One of the most interesting booths I saw at the recent Kitchen and Bath Show in Las Vegas was Richelieu. They make a wide range of cabinet decorative hardware as well as hinges and opening systems and slides. This interesting idea starts as a 4 x 6 island with an inset leather top. It slides to reveal the cooktop and the overhang then becomes a seating bar! Of course, there would have to be a safety mechanism so the top wouldn’t close over the cooking surface while hot.
They also introduced some interesting lighting options for closet areas
And one other great idea for small areas is a full extension hinge system for a dining table that extends out from a console at the wall. It supports 130 pounds so even Thanksgiving dinner should be secure!
Creative and clever!