To answer the question in the title: it depends on what kind of cook you are, how large your kitchen is and how your kitchen is organized. If you’re the kind of cook who likes to prepare several dishes at the same time, an extra work space is more than welcome. If your kitchen is large enough to accommodate a kitchen island, it might be a huge convenience. But if you have enough counter space to work on, it might be considered a luxury. So, it really depends.
Personally, I’ve always wanted a kitchen island but never had a kitchen large enough to accommodate one. Until now. Our new house comes with a granite-topped kitchen island. It is movable and its location in the photo below is not going to be its real location.
But what the heck is a kitchen island anyway? It’s an extra work space and surface normally at or near the center of a kitchen. How large or small an ideal kitchen island is depends on the total floor area and layout of the kitchen. A good rule to consider is that a kitchen island should “centralize” the kitchen rather than serve as an obstacle (if it is too large) or a useless centerpiece (if it is too small). Its location should not make moving around it difficult.
A kitchen island may be fixed or movable. It can be a simple table that can double as an eating area or it can be something more ornate with cabinets, shelves, plumbing and cooking hob. Some kitchen islands contain both the cooking hob and a prep sink as well as cabinets underneath.
Ours is simply an additional work surface but under that is a complete system of drawers and cabinets for storage. I tell ya, I love it. More about the kitchen island after I’ve organized every drawer and cabinet in it. 
I’ve been dreaming of having a kitchen island in my kitchen, the problem is we don’t have enough space
So, for sure the next time we buy a bigger house, I would definitely want an island. It’ll give me extra storage and counter space, which works well for baking breads and cookies with my daughter. It’ll be our “hang-out” place in the kitchen. Your granite countertop are a nice design, they’re durable and low maintenance! 
I can’t wait for your next posts!
Can’t wait to move! And I have the same idea about the kitchen island — hangout center and so great for kneading dough.
hi connie i’ve been browsing thru your site and i must say, based on your pictures, you bought a really nice house! it looks well maintained and the spaces are quite big, like the kitchen. just a thought, i remember, i saw a pic of a kitchen in a magazine that i really liked wherein the kitchen was spacious enough to have a sofa seating area with french doors that lead to the garden. i’m really happy for you, and i hope i can have my dream house too!
Krista, sometimes, looking at magazines make me drool too. hehehe But, really, space calms the senses.
hi, Connie. congratulations on your new home. ang ganda!!!
correction lang on your “island”. it is actually a kitchen “peninsula” kasi it is attached to the wall. kung free-standing sya, it is an “island”. you can see the definitions in this link – http://www.kitchenbathideas.com/planning/islandspeninsulas_1.html.
however they are called, very convenient talaga to have either one lalo na for someone who enjoys being in the kitchen.
Hi Cai,
Thanks.
Re kitchen island: It is an island because it is movable. When we’re organized I’ll post photos with a clearer view of its location.