Kitchen Design
Double Islands Put Pep in Kitchen Prep
With all that extra space for slicing and dicing, dual islands make even unsavory kitchen tasks palatable
I’ve been having a little case of island envy lately — there's no room for one in my 1960s U-shape kitchen. It's usually not a big deal, but there are times when I'd give anything for that extra space, such as the recent night I whipped up a batch of butter cookies and realized the recipe made waaaay more than I'd counted on. At one point I had cookies cooling on every available surface, including chairs.
So I can only imagine how luxurious it must be to have two — two! — kitchen islands. Not only do they double the prep area, but they also give guests a place to perch away from splatters and sharp knives, and they provide generous room to spread out a buffet. Perhaps the biggest surprise: You don't need acres of room to accommodate them (though it helps).
Check out these two-island kitchens to learn more about the possibilities. And if you have a pair of islands in your own space, was it worth the splurge? We'd love to know more — leave a comment and share.
So I can only imagine how luxurious it must be to have two — two! — kitchen islands. Not only do they double the prep area, but they also give guests a place to perch away from splatters and sharp knives, and they provide generous room to spread out a buffet. Perhaps the biggest surprise: You don't need acres of room to accommodate them (though it helps).
Check out these two-island kitchens to learn more about the possibilities. And if you have a pair of islands in your own space, was it worth the splurge? We'd love to know more — leave a comment and share.
This is the most classic orientation for twin islands: one facing the main work zone, another facing the opposite living area. (You can get an idea of the space's entire configuration here.) It clearly demarcates the cooking and guest areas so that no one's stepping on someone else's toes.
Smart placement makes these islands extra functional. They sit in the center of the U-shape layout, with one right in the heart of the work triangle. The extra sink in this island helps to streamline meal preparation and cleanup.
The secondary island with stools is just a step from the china cabinet, which makes setting places and serving food a snap. A chandelier over each island helps to define the two zones visually.
The secondary island with stools is just a step from the china cabinet, which makes setting places and serving food a snap. A chandelier over each island helps to define the two zones visually.
In a similar manner, a row of pendants anchors each of these two islands. The long, slim lines of the lighting reinforce the kitchen's linear feel.
I think this approach is really clever: Situate one island outside the kitchen work area, perpendicular to its partner. It puts to good use an expanse of floor space that otherwise might have been wasted and gives visitors a clear view of the cooking action. Plus, its position is perfect for party-guest circulation.
Different countertop materials (marble and granite, in this case) can double a pair of islands' functionality and visual interest. The orientation of these represents a twist on the usual layout: Instead of backing up to each other, the islands sit side by side. This can be a great solution for a long, narrow space.
Having two islands can be a great way to introduce another layer of texture and color into your kitchen. In this Mediterranean-influenced space, the front island presents an ornately tiled facade that echoes the backsplash, while the rear one wears a quieter Wedgwood blue finish.
Islands don't have to sit parallel to each other. Turning one at an angle, as in this kitchen, helps both to loosen up the symmetry of the space and create a more efficient traffic flow.
Finally, there's no rule that an island has to look like an island. The one on the right in this kitchen is styled after a table, which gives it a furniture feel and dresses up the space.
Tell us: If you have a pair of islands in your own space, was it worth the splurge? We'd love to know more — leave a comment below.
Tell us: If you have a pair of islands in your own space, was it worth the splurge? We'd love to know more — leave a comment below.