Kitchen island extension details and beginning backyard plans

I have had a few requests to go into further detail on how I extended our kitchen island. 

Well we started out with a very small island it was standard depth cabinets and three doors wide. I wanted it to house our microwave so I eventually came up with a plan to add an open cabinet to the end of the island. We need a microwave but I didn't want to see it. I made it the same width of the existing island and simply screwed the box to the end of the island. 

 I then wrapped this long "back" side with a sheet of plywood as well as the side facing the eating area. This allowed me enough material to attach the beadboard as well it added a little more size and stability to the island. I then added the shelve for the microwave.

 Then I trimmed and painted after adding two decorative stair posts to add more width for the counter over hang.

 We bought an island sized beech butcher block counter from Ikea for $269.00, what a great deal. We had to cut it down to size and sand the edges smooth and slightly curved. I stained it walnut and top coated it with flooring sealer. If its good enough for floors it should be good on a counter. We will never cut on this counter , cutting boards are always used.

 I hope that's enough information for you , if you are thinking of building or bettering an island. Building an island is pretty simple its just a box with doors and or drawers , its worth trying. This is the third one I have built.

I have been working on some backyard plans. I think this plan includes all the things we need. We have an unusual lot set up , but I think it provides and opportunity to be creative.
We should be getting our grass in the next two weeks or so I've been told. It will be so nice to have grass. The builder paved our driveway a couple of days ago , so things are moving forward. They will also give us one tree , the city will give us at least one tree hopefully two and there will be landscaping that the builder will also do. I don't know what kind of plants we will end up with , it will be a surprise. Some builders here don't pave or do landscaping , I am so glad our does. It is kind of like waiting for a surprise gift to arrive. Fencing will be on the top of the list for this year, and hopefully planting a couple of larger trees in the backyard. , we need a space for those two dogs to run and play.