I think it works better as the back of a peninsula-seems counterintuitive to do it on the "back" of an island. Maybe think about your options a bit more.

I've never seen that before either, but why not? Interesting; I'll also have to look for more pics. . I currently have a peninsula with a sink that faces my family room. It has a raised back that's only about 6 inches wide and little room to make it wider and not enough for seating because it would block the FR walkway. I was thinking of dropping the bar height piece to one level counter height, but I have the same worry about any cooking in progress or kitchen mess being visible from the FR. Then I remembered even if I didn't mind I wouldn't have enough room behind the sink. Maybe I could dress up the back of my peninsula that way if I don't change my layout. Please post more pictures if you find them and I'll do the same.
How long of an island were you planning; why not a peninsula? What is your current layout?

I only have one photo without seating, but I don't think it would look strange to do without and put in shelves or something. If we end up going the open kitchen route I will probably look for a similar solution.

Hee are some of the photos I've saved over the past year or two. Apologies if any of them belong to fellow GW'ers.

This one does belong to a GW'er, cannot recall her name. Hope she don't mind me posting them. I really like the raised dishwasher and how that automatically gives you the second level.

Island, I will definitely post more photos if I come across them. And Olivesmom, thanks for all the pics! I know that it would be more "normal" with a penninsula, I'm just not sure I have enough width for a u-shape, which is what a penninsula would end up being. I'm going to post my layout options soon for feedback.

My current layout is just not workable for a modern kitchen. The house was built in 1949, and has the original kitchen. One wall has a window and door that preclude any cabinets (that will be changed!), and there's not room for a standard size refrigerator, much less a dishwasher. It's not unbearable, but also not worth using it as a guide for a new layout.

I like the look, more like in the photo you posted (with the raised section going all the way across) or the last photo Olivesmom posted as opposed to the first photo Olivesmom posted with only a small raised section.

Many will say you would appreciate the increased work space/depth of a single level island better for prep. I'm still not 100% sold on the 100% openness of kitchens for everyone. As island desribed, you could also consider 30" of lower space and only 6" deep higher space. Your glass cabs would be 12" deep most of the way but only 6" at the top.

You may have more luck getting visual inspiration searching for the words "pony wall" or "half wall" although it will turn up peninsula, not island photos.

Here is a link that might be useful: Houzz - pony wall

This post was edited by robotropolis on Mon, Mar 4, 13 at 12:06

I don't see why you can't have the best of two worlds.

Are you going to use the cabinets on the dining room side of the island (on the first picture) frequently?

If not, you can add an overhang to make room for seating and still keep the cabinets.

Not that I am a huge fan of raised bar seating in the kitchen but if you wanted it, you can have it, I think. I have seen plenty of pix with such design, just cannot remember where. :-)

ETA: That GW kitchen belongs to ICFgreen, btw.

This post was edited by eleena on Mon, Mar 4, 13 at 12:49

Thought of you when I saw this kitchen in a magazine. BiLevel island. Has seating, but I think it's so pretty it would work without.
Couldn't get the pic to copy, but the link has a few pics and they show both sides of the island.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bilevel island