Sometimes two is better than one! Here's how double islands will add valuable work and entertaining space to your kitchen.
9 Double Island Kitchens Experts Love
Updated on Aug. 25, 2024
Anyone who’s ever hosted any type of event at their home has probably had the desire for more space to prep and cook their dishes while also having space to entertain their guests. If you have the space, a double island kitchen could be a good option for you.
What Is a Double Island Kitchen?
A double island kitchen is a kitchen with two islands. The added counter space, storage and food prep area can help improve the functionality and flow of your kitchen design. But of course, two islands require more space. We spoke to interior designer Lynette Willett and Est Est Interior Design President, Blake Sutton, to give guidance on when a two island kitchen is the right choice.
What size kitchen do you need for a double island?
As you might imagine, you’ll need a big kitchen for two islands to make sense. “The exact dimensions will vary, but we are talking about large kitchens here,” says Willett. “For a double island setup, you are looking at a minimum of 18 ft. from the range wall to the edge of the far island countertop.”
How far apart should double islands be?
Double islands that are too close together will make the kitchen look crowded. “We maintain a minimum of 42-in. between countertops, with 48 to 60-in. max between counters, if there are appliances that need to open (range, dishwasher, etc.),” says Willett.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a kitchen island?
A custom kitchen island will always cost more than taking the DIY route; but building your own kitchen island is a big undertaking and not for beginners. Some hacks can help you save money and time — like converting a workbench into a kitchen island.
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Multifunctional Double Islands
The double islands in this bright and beautiful kitchen from @buildmurphy serve two different functions. One is designated for food prep and the other includes an overhang for bar seating. Now guests and the chef can enjoy each others’ company with plenty of space! The island’s countertop material differs from the perimeter counter, adding visual interest and lovely contrast to the design.
What We Like
The generous spacing of the layout. “Typically, you wouldn’t want double islands to be a tight squeeze,” says Sutton, “Still allowing for ample traffic flow throughout the kitchen and maintaining all comfortable clearances around seated areas and functional working areas is imperative.”
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Oversized Islands for Spacious Kitchens
This kitchen from @mainbuilt not only features two islands, but both the islands are extra long with seating included at both locations. The oversized islands are an entertainer’s dream with ample room to prep food, serve dishes and seat guests.
What We Like
The islands help fill space in the large open layout. “Double islands provide a more comfortable integration of maintaining a connection with the entertainment and serving aspect of the kitchen to the adjoining living spaces,” says Willett.
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Improve Cohesion With a Second Island
The unique layout in this kitchen from @kendrapheasanthilldesigns has the range tucked away around the corner, while the two islands serve as the main event. This approach hides the mess and allows you and your guests to share the space with plenty of room to eat, serve food and mingle.
What We Like
The lighting! Different yet coordinating light fixtures can help distinguish the two islands while still maintaining a cohesive design.
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Double Sinks
With two islands you can also have two sinks! This luxurious kitchen from @rubyandcompanyqc has a regular sink on the first island, and a smaller prep sink installed on the second. Prep sinks are great for washing vegetables, filling pots or quickly washing your hands; leaving the other sink available for dishes.
What We Like
The high-end finishes, including the stone. “I love using natural stone for the island to serve as the ‘artwork’ for the kitchen, taking the slab up the range wall, and implementing waterfalls on the islands,” says Sutton.
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Side-by-Side Double Islands
Side-by-side kitchen islands work well in a wide kitchen like this one from @b_arch_studio. One island serves as a built-in table but can also be used for food prep, while the other is a more traditional island with cabinets. The blue color used on both islands and matching light fixtures create harmony between the two different shapes.
Photographer: @jessicadelaneyphotography
What We Like
The chic blue paint color. Using a bold color on the islands to contrast with the white cabinets on the kitchen’s perimeter makes a dramatic impact.
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Incorporate Elegant Details
This roomy all white kitchen from @katie_gelsheimer_home includes two islands to maximize work and entertaining space. Thick countertops and custom details on the cabinets make the islands more substantial and add to the elegance of the space. Limiting the ornate light fixtures to just one island keeps the design from looking too cluttered.
What We Like
The cabinet details. The Mission-style corner posts on both islands tie the two together, and the custom feature elevates the whole kitchen.
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A Second Island for Dining Space
In some double-island kitchens, the second island leads you directly into the connected living room. But in this space from @chiottcustomhomes, you can see the two islands flow into a dining space that will eventually house a dining table — a good reminder that including a second island for seating doesn’t mean sacrificing a table. Bonus points for all those gorgeous gold light fixtures!
What We Like
The efficiency of two islands plus a dining space. “The second island serves as a great transition from cooking to entertaining,” says Sutton, “The first island is generally a working island, while the second is a serving island.”
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@mariahkhomes ✨How about this kitchen from the @uvparade of homes?? What do you think of the dual islands? Would you choose this? 👍👎 Build: @hawthorn.homes Design: @fourchairsfurniture Featured in: @uvparade Video: @mariahkhomes . . . #kitchendesign #kitchenorganization #kitchencabinets #kitchenremodel #kitchenisland #kitchen #homedecor #utahrealestate #utahrealtor #modernhome #homeorganization #floatingshelves #utah #realestateprofessional #dreamhome #housedesign #interiorstyling #smmakelifebeautiful #mariahkhomes #mariahkoehle #myhousebeautiful #luxuryhomes #openconcept #saltlakecityutah #sellingslc #sellingsaltlake #utahrealestate #utahrealtor #saltlakecitylife #saltlakecityrealestate #highlandutah
Smaller Islands for Smaller Kitches
We’ve established you’ll need a large kitchen to fit two islands, but this example from @mariahkhomes shows the trend executed with slightly smaller islands. The two islands are more of a square shape than the traditional long rectangle, with plenty of walking space in between. It’s a unique look that also improves the flow of the kitchen.
What We Like
The wood tone of the islands. Playing with contrasting cabinet finishes and bringing in detailed trim work gives the kitchen a cozier look that softens the utilitarian function of the space.
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@goldeneaglelogtimber Double Islands – great for hosting #kitchendesign #kitchenisland #kitchen #homedesign #homeideas #rusticdesign
Outer L-Shaped Island
This huge lake house kitchen from @goldeneaglelogtimber has an island in the middle of the space and a second L-shaped island that creates the kitchen’s perimeter. This is a great option if you have a big family or like to host large gatherings. The middle island can be used for cooking and prepping, while the perimeter island is perfect for serving and seating.
What We Like
The L-shaped island helps “separate the entertaining spaces from the function of the kitchen,” says Willett, while providing a comfortable connection with the adjoining areas.
About the Experts
- Lynette Willett is a senior interior designer at Est Est Interior Design. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. After nearly 30 years of experience in interior design, Lynette is known for her custom pieces and ability to design to a multitude of different styles.
- Blake Sutton is the president of Est Est Interior Design. Blake holds an engineering degree in Construction Management, and years of experience in luxury homes. His goal is to help homeowners create homes that are customized to their lifestyles and aesthetics.
