Kitchen designs are constantly changing. The kitchen island has been popular for quite some time now, but homeowners are now taking it a step further: two kitchen islands instead of one. More counter space, more storage – it seems like the practical solution, doesn’t it? Well, before making the renovation plans, you need to weigh all the pros and cons. Here is what you need to know.
The Advantages
Double islands are popular for a very good reason, as they offer many benefits. Here is what might convince you to use this style:
- They Can Serve Multiple Functions
Have you ever tried to entertain guests and work around your people, only to realize that you do not have a lot of counter space? Or perhaps you are cooking and want to leave the food to set, but your island is full of the other meal preparation items. In that case, a double island can offer you some extra counter space that can be used for different purposes.
“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, 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,” says kitchen designer Tom Howley.
- They Allow More Traffic
How many times have you had to spin around the entire kitchen to reach a counter, only because the kitchen island was in your way? This is why you may want to consider getting two smaller kitchen islands instead of a big one, placing them one next to the other, with just enough space between them for you to pass through.
“This design works well because it allows for traffic flow and workflow around the island. You can get more cooks into the kitchen,” says kitchen & bath designer Mary Jo Peterson. It is the perfect choice if you want to maximize your kitchen time or if you like preparing dinner with your significant other.
- It Improves the Aesthetics of Your Kitchen
Let’s just face it – double islands look amazing in the kitchen. Whether you go for two identical models or want an asymmetric style, double islands will make your kitchen look luxurious and sleek. Most high-end kitchens have double islands. So, if you go for two instead of one, you will certainly be perceived as “rich” when someone steps into your kitchen.
The Drawbacks
Double islands also have a few drawbacks that you should know about. These are:
- They Will Use More Space
While this may seem like a no-brainer, two islands will take up more space than one island will. Indeed, you will get more counter space – but you’ll lose in terms of floor space. It doesn’t matter if you are using two smaller kitchen islands – the result will be the same.
Unless you have a big kitchen that gets a lot of light, double islands may simply not benefit you. The design will make the area feel more cramped and claustrophobic, taking away the comfort of spending time in your kitchen.
- Irrelevant in Rarely Used Kitchens
Let’s say that you are away from home for most of your day. When you cook, you only use a couple of ingredients to serve food for 2-3 people – food that will last at most 1-2 days (if any leftovers remain). In that case, you will barely need one kitchen island, let alone two of them.
“People like the idea of them but not the function — one island almost always goes unused,” Kara Mann, an interior designer from Chicago says about double islands. If you barely use one island in the kitchen, the second one will only end up standing in your way.