Design experts weigh the pros and cons of this luxury kitchen feature.
Islands tied for the number two spot, just behinddouble bathroom vanities.
Here are some things to consider before committing to a pair in your kitchen.
Credit:JULIE SOEFER / Interior Designer: Marie Flanigan
What Are Double Kitchen Islands?
Double kitchen islands are a set of islands, either stacked, back-to-back, or placed side by side.
Designated Purposes
Typically, each island is designed with specific features in mind.
Credit:Brie Williams
This sisters, not twins, approach means that islands can be designed to maximize functionality in kitchen spaces.
Brie Williams
Where Do Double Islands Work Best?
We like to recommend double islands when a client has a largegalley kitchen, says interior designerJesse DeSanti.
Two islands can break up a large kitchen by filling floor space and defining separate areas, she adds.
Each island must be ample in size so that the layout feels purposeful and strategic.
Simply slicing a standard-sized island in half can make a space feel disjointed and choppy.
Lighting also plays into this delicate balance of kitchen layout design.
DeSanti prefers hanging twolarge pendantsover each island, giving the islands a substantial feel within the space.
What Are the Cons to Double Islands?
Not every kitchen is large enough to accommodate a pair of islands without making the room feel too cramped.
A pair may also diminish the look of a single island as a focal point.
Aesthetically, a kitchen with double islands may feel more formal and less cozy.
Since a single island naturally draws a crowd, can you recreate thatcommunity appealwith a pair of dueling islands?
Double islands are sure to use up a lot of space in a kitchen.
Are Double Islands Right for You?
Double islands work best when they satisfy both function and style in a kitchen, adds DeSanti.
Thoughtfully consider both of these factors before committing to this large kitchen feature.
