Kitchen double island ideas


10 ideas for double kitchen islands |

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(Image credit: Martin Moore)

Double island kitchens don't have to be the preserve only of those with the largest of kitchens – but if you do have a big kitchen, having two kitchen islands can be really useful. 

Why? Well, one very large kitchen island can look monolithic – not in a good way – and its sheer size can make it somewhat impractical. Double kitchen islands allow you to zone prep and dining/work areas, break up the monotony of the layout, and can add much needed interest in a large open plan space. And they're one of those kitchen ideas that can work in more modest spaces, too. 

Below, we show you how double island kitchens work well – and offer expert advice and design tips, too. 

Double island kitchen ideas 

Double kitchen islands allow your space to be multi-functional and neat, and are an ideal addition to a home that doesn't have a separate pantry or home office, for example.  

‘Kitchen island ideas are a perennial favorite; our homes are evolving, and with this comes the surge in demand for double island kitchens. We are now taking it to the next level and expanding our kitchen islands by doubling up as the extra counter space takes multifunctional living to a new dimension,' bespoke kitchen designer Tom Howley explains.

'Kitchens have become the hub of the home during the last two years and as our lives and habits have changed, so have the demands that we make on our kitchens, and investing in two kitchen islands can simply elevate a kitchen area to a multitude of social spaces to cater for all the family.'

1. Use one island for function, the other for entertaining

(Image credit: Tom Howley)

‘Having double kitchen islands serves a variety of purposes to make multifunctional life easier – providing twice the counter space in the kitchen for food prep, and even offering a second sink to streamline the cooking process,’ continues Tom Howley.

‘Typically, one island serves a more functional role – great for food prep and may include a second sink or even a dishwasher, streamlining the cooking process. The second island is then dedicated to entertaining or eating. It often has an area for kitchen island seating ideas, allowing guests to relax as you prepare a meal or for your children to do their homework while you whip up an after-school snack.’

2. Let double kitchen islands blend into your scheme 

(Image credit: Roundhouse)

‘The benefit of a double island kitchen layout is that it is great for zoning in open plan kitchens, which is what most people opt for today,’ explains Sam Hart, designer at Roundhouse

‘They’re a good piece of social furniture and effectively create two different spaces. Another big benefit in an open plan space is that an island can be made to look more like a piece of furniture.’

What we love about this scheme is how the wooden drawers on the far island match the trio of pendants above it, and the decorative light above the table – these design details are elements to consider when designing a kitchen island, or two.  

3. Use one island as a breakfast bar

(Image credit: Martin Moore)

As kitchens are the hub of the home, you can encourage more conversation by designing one side of one of the double kitchen islands for breakfast bar ideas. 

‘If you have the space, a double kitchen island is an excellent solution; one island can be used as a prepping zone whilst the other can be used as a gathering area when entertaining friends and family. A double island design offers an amazing amount of work surface without the wasted space that you would have with a large, singular island,’ says Richard Moore, design director of Martin Moore

(Image credit: Maestri Studio/Jenifer McNeil Baker)

'We wanted to keep the work/prep space in this kitchen separate from the eat-in/entertaining area,' explains Eddie Maestri, AIA principal architect, creative director and owner of Maestri Studio .

'By creating two kitchen islands, we have designated the spaces in a way that brings an overall continuity to the kitchen. '

We love this idea because the width of the second kitchen island is generous enough to create a countertop space that's fit for entertaining. Knowing how to choose the right sized island is more important in a double island kitchen – the two islands need to be in proportion to each other, of the same height (ideally) and with enough circulation space between and around them to ensure their functionality is as well considered as their looks.

'One of the mistakes to avoid with kitchen island design is installing units that are simple too large – two smaller kitchen islands are often much better than one very large one,' says H&G's Editor in Chief Lucy Searle.

5. Make double island kitchens the focus for cooking

(Image credit: Eggersmann Design)

‘For those who enjoy cooking, creating a zone in the middle of an open-plan kitchen to work is so beneficial,’ explains Gary Singer, founder and creative director of Eggersmann Design .

‘It's a really good way to create an isolated space, yet you are in the middle of the room. There is a clear thoroughfare to the tall storage away from the islands, so that the cook isn’t disturbed by people coming to the fridge or larder. And more edges mean that more people can congregate, with the cook in the middle.’

Note, too, the kitchen island lighting ideas matched above these double kitchen islands – they provide decoration, focus and unity.

6. Stagger double kitchen islands to create a layout that works

(Image credit: Martin Moore)

Contrary to popular belief, your double islands don’t need to line up and they can be different lengths and widths if you’re not a fan of a symmetrical feel. 

One can be placed nearer to the range and store tableware, sink and hob. The other can be for casual dining and family get-togethers, and be used for holding appliances like a wine fridge. Here, the island with the breakfast bar is set back a little so that there is room on the floor plan for breakfast seating to be pushed in and out comfortably.

7. Narrow double kitchen islands are perfect for a small space

(Image credit: La Cornue)

For a truly bespoke look, consider La Cornue's kitchen layout below. Bold and beautiful, these double kitchen islands are perfect for narrow, long or square kitchens, providing defined zones for washing dishes, cooking and prepping and dining – or home working. 

8. Position double kitchens islands in line for symmetry

(Image credit: Living with Lolo/Life Created)

‘We decided to do double islands in this kitchen to maximize the space and give the client a dedicated prep area as well as dedicated eating space,’ says Lauren Lerner, founder and principal designer at Living with Lolo

This charming kitchen has a lovely light and airy feel due to the pale blue cabinetry and light marble countertops. The overall layout is key to double islands working within the scheme, and here, symmetry plays its part well.

9. Use the second kitchen island for display

(Image credit: Maestri Studio/Jenifer McNeil Baker)

Modern kitchen island ideas mean that you can be more flexible with your approach. This might mean that one of your pair of double kitchen islands looks more like a sideboard, perhaps serving the dining zone in the kitchen, and of course, you can even explore portable kitchen island ideas for a truly flexible space.

In this kitchen you can see how well it can work, the second island can be used to suit your own individual needs, be it extra storage, a breakfast bar or a bespoke console. Whichever you choose, you will still get extra countertop space. We asked Eddie Maestri, AIA principal architect, creative director and owner of Maestri Studio his advice on how to make this flexible kitchen addition work:

'When keeping a kitchen open to the adjacent living room, we still like to incorporate some kind of visual divider in the space that is both beautiful and functional. In this case, we designed a two-sided console as an island. This piece adds definition to the room, but is still functional to serve food when entertaining, and to accessorize as a piece of furniture.

10. Create a traditional look in a double island kitchen

(Image credit: VSP Interiors)

If you’re not a fan of the conventional-style double island kitchen options then consider this charming version instead. 

‘The ground floor of this home is taken up by a breakfast room and kitchen. The design of this kitchen was a collaborative effort between myself and bespoke specialists Artichoke , who made it,’ explains Henriette von Stockhausen, Co-Founder design agency of VSP Interiors .

‘At one end of the room, there is a professional stove with induction hobs, set into an arched alcove, and a pair of hefty wooden preparation tables. At the other end, a long dining table stands in front of the French windows. These two areas are divided by a marble-topped counter, reminiscent of the waiter’s station at a traditional French brasserie.’

Why have a double island kitchen? 

There are many benefits to having a double island kitchen – firstly you double your space immediately in terms of both countertops and hidden storage. Double islands can help you zone a room, separating a cooking area from a dining area, and can add a more sociable appeal to your space too if you position bar stools on one island. If you don't have space for a laundry room you can use an island for the washer, or can dedicate one to being a pantry, too.

How big does a kitchen need to be for a double island?

The myth is that you need a large kitchen in order to fit in two islands, when in fact, you don't – a kitchen no bigger than 10ft x 10ft can fit in two small islands. Double islands don't need to be huge – you can opt for long and narrow, or no bigger than an average dining table. You could even have an island instead of having a wall of cabinetry which would give you a more compact storage space. 

Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events.  For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.

10 Double Island Kitchens From Designers

Two of a kind; double or nothing; two peas in a pod... When a duo has that many dedicated idioms, you know you're onto something. If you're of the mindset that two is always better than one, then you'll really love the latest trend in kitchen design: double islands. While it may feel excessive (and certainly won't work in every space), this over-the-top setup is actually pretty practical, allowing you to dedicate one surface to meal prep (and all the mess that entails) and another to dining, homework, art projects, or work from home life (and all the mess that entails). Curious how to make the pair feel pretty and cohesive? Peep these inspiring spaces with two kitchen islands for double the fun.

1

Rustic Workhorse

Helen Norman

When it came to the kitchen of this expansive Florida bachelor pad, designer Lauren Liess juxtapositioned light and dark materials—one coral stone, one pecky cypress wood—to differentiate the two islands. The rest of the space was kept intentionally symmetrical, with reclaimed beams and a quad of pendant lights overhead.

2

Flexible Dining

Paige Rumore

While designing the Nashville home of country music star Thomas Rhett and his wife, designer April Tomlin focused on creating a cooking space that could flex to accommodate the couple's penchant for entertaining. A pair of double islands—one traditional, one dining table-esque—offer up a spot to cook, share a bite, or just sip a morning cup of coffee.

3

Two for the Show

JOE SCHMELZER

One sure-fire way to make a grand kitchen feel even more regal? Add a pair of rich wood islands! In this Utah home designed by the team at Alice Lane, glam finishes (like high-gloss cabinetry and brass fixtures) meet their match with a duo of butcher block-covered islands stained a rich walnut.

4

Back to Basics

PAIGE RUMORE

The classics are classic for a reason—and they get even more impactful if you double the fun. In this Nashville kitchen designed by Sarah Rogers and April Tomlin, Caesarstone and white islands mirror each other, providing back-to-back spots for the home's four children to debrief after school or help with dinner prep.

5

Mirror Image

Tamara Flanagan

The dual islands in this Kelly McGuill-designed Massachusetts aren't just easy on the eyes—they are supremely functional, too. The homeowner is a baker, so the island closest to the oven serves as a dough-kneading station, thanks to a cool-to-the-touch quartz top (to keep butter from melting) and a hidden shelf underneath that raises a stand mixer to counter height for easy prep work.

6

Double the Drama

Alyssa Rosenheck Photography

To keep an expansive Connecticut kitchen from feeling underutilized, designers Leia T. Ward and Lauren Vallario opted to install two complimentary—yet vastly different—islands in the space. The smaller of the pair focuses on function, with a sink and plenty of room for meal prep and groceries, while the more grand waterfall iteration boasts enough seating for eight (!!) hungry guests.

7

Best of Both Worlds

KIP DAWKINS

Though not technically double islands, this kitchen by Sara Hillery masters the same effect, thanks to the inclusion of both a true kitchen island and an expansive peninsula. Both spots feature sinks and stools, increasing the available work and entertainment space and making this home the place to host holiday gatherings.

8

Trick of the Eye

Annie Schlechter

Don't have room for two separate islands but still want to harness the versatile nature of the trend? Consider installing two different countertop materials on a single island! Here, designer Jocelyn Chiappone took a Jekyll and Hyde approach, covering half the island in a Calacatta Bluette marble and the other half in an end-grain butcher block in a masterful display of form and function.

9

Long and Lean

David A. Land

While most iterations of double islands see the structures oriented vertically to one another, you can also abut them horizontally—an especially great option if your home has a long and lean footprint. In this Long Island kitchen, designer Danielle Fennoy grouped an island and island-height table together to create a flexible zone fit for chopping, working, and buffet-style entertaining.

10

Prep and Play

Blue Gray Gal

While a large kitchen footprint is helpful if you're considering dueling islands, it's not a must. Case in point? This elegant and petite space from designer Jessica Bradley touts two nearly identical slim islands with a breezeway in between.

Beautiful kitchens with an island - 135 best photos of kitchen interior design


Apartment on Chkalovsky

CasaRosa

Design idea: a direct kitchen-living room in a modern style with a sink sink, flat facades, gray facades, white apron and island

Collaborative project between Kona Ozone and the TV project "Housing Problem"

Kona Ozone

Pictured: large separate modern u-shaped kitchen with overhead sink, flat cabinets, medium wood cabinets, gray splashback, underfloor appliances furniture front, island, gray floor and black worktop

Emerald and brass

Daria Nazarenko

Miniature studio apartment of 28 meters in Moscow with a dressing room, a spacious kitchen-living room and a shower room with natural light. nine0007

Apartment on Aptekarsky Lane in St. Petersburg

Maxim Maximov

Kitchen in 3 colors: wood, matt green and matt gray. Above the bar-island there are hanging shelves for glasses and dishes. The island has a wine cabinet.

Interior design for an apartment in Krasnodar

User

A source of inspiration for home comfort: a light kitchen in a classic style with an inset sink, fronts with decorative piping, white fronts, white backsplash, hog tile backsplash, medium-tone parquet floors, an island and beige worktop

Apartment 99 m2 residential complex Native city. Vorontsovsky Park in a modern style

Blokhina Ksenia

A fresh design idea: a straight, bright medium-sized kitchen-living room in a modern style with an inset sink, flat fronts, beige fronts, black appliances, an island, an acrylic stone worktop, a beige backsplash, Porcelain stoneware floors, beige floors, beige countertops and tiered ceiling - great interior photo

Lake House

Dvoe Design Studio

Photo of a rustic kitchen-living room with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, colored appliances, an island, beige worktops, beamed ceilings, vaulted ceilings and wooden ceilings with

Rustic house

Lukonina Nata

A source of inspiration for home comfort: a classic-style corner kitchen with a semi-recessed sink (with front edge), recessed panel fronts, white fronts, wooden worktops, white backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, black appliances, medium parquet floor, island, brown floor and brown worktop

Interior MNF

INT2architecture

Pictured: large parallel, grey/white contemporary style kitchen with dining table, sink, flat cabinets, black/white cabinets, agglomerated quartz worktops, white splashback, porcelain tile splashback , dark parquet floors, island, brown floor and black worktop

Apartment like a luxury hotel

Kutenkovs project

Inspiration for home comfort: modern style mid-sized straight kitchen with dining table, monolithic sink, flat cabinets, cabinets medium wood tone, acrylic stone top, gray splashback, glass splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain stoneware floor, island, brown floor, gray worktop and two-tone set

Apartment on Narvskaya

Andrei Belimov-Gushchin

Stylish design: a medium-sized parallel kitchen in the neoclassical (modern classic) style with a monolithic sink, fronts with a protruding panel, gray fronts, a blue apron, appliances under the furniture front, an island, beige floors and beige countertops - the latest trend

kitchen-living room

BERNIDESIGN

photographer: Sergey Krasyuk
Stylish design: neoclassical (modern classic) kitchen-living room with recessed panel facades, green facades, white apron, appliances stainless steel, dark parquet floors, island, brown floors, white countertops and clapboard ceiling - the latest trend

Emerald and Brass Project

CODIA

Original design example of a modern style small straight kitchen with dining table, gray cabinets, acrylic stone worktops, orange splashback, ceramic tile splashback, ceramic tile floors, multicolored floors, white countertops, beautiful tiles, an overhead sink, facades with a protruding panel and an island

Baltic Neoclassic

Elena Sidorina

Interior, total area 98 sq. m., designed in a modern style with the addition of classical elements. So furniture Poliform, Gubi, BB Italia made friends in the same interior with moldings and cornices. The redevelopment included the unification of the kitchen and the living room and the addition of loggias to the living rooms, which made it possible to significantly increase the total area of ​​the apartment. The main materials in the interior are natural wood and marble. The built-in furniture is made to order according to the sketches of the author of the project. The interior has been published in Elle Decoration and Interior+Design magazines. And also received the ADD Awards in the nomination of the interior of a city apartment up to 100 sq.m. nine0007

KP "Daisies"

artELLE-design

A fresh design idea: a separate, straight, bright Scandinavian-style kitchen with an island, an overhead sink, fronts with a recessed panel, white fronts, a white backsplash, an backsplash made of hog tiles, medium tone parquet floors, brown floors and brown worktops - great interior photo

Pionerskaya (St. Petersburg)

Omnia studio

Design idea: a parallel, bright kitchen in a modern style with an inset sink, flat cabinets, white cabinets, beige backsplash, white appliances, island, beige floor and white countertop

House with a hidden staircase

goro_da

Pictured: large corner kitchen-living room in white tones with wood finishes: modern style lighting with inset sink, different types of fronts, light wooden fronts, marble countertops, white backsplash, backsplash from marble, white appliances, porcelain stoneware floor, island, white floor, white countertop and wooden ceiling

Photoshoot Apartment on Angara

Badyaeva Maria

Living room and kitchen - a real kingdom of white. The space is reminiscent of a Mediterranean home, where everything breathes with freshness and sophistication. This atmosphere of tranquility is perfectly emphasized by light shades of blue and turquoise.

Apartment in the center of St. Petersburg

Alexandra Kurlygina

Stylish design: medium-sized corner kitchen in a modern style with an inset sink, flat fronts, gray fronts, appliances for furniture fronts, porcelain stoneware floors, an island, gray floors and gray countertops - latest trend

Kitchen island: 90 kitchen island design ideas with photo

The kitchen island, as you might guess from the name, is a working unit, independent of the rest of the kitchen furniture. This layout has many advantages: you can approach the working area from any side, cook at once with the whole family, and the usable area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen increases. Here you can place not only a cooking area, but also storage shelves, a sink, a hob. The design of the kitchen island can be very different - our selection of ideas will allow you to feel all the delights of island life. nine0003

Johnny Gray Studios.

1. Smooth out the corners
Due to the fact that the corners are smoothed out, there is much less space to walk around. Such a kitchen island made it possible to free up more space for the actual kitchen set.

Read more about the project with photo:

Artistic project in the London Townhouse

J Witzel Interior Design

2. All on the shelves
hinged regiments usually “eat up” the place and disgrace on them are very stripped. In this kitchen, an island was used to store dishes and kitchen utensils, inside of which everything you need is located. nine0003

Garde Hvalsoe

3. Everything in sight
Don't be put off by the open shelves inside the kitchen island - the color and shape of the dishes placed there can create a rhythmic pattern of the room.

Roundhouse

Redesign London Limited

6. Display
The open shelves inside the kitchen island can be decorative. Here you can build "showcases" in which indoor plants, vases of flowers and other decorations will be located. nine0003

Peden & Pringle Ltd

7. Multifunctional approach
The kitchen island can be integrated with appliances such as a microwave, oven, dishwasher and even a wine cooler.

Adam Chandler Ltd

8. Spell
U-shaped kitchen island is very spacious: cupboards for storing dishes, a cooking area, a bar can be easily located here. But for this option, you will need a fairly spacious kitchen so that you can freely approach the island. nine0003

Yuri Grishko

9. Inhabited island
In this small Moscow apartment (27 sq.m) there was simply no place for a full-fledged kitchen. Everything you need for cooking is contained in a kitchen island with a photo, household appliances are inside the stairs.

MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH PHOTO:
Tiny loft in the apartment of a designer girl

Die Wohnplaner GmbH

Guests and family members will be able to sit around and watch the cooking process. nine0003

J.A.S. Design-Build

11. Straightforward
Choosing a kitchen island sink depends on your needs and possibilities. If there is no dishwasher and the dimensions of the kitchen allow, install a spacious sink.

SEE ALSO…
Which sink should you choose for your kitchen and why?

Neptune by Donndorf Weimar (D) I by 3F Zürich (CH)

12. In the solids
If the sink and hob are next to each other on the kitchen island, take care of the insulation in advance: moisture must not get on the electrics. nine0003

Hill Farm Furniture Ltd

13. Unbearable lightness
Kitchen island hob requires extractor fan. The designers of this kitchen have found an alternative to heavy models - an extractor hood disguised as a chandelier.

Read more about the project with photo:
New Counter-MEBLE with a limited budget

Jauregui Architecture Interiors Construction


The ideal option for the kitchen in the rustic cuis legs and drawers for storage, as well as with a high tabletop. nine0003

Hopedale Builders, Inc.

15. Natur product
Rustic style implies a combination of natural materials - wood, metal, stone - as in this example.

SEE ALSO…
Quiz: Which Kitchen Style Would You Like

Paul Craig Photography

16. Expanding Your Horizons
Don't be afraid to mix things up. In this London apartment, the modern kitchen nook is expanded with a long Victorian table. nine0003

SUBU Design Architecture

17. Loft style
This kitchen island is a good example of loft style. Its legs are made from waste water pipes, the tabletop is from old boards.

Chalet

18. Unity of opposites
The kitchen island in the photo is made in contrast: marble top, wooden base.

SEE ALSO
Hardware: Kitchen worktop overview

LPASSE DESIGN

19. Provence
The kitchen island in this French house is made of rough metal counters, zinc countertops, old boards. The boards were selected individually: the drawing of each of them had to become part of the overall composition.

MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH PHOTO:
In Provence, a tree of honor

Yvonne McFadden LLC

20. At a height of

The first option is convenient for cooking. nine0003

Lauren Levant Interior

21. Getting fit
In this example, the kitchen island is not the usual rectangular shape. It follows the shape of the wood from which the countertop is made.

Altius Design Group

22. Celestial body
The crescent-shaped kitchen island is multifunctional: the outside serves as a dining area, while the inside serves as a work area.

BARRETT STUDIO architects

23. Fit in the circle
The whole island or only the tabletop can be made with a half moon. The latter option is more economical, since a rectangular base is more common.

John Kraemer & Sons

24. In the spotlight
The work area is best placed in the center of the kitchen island so that guests and household can watch the cooking process like a performance on stage.

Treyone

25. Standing on your feet
The highlight of this kitchen island is the legs made from raw solid wood. nine0003

Martha O'Hara Interiors

26. Highlights
A low-key kitchen island can stand out: upholstered bar stools set the right accents.

SEE ALSO…
How to choose the fabric for the new upholstery

27. The purity of the experiment
Since the work and dining areas are combined on the kitchen island, it is necessary to provide an exhaust hood above the hob. It must be the same or larger than the panel size. nine0003

Matt Podesta

28. Size matters
If the island hood is smaller than the hob, there is a good chance that grease will settle on the kitchen island.

29. Passing moment
It is also important to set the correct width of the passages between the kitchen island and the set. To ensure that nothing interferes with your movements, they should be at least 1-1.2 m.

Kim Duffin for Sublime Luxury Kitchens & Bathrooms

30. Keep level
A kitchen island can have a multi-level design: the work area should be flush with the kitchen set, the dining area should be slightly higher.

Brayer Design

31. Lifebuoy
A round or oval kitchen table is best, even if the island itself is rectangular.

Orchid Newton ltd

32. Separate
The kitchen table can either be integrated into the island or stand alone. In this example, a notch has been made for it in the island. nine0003

Russell Taylor Architects

33. Mirror Reflection
The designers of this London kitchen used mirrors in the design of the island. So the room was filled with additional, reflected light.

MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH PHOTO:
Metamorphoses of the George Hospital

Kitchen Architecture Ltd

In this kitchen, it is only needed at night. During the day, the room is filled with light from the top and side windows. nine0003

Roundhouse

35. High level
It is better to pick up bar stools for the island table - as the height of the island is focused on cooking, which takes place while standing.

Paul Craig Photography

36. A level below
In this example, the designers, on the contrary, placed the table below the level of the working area. The table top is built into the drawers of the island at the usual table height.

37. Light at different levels
The dining area in this kitchen island is higher than the work area: this difference is reflected in the height of the pendant lights. nine0003

38. Three in one
This kitchen island consists of three modules of different heights - table, work area and shelving. This gives dynamics to an overly homogeneous interior.

Alexander White

39. Flow
The kitchen island can flow seamlessly into the dining table, just like in this Stockholm home.

Julia Solovieva | Studio SJull

40. Mobile bar counter
In this Moscow apartment, the kitchen island is complemented by a mobile bar counter made of wood, which can be pulled out only when necessary. nine0007
Design: Julia Solovieva

Wiedemann Werkstätten

MCDESIGN

42. Mobile version
In the kitchen there is a risk of constantly bumping into chairs and hitting them. Stools are more compact and mobile.

SEE ALSO…
Stool as a compact alternative to everything

The Brooklyn Home Company

43. Save space
The stool fits easily under the kitchen island - a real find for a small kitchen.

Emilie Castille-Architecture Intérieure&Décoration

44. We sit well
The length of the island table top is usually made at the rate of 60 cm per seater.

45. Get down to business
In this Berlin home, the staircase flows into the kitchen island countertop, creating a striking white accent. nine0003

mo+ architekten

46. Convertible island
This convertible island with sliding bench saves space in the kitchen.

SEE ALSO…
Basement kitchen? - Why not!

Artichoke

47. Two is better
Well, if the dimensions of the kitchen allow, why limit yourself to one island? They can be divided functionally: make a working area on one, and a dining area on the other.

R.Z.Owens Constructions

48. Multi-directional lighting
Guided track lights are ideal for creating local lighting on a kitchen island. You can alternate different lighting scenarios, highlighting a particular area.

FTF interior

49. A winning combination
You can combine different types of kitchen island lighting: spots for the work area, pendants for the dining area.

Design: FTF Interior

Breathe Architecture

50. Broken lines
The shape of this kitchen island echoes the backsplash pattern: broken lines, transitions from light to dark.

more about the project with photo:
Space transformations in a cozy house

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Bureau of Alexandra Fedorova

51. Hide from the eyes 9000 prying eyes: large - in the cabinets, the smaller one - in the kitchen island. nine0003

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Smart glass, suspended wall and snow-white minimalism

Luigi Rosselli Architects

You can achieve this effect with small means: for example, choosing the same dark color for the floor and the base of the kitchen island.

Jane Howell Interiors

53. From any direction
The convenience of a kitchen island is that you can approach it from any direction, you are free to move while cooking. nine0003

Lucy G Printed Image Splashbacks

54. Work Triangle
Most importantly, the island helps create the right work triangle : you can take food out of the fridge, wash/cut and then cook on the hob.

Architectural workshop za bor

55. Individual approach
Your individuality should be visible in everything. The owner of this Moscow apartment, an architect, designed and implemented the kitchen island project himself. nine0003

MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH PHOTO:
Mobile space architect Petr Zaitsev

Esther Hershcovich

not necessary.

Sustainable Kitchens

57. Driving!
In small kitchens, the island may not be stationary, but mobile, on wheels. It is easy to slide in when not in use. nine0003

aegis interior design ltd

Incorporated

59. Nice addition
The island on wheels can be moved to the kitchen countertop at any time, thereby expanding the work area space.

Arciform

60. Plus one
The kitchen island on wheels can consist of several modules, the combinations of which will depend on the work to be done.

Colin Cadle Photography

61. Multitasking
Kitchen island on wheels can perform several functions in addition to the main one. For example, his can be used as a coffee table or serving trolley.

Bruce Kading Interior Design

62. Small and bold
A big kitchen doesn't need a big island: there should be just enough space for the cutting area.

Paris-Bruxelles

Webb & Brown-Neaves

64. Through fire, water and copper pipes
Remember that if you plan to use a kitchen island with a sink or stove, you will have to slightly raise the floor to connect the communications.

THE GOOD GUYS

65. Young green
In this Australian home, greenery grows right on the kitchen island, thanks to a special opening in the countertop.

66. Back support
In this example, the kitchen island not only separates the work area from the dining area, but also serves as a backrest for the bench. nine0003

Fast Forward Unlimited

67. Top of the line
The island's L-shape made it possible to combine it with a kitchen nook. The only drawback is that the guests will sit with their backs to the cook.

68. Pure truth
When combining the island and the kitchen sofa, it is important to provide protection against steam and grease - for example, make a good hood. As an option - removable covers that can be washed.

SEE ALSO…
Sitting Well: How to Rethink Your Kitchen Nook

Blakes London

69. In Contrast
A kitchen island can be a bright accent if you don't have the courage to use bright colors throughout your kitchen.

Melton Design Build

70. Everything in moderation
But you need to be careful with catchy details, otherwise there is a risk of overkill. But in this neutral kitchen, an island with bright tiles does not look too flashy.

Carole Hunter Home Design

71. Like a canvas
The designer of this kitchen was inspired by Mondrian's canvases and the idea of ​​primary colors. But not just copying his work, but trying to achieve color balance.

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Mondrian-inspired kitchen

Markus Hierhager Innenarchitektur

nine0003

73. Breaking stereotypes
A black and white palette is by no means a boring solution: play with shapes, lines, levels.

SUPERGRAU

74. Make it dark
Black is said to reduce space. However, he is also able to make even a very simple interior expensive and status. Jan Showers nine0003

Australian Interior Design Awards

76. All-metal shell
The steel facade of this kitchen island is a spectacular but impractical option: scratches are inevitable.

Design By Us Interior

77. Valuable copy
The gold finish of the kitchen island does not look outrageous or out of place in this simple interior: it is in harmony with the parquet and pendants.

mckimm residential design

Standal Interiorismo + Reforma Integral

79. Maximum load
In this Barcelona apartment, the kitchen island is multifunctional: there is a stove, extractor hood, refrigerator and even a radiator. And on the back side, in the closet, is hidden ... a study.

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Modular space in bright colors

Look Design Group

80. Working moment
A small working area can be located on the kitchen island itself. Just be sure to protect against splashes, steam and grease. nine0003

LATOON / BRASS design office

81. Artificial selection
Kitchen island LED lighting does not always look cold. With its help, you can create a very cozy atmosphere, as in this Yekaterinburg apartment.

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50 shades of white and the play of artificial light

Roundhouse

82. LED strip
In addition to the main illumination of the working area of ​​the island, try local lighting of the island. For example, experiment with an LED strip like in this example. nine0003

86. In full sail
You can approach the design of the kitchen in an original way: choose an island in the form of a ship with shelves on the mast and storage sections in the hold.


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