Double island kitchens are cropping up all over the internet. Some people love the look, while others are strongly against it. Before you dive into your kitchen island design, you need all the facts. Check out the pros and cons of kitchens with two islands.
Layouts for Double Islands Kitchens
The placement for the kitchen islands largely impacts how they look and function. You could have:
- Parallel kitchen islands, where they two run the same direction like an equal sign
- Side-by-side islands, where they act as one large island that is split in the middle
- T-shaped or perpendicular islands, where one is oriented vertically and the other lays horizontally
- L-shaped, which is similar to the perpendicular option but the islands align to form an L
- Separate kitchen islands, where the two islands are in completely different areas of the kitchen
- Mismatched double islands, where each island has its own unique look, shape and function
At first glance, having two islands may not seem practical. When you look at the various layout options, you may find one that fits the size and shape of your kitchen. This is especially true if you have an abnormal kitchen configuration and you want to maximize your storage and prep space.
Benefits of Having Two Kitchen Islands
Here are some reasons you may consider a kitchen with two islands:
- In some layouts, having two kitchen islands could double your accessible storage options.
- Two islands create more workspace, which can be great for busy kitchens.
- If the islands are side by side, a middle walkway could make the kitchen flow better.
- Multiple islands can fill the space in an oddly-shaped kitchen and create different zones in the room.
- Double islands could be a strong focal point in a kitchen design.
- Extra counter space is helpful for hosting parties where large volumes of food need to be on display.
Downsides to Having Double Island Kitchens
Despite the benefits of multiple kitchen islands, there are a number of drawbacks to keep in mind. Here are some reasons not to get two islands.
- Having two islands may limit the amount of walking room in the kitchen.
- Parallel islands may make the kitchen look commercial instead of residential.
- Having one large island gives you a continuous countertop, compared to two separate countertops.
- If you want bar stools around your island, they may not work with certain double island designs.
- Double kitchen islands are trendy for now, but they may affect your resale options in the future.
- The double island layout may make the flow of the traffic confusing in the kitchen, compared to a single island with a single path around it.
Should You Design a Kitchen with Two Islands?
When it comes to kitchen islands, less is usually more. Two islands are impractical for most kitchen layouts, but they can work well in select situations. If you’re designing a kitchen for resale, you’d likely get a higher return on investment with one large island or a built-in eating area. If you’re designing the kitchen for personal use, consider how much you’d truly benefit from one island vs. two.
If you’d like a professional kitchen design and layout suggestion, O’Hanlon Kitchens is here to help. Contact 443-285-0558 to learn more.
