[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by asianthree

I have 47” from my counter with cabinets and stove to my Island. My island is 58”x9’8”. Now measure from your back counter front to furthest front of counter of your pony, lots of space, but what can you use it for.

Now measure 45” from your back counter, add in depth of Island counter, that you would like. ( some models you would have have less Island, than we have.

You should gain 4 plus feet into your living area. When we reno our pony in our Lilly, we will gain 5.5 feet in the living room. The Island our chairs are under the counter, and still have 60” to my sofa table in the living area. I could push closer to kitchen if I want oversized couches.

I was shocked when I looked at the plans to remove the pony replace with an island, and how much sf there was in the kitchen between the pony, that really is wasted unused space, in my opinion

You have so nicely given dimensions and explain how you will be gaining floor space when you remove your two tier counter tops and replace with a one tier slab counter top. I'm trying to envision this but not sure I'm grasping it.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by upstate

We replaced the one level counter with a pony top when we bought our CYV ten years ago with no regrets. It does hide some of the mess and whenever we have people over, they gravitate to either the stools or leaning on the counter.

I agree about "leaning on the counter" with the two tier. When standing around, it eases the back and is more comfortable for guests. Silly stuff but it does make a difference when you something to lean on.

[PersonOfInterest]

I've had both. If I am in a North Villages home I'd prefer the 2 level counter, but if I am in a Southern Villages home I would go with the Single Level counter top. North would be Granite and black with gold flecks and South would be Quartz and White with blue/brown specks.

[westernrider75]

Originally Posted by Randall55

My wife and I built a custom, open-floor plan home with a beautiful, one slab island in the center of the kitchen. Much like the ones in most of the newer models. We sold the home and are now living in a smaller home that has a double counter (pony counter) which we love! If we ever build another home, we will not have a large center island because we find them to be a pain. What are your thoughts? Do you like a flat and large center island?

We prefer the one level island. Keeps things visually more open, the two level island seems to create a pony wall that blocks the view. It is also less comfortable to actually sit and eat there, which we do a lot.

[westernrider75]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

We do not use stools around our two-tier counter either. When entertaining, we use it the same way you do - appetizers on top tier, self serve bar on the lower. Guests sit comfortably at our table. I can't imagine having a low one-slab counter like those in the newer homes. Too much clutter! Not to mention, the lack of cabinets.

I don’t understand your last comment, how is there less cabinets with the one level countertop?

[Dlbonivich]

They look nice, but functionally the two tier works better.

[Pgcacace]

I love my pony counter. The top is always empty and neat and hides the items on the lower level.

[deborahcme]

Whether to choose a pony or a flat depends on these things: Your personal likes and dislikes are most important! (Avoid all those "the thing you spent thousands on in now dated articles."). But your choice depends on floor space. In a larger kitchen you'll find the island can be just that--an island without sinks or cooktops breaking up the space. In any size kitchen, the pony gives you those extra inches of vertical space to tuck in light switches, cell phone charger stations, etc. There is some argument for the pony hiding the mess that comes with kitchens. And since everyone hangs out at the island, do give some thought to whether you are a "leaner" or a "sitter." And for entertaining? Whelp we could all just do what I've been told George Washington used to do. Apparently he stored doors in his stables (no garages back then) and when the big feed was planned, just put them on sawhorses and covered them with enormous sheets of fabric. They'd round up all the chairs around the house to seat the company. But I'll bet some nearby neighbors were aghast! har har har

[airstreamingypsy]

I have redone the kitchen in the last 3 houses before this one....... always have done a flat peninsula........ with the stove in it. Why stove? So I can cook without having my back to my guests. If I bought a house with a two tier, it's the first thing I would change. Love the photo of the kitchen posted earlier, that's my kind of kitchen.

[kendi]

Originally Posted by Randall55

My wife and I built a custom, open-floor plan home with a beautiful, one slab island in the center of the kitchen. Much like the ones in most of the newer models. We sold the home and are now living in a smaller home that has a double counter (pony counter) which we love! If we ever build another home, we will not have a large center island because we find them to be a pain. What are your thoughts? Do you like a flat and large center island?

Love the flat. Not only for daily use but also its great for spreading out my fabric for cutting. Height is easy on the back and there is lots of space to spread out.

[kendi]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

Sounds like you have a beautiful and large designer home. I live in CYV. In the newer CYV, they reduced the amount of cabinets on the walls. But, they have a walk-in pantry a bit away from the kitchen. I prefer plenty of cabinets on the wall. I do not like to walk around here, there, everywhere when I am cooking or entertaining.

Helps you get closer to that 10,000 recommended steps per day.

[Nell57]

The two level is a more expensive feature.
They both have the same area of granite or quartz. But with the two levels you have more cuts, angles, drywall work and electrical outlets. I suspect the saved costs is partially the reason for the one level design.
I have two homes and I live with both designs. I’ll vote for a two tier counter every time

[Alex2021]

I prefer one level- clean and great when entertaining! I can be Rachel Ray, cooking while guests are sipping their drinks and munching appetizers! Space feels open and larger.

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

You have so nicely given dimensions and explain how you will be gaining floor space when you remove your two tier counter tops and replace with a one tier slab counter top. I'm trying to envision this but not sure I'm grasping it.

Give you an easy way to understand. Painters Tape. 3-4 inch strip of tape at the corners of the dimensions that I listed.

This will work for trying to figure out a car will fit in the garage, a couch, if you’re unsure if it’s too big, or in this case if an island would give you more living space in your kitchen than a pony.

So for furniture, I actually will fold a sheet to the dimensions of the piece of furniture, then I can move it around the room, or anywhere. Save lot of grief “will that dining table take up two much room. Sheet or tape is your best tool

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by deborahcme

Whether to choose a pony or a flat depends on these things: Your personal likes and dislikes are most important! (Avoid all those "the thing you spent thousands on in now dated articles."). But your choice depends on floor space. In a larger kitchen you'll find the island can be just that--an island without sinks or cooktops breaking up the space. In any size kitchen, the pony gives you those extra inches of vertical space to tuck in light switches, cell phone charger stations, etc. There is some argument for the pony hiding the mess that comes with kitchens. And since everyone hangs out at the island, do give some thought to whether you are a "leaner" or a "sitter." And for entertaining? Whelp we could all just do what I've been told George Washington used to do. Apparently he stored doors in his stables (no garages back then) and when the big feed was planned, just put them on sawhorses and covered them with enormous sheets of fabric. They'd round up all the chairs around the house to seat the company. But I'll bet some nearby neighbors were aghast! har har har

Just wondering..........where did this term "pony" come from. Never knew I had a pony in my home.