Islands Ahoy

Blessed with a big, beautiful kitchen? Consider the benefits of two islands. In a two·cook kitchen, many traffic jams can be so avoided, but a twin-island scenario is not for everyone, says Annie Graunke with Martha O'Hara Interiors. "Consider your lifestyle to understand which scenario works best," Graunke says.

Traflic Flow First
Make sure your floor plan leaves enough space between islands and perimeter countertops to accommodate food prep and cleanup, Graunke says. Her firm recommends aisles at least 42 inches wide so open appliance doors don't impede traffic.

Function Follows
Understand how you'd use the islands. If you entertain often, you may want fridge drawers and an icemaker in the serving island, Graunke says. A baker may benefit from an island with a lower counter for rolling out dough. Place features where they make sense, she says. Homeowner Landyn Hutchinson’s central work island includes pullout trash cans on the side closest to the kitchen‘s main sink.

Strategic Storage
Two islands provide more storage. Designate storage that suits each island's location, thinking of the work zones nearby. Store platters and serving pieces in the island closest to the dining room and cookware in the island near the range.

Savvy Style
Having two islands doesn't need to mean matching looks, Graunke says- especially if you're going for a casual cottage style that mixes finishes and materials. In Landyn’s case, she wanted the island closest to the living room to be decked out in furniture- style details because of the visibility. "Don't be afraid to mix it up and make it interesting," Graunke says.