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.
