Help with orientation of 2 islands to replace 1 big island.

2 months ago

Hi everyone. I am renovating my kitchen and would like to replace my giant single island(76 inches by 115 inches) that is not very usable right now with 2 smaller islands. I think I have 2 options both with its pros and cons.

First 2 photos is my current kitchen layout. I’ve included some photos of what the layouts that I’m considering as well.

Option 1 is to keep the sink where it is and have the 2 islands be parallel to the fridge. This option I don’t have to move the sink, but if I want to have 2 36 inch depth islands I would run out of space in my kitchen.
I think it might look cramped.

Option 2 is to move the sink to be opposite the stove and have the islands be parallel to the stove. This option is more work and more expensive and I’ve heard that there might be traffic jam in the cooking area. But I think I can get more usable islands ie 2 42inch or 48inch depth islands without cramping the kitchen space.

I welcome any suggestions that you might have. These 2 options are just what I’ve come up with off the top of my head.

Thank you very much.

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Comments (24)

millworkman
2 months ago
I would keep one island over two any day. Even not really usable, changing to two islands will just be sending good money after bad.
HU-918119203
2 months ago
Aesthetically, I far prefer option 2, where everything is parallel. I don't really get the multiple islands thing, but that's what I'd do between these two options. Option 1 looks like a runway leading to a stove.
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Lyn Nielson
2 months ago
#2
Mary Iverson
2 months ago
Very good chance two islands will look like a cooking school.
WestCoast Hopeful
2 months ago
Absolutely keep one island. Two is a bad idea.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 months ago
Please no 2 islands ever . Maybe post a to scale plan of the space for sure . You need 48" between the 2 islands so that would make the islands very skinny and not make sense .
cpartist
2 months ago
Post your floor plan with measurements.

No to two islands.
PRO
Ouroboros Design
2 months ago
The absolute worst Pinterest fad is to cram any island in, even if it doesnt fit. Even if it’s 1 too many.
lharpie
2 months ago
I think the question is what isn’t working for you about the current layout. it’s not clear to me what problem 2 islands will solve.
Lorraine Leroux
2 months ago
Hopefully someone who has two islands will chime in. I understand it is great for entertaining, a family that cooks together or for more than one cook in the kitchen. Do not worry about the naysayers. They don't know you or your life style.
la_la Girl
2 months ago
last modified: 2 months ago
More info on what's not working with current island would be helpful I think -

ETA - I would rather have a slimmer island + a table (where people can face each other) than 2 islands (if the purpose of the 2nd island is only seating)
palimpsest
2 months ago
If you make two smaller ones, one parallel to the range countertop will still be used for the same function as that part of the bigger island is used for.

What would you see using the second one for?
cat_ky
2 months ago
I like the one with only one island the best, however, if you just have to have two islands (I dont think either option is all that great), I would choose option 2.
Nancy
Original Author
2 months ago
Here’s the measurements and the layout of my current kitchen with the 1 large island. What’s not working for me? The island is just too big. Most of the center of the island is not reachable and it’s pretty much a magnet for clutter. There is also a lack of storage. There’s only storage in the sink side.

I would welcome any suggestions that would make the island more useful.

The only options that I’ve come up with is splitting the island down the middle and adding a walk way in between. It would seem option 2 is more practical. I would have the sink and dishwasher in the island closer to the stove. Might be able to get a 4x7 island and then another 3x7 island with seating parallel to it.
HU-918119203
2 months ago
Why not just get a smaller island? You can have a lot more storage in a lot less space, while still seating plenty of people. I think if you fine one huge island to be a clutter magnet, you'll have the same experience with two.
WestCoast Hopeful
2 months ago
I would increase aisles in the kitchen by a significant amount. 48-54” all around so two people can be in space. Add in storage on both sides of the island, drawers on sink side. Make the island more like 50” wide but 109” long.
palimpsest
2 months ago
Why don't you just do one that is about 4x10 and make the aisles at least 48" each?
Nancy
Original Author
2 months ago
Thank you for all the suggestions. Honestly I’ve never thought about making a smaller 1 island. I just always assumed I needed to fill that space. It is definitely something to consider.
lucky998877
2 months ago
My kitchen is about 20'x22'...larger in both directions and I don't feel like I have space for 2 islands. Mine is 5'x8' with 4' walkways. I also have tons of storage, the side under the 16" overhang is of course not as usable, but great for rarely used items. My island has legs and seating for 5 on 3 sides. I think just downsizing with better design is the way to go for you :)
blfenton
2 months ago
I agree with above thoughts. I would just do one island that's of a size that is useful and easy to use - max size would be 10' x 5'. Going 5' deep would allow some undercounter storage for seldom used items and still give you a 12" overhang. That still gives space for wider aisles.
Mrs Pete
2 months ago
I would keep one island over two any day. Even not really usable, changing to two islands will just be sending good money after bad.

Totally true. The oversized island may've been a mistake, but duplicate islands would just be a different mistake. If you're going to change, go with one reasonably sized island.
cpartist
2 months ago
Are you open to a better layout so people are not walking past the cooking zone
Nancy
Original Author
2 months ago
Yes of course. I’m open to updates to the layout. Although I can only change the island. Can’t touch where the stove, fridge or microwave are.
cpartist
2 months ago

Help with orientation of 2 islands to replace 1 big island.

Comments (24)

millworkman

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Help with orientation of 2 islands to replace 1 big island.

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