bar counter. The lower height serves as a more subtle separation between the cook and the companion.

The jury’s still out, though, on whether placing the sink at the edge of the countertop with landing space on only one side. (Though I can definitely see the benefits of having 2 sinks if there is room.)

Here are some single level, counter height examples: