Table vs island is really personal preference. Right now I have a large, old (1854) country kitchen, so we have a small table-and-chairs set. I happen to have a dining room that everyone seems to love best of all. So hubby an I often do some of the prep work seated at our little table and chairs. Since the last remodel of the kitchen was done 40s style (it was actually done in the 70s, but the guys who owned it rescued cabinets from an older kitchen, so it looks like your typical 40s, 50s kitchen). An island would look awkward, and to be honest with you, I don't mind sitting at the table for some of the longer, more tedious kitchen chores.
I've cooked in more kitchens that I can possibly count. Lived on the road in a travel trailer for three years, and turned out some pretty spectacular meals in well under 2' of counter space. Small isn't better, but it does have its advantages. Small is great for handicapped cooks, for example. At any rate, there is something to be said for everything being within 2 or 3 steps!
What I hate is galley kitchens. For awhile all of my sisters had galley kitchens with doors that went into the garage (meaning it was the door most often used). Cooking in them is a royal pain in the patootie. You'd open the oven or fridge door, and in would come a car full of family. I'd get to be a dictator and make people walk around to the back or front doors when I was cooking. And everyone wants Claire to cook. I love to do it, but don't want babies and transients under foot when I'm taking something dangerouslly hot out of the oven. When we bought this house that was my #1 requirement. No Galley Kitchens.
