I love the look of the second island. It's very striking and love the floating look.

The third one seems a bit fussy and doesn't flow well.

I agree, and the view doesn't hurt, either :)

First one is a tad clumsy, third one a bit much, but I think that's the whole kitchen, so quite its actually quite compact.

The toe kick will get dirty and scuffed, etc. It WILL no matter how durable the material.

I don't like it. Sorry. Don't care for the stark contrast in colors at all.

I like the combo of walnut and white, but I agree with the others that if you want a minimalist look, it is too heavy. The toe kick area is too thick, and rather than giving a float-y minimalist look, it weighs it down. IMO, there just needs to be air showing between the walnut and the floor. It's as if the designer said, "hey, let's put this beautiful counter with this walnut, waterfall it, and, I do not agree with 'less is more', it needs to be 'more is more' so we'll put it all around the bottom too".

It will scuff. And every speck from your breakfast toast to your dog's/cat's hair will show on that toe kick under the overhang.

The purpose is eye candy. More typical is... typical.

If this is candy, then it's black licorice ... something a few people embrace with vigor, while more people avoid. If you expect to stay in this house long-term, build what pleases you ... but if resale is a concern, I'd avoid this unusual item.

Personally, it does not appeal to me -- but that's pure opinion, not a judgement on its functional use.

I have to say that I do like some of the photos posted here, but the critiques of the original island might apply even more to these. With respect to functionality, color combinations and uneven "weight". If I had posted one of those I'd probably get a similar mix of "love it" and "hate it". And I think some of these might be even more polarizing than the one I posted.

I suppose that just goes to show that no island but the most basic island can pass without critique, but that's going to be one very ordinary island. Which is perfectly fine unless you want an extraordinary island.

I considered designs like some of the ones posted but I want ample seating so an overhang of some type is required. And I don't want to sacrifice cabinets for an open design so no floating counters.

I got some good things to think about in this thread. I will play with the idea of narrowing the border and I will play with the idea of making the toe kick under the counter flush with the cabinet instead of a ledge. But only because I think it might look better, not because it is going to collect dust/debris. If there is no ledge whatever would have landed on the ledge will land on the floor. The ledge isn't going to make it more dirty. Plus the ledge is inset, it would take some serious wind to carry something that spills off the counter edge onto the ledge.

If anyone has any more thoughts on this I'd love to hear them. I might have another kitchen related question or two pretty soon.

Thanks!

I think the main issue with the ledge is that people will put their shoes with black soles or metal heels on it and scuff it up.

You'd have to be a giant to be able to reach it with your feet. How many people can sit in a raised counter chair and still be able to reach that tiny little ledge with their feet? I think that is a non issue.

i like the idea of recessing the bottom white band. the ledge will be a dirt collector and cleaning it will get old very fast. and if u have pets, the hair will be a PITA also!!

also i think it should be thinner. i think as is, is just a little to "heavy"

Just noting that my critique of the original island has to do with the L shape. All the other islands posted has a nice flow that works with the entire kitchen. That L elbow for no reason stops the eye and completely removes any other details. Try visualizing any of those island with an L shape in the same exact material and you'll see that your mind will ignore everything about the islands except the shape.

The second island above posted by Nosoccermom is just beautiful. Streamlined, flowing and eye catching.

The third island posted is similar to what USC wanted and that quasi L shape caused me to think "weird, why is it sticking out like that."

There are two school of eye catching. One is OMG, it's beautiful even though I don't like modern or minimalist. Its beauty and design triumph over preferences. The second is where you expect your guests to gush and they give false insincere praise or the more honest ones say "it's ...... interesting."

beachem - I don't know if you realize how arrogant your post is.

You have an OPINION which you are entitled to you. But your OPINION is no more valuable or valid than any other opinion which was shared here. Both people who like the island and don't like it. Believe it or not, you are not the authority on kitchen islands.

Fortunately, there are so many people on Houzz who are helpful without being arrogant or condescending. It's why this place is such a great resource for information, help and advice. And why people like me keep coming back.

"The goal here is to get ooh's and aah's (in a good way) from people who see it even if they might not necessarily want this in their kitchen. "

I just don't see any "oohs and ahs" there, at all.

As to beachem's post, where on earth do you see arrogant or condescending?

uscpsycho - I read beachem's comments and sorry, I just don't see any arrogance or condescendence. She just seems to have written her opinion, giving reasons why she thinks what she thinks. No snark, no nasty comments criticizing you personally.

The title of your thread is "What do you think about this island?" It seems to me beachem did just that, answering your question, nothing more nothing less.

I found this comment awfully condescending "There are two school of eye catching. One is OMG, it's beautiful even though I don't like modern or minimalist. Its beauty and design triumph over preferences. The second is where you expect your guests to gush and they give false insincere praise or the more honest ones say "it's ...... interesting."

Basically crapping on anyone who liked the island as having poor taste. People who like the island aren't wrong. Nor are people who don't like it.

And you can be sure that for any island beachem likes, there are plenty of people who will not like it. But she seems to think she knows best. At least that's how it came across to me.

I like the island I posted better than some of the examples posted and I like some of the islands posted better than my example too. But all of these islands were built because somebody really loved them. As I've said, the only islands that will be universally liked will be dead center in the middle of the road. i.e. rectangular with recessed cabinets and waterfall edges (yawn) and there is nothing wrong with that either.

I did not read through all the comments so hopefully I am not repetitive...

That island rocks!! I love it....I am a huge fan of walnut mixed with white quartz - gives you the stark clean modern feeling but adds some warmth for real living. I have to say I also love the way the countertop wraps like a toe kick - I am sure it doesn't completely go under ( that would be expensive )Try to find a picture from another angle!

Adding to make it into an L-shaped island is great... you may want to try a cool open shelving concept....

That way you can have a great island and personalize it with great pieces !

Good luck!

We do not have enough information to evaluate this design. How it works with the rest of the kitchen/house is crucial. That said, something about the original island is clunky/off balance, but again, this has to do with setting. I think many of the other pictures/configurations above are far better. You can still do wood/quartz with other configurations. Putting the seating at the end of a rectangle does not lose any more storage than putting it opposite.

I do not find the look of that island to be balanced or pleasing to the proportional eye. The ones posted above, OTOH, have much better balance. Although it's possible that I just don't think that the overall project is balanced with the placement of the walnut vs the white counters and cabinetry

The white quartz on the bottom is like a modern bar rail, and will be a magnet for putting a foot on it when anyone is standing at the island. It would drive me insane with dust / hair / scuff marks.

OP - in all fairness, I think you've overreacted a bit to the comment above.

I've reread this thread, and had a look at some of your other posts. It's pretty clear what your design aesthetic is, and it's also clear that you want to have a few statement pieces in your home that will blow people away. Nothing wrong with either of those objectives. But you have to realize that, when you make a strong statement, you're going to get a reaction - some people will love it, some will dislike it (and some won't care one way or the other).

You seem to have a problem with that: you shouldn't. We all have different tastes, different experiences, different worldviews, and the range of comments you're seeing here reflects that. It will be no different when you move from the virtual to the real world with your plans: some will love what you're doing, and some won't.

In any case, whether people are blown away by your designs or whether they're not, shouldn't matter at all: so long as you love what you're doing, you should have the confidence to do it. But you can't expect consensus on your ideas - that's not the real world at all. There is no design that appeals to everyone - as your own comments about "ordinary" and "typical" and "yawn" make clear. You have your likes and dislikes and so do all of us. I think that was Beachem's point.

I totally agree. I've said several times that there can be no consensus when you do things out of the ordinary, only when you stay in the center lane.

But the post I was referring to clearly stated that the island I posted is in the "interesting" category rather than the "OMG" category as if it was fact. And I just felt like it was condescending to those who actually liked it.

I'll concede that my response may have been an overreaction in tone. But I stand by the sentiment. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and they're all valid. Apologies to beachem if any offense was taken.

@USC I'm sorry if my comment came across as arrogant etc... I apologize. The section that you had issue with was based on what I see of the two typical reactions in my area and I could have phrased it better. Here, the houses are typically remodeled from the stud out as soon as it closes and the kitchens are always demolished. Everybody rush to see the latest efforts.

I see a lot of kitchens that get influenced by designers in the effort to stand out and sometimes it's not successful in the attempt. It's usually something that seems invisible to people but bothers them.

Designs or photos can look good on paper because it's 2D or flat but once converted to 3D, the spatial relationship becomes important. A mockup of the island and full layout with boxes would expose any difficult flows.

I was trying to focus your attention on the proposed shape. The reason why is that the brain recognizes shapes before colors. It immediately tries to fit the shape into recognizable patterns that makes sense. If it is off, it continues to try and process that shape so what comes thru is an invisible, unconscious itch that affects the remainder of the brain processing.

Colors are processed independently from shapes and can be done simultaneously. However, it has less power in affecting the brain vs shapes. It can be sidelined by a focus on shape.

I used to do neuro research years ago and my husband conducted experiments fairly recently on colors and shapes on hundred of thousands of gamers in order to identify what attracted and influenced them. This data is then used in the web designs to manipulate the emotional responses. I was simply trying to share my perspective especially since we lived for 18 yrs with a unique island shape that drove everyone bonkers. It looked good on paper and design wise but was irritating to flow around.

OP: "I've said several times that there can be no consensus when you do
things out of the ordinary, only when you stay in the center lane."

But that's kind of my point. The center lane doesn't get you consensus either. You abhor that center spot yourself, and there are enough examples of non-center lane designs on this thread to show you that you are not alone in that view. So the center lane is no more likely to bring consensus than any other part of the highway.

There is no consensus, period. That said, proportion is important in any design: proper proportion is innately appealing to the human eye, for reasons we can't quite explain, so it's something to be taken into account. The "golden ratio" has been a key to architecture, art and design for centuries, and whether one abides by it or not, it's important to understand the role it plays in how people perceive things.

I think it is an awesome design and would serve functionally just fine. If I had a contemporary home, I would certainly consider that design and I am an avid cook.

If you love it, do it. It is a statement piece and better than the same old, same old we usually see.

If the island is counter height, even non giant's sitting on a bar stool (or more correctly, counter height stool) can easily touch a 4" inch high ledge with their shoes.

So here are some renderings of the kitchen with this concept as the island. Not the highest quality renderings but good enough to get the idea. I wonder if the people who hated it so much still think it's so terrible. You kind of have to use the original picture as a reference to see how it will actually look. The white border in the photo is 4" but I'm going 3" to make it look a little "lighter".

There is a cabinet in the wrap around section of the island, it's not just dead space.

If you have any other thoughts about something other than the island feel free to share. Curious to get thoughts on the two-tone oven wall. Where you see white cabinets it is glossy white, the brown and tan colors are matte. I may start another thread to feedback on the overall kitchen layout when I get the elevations.

I would personally swap the sink & the cooktop.

Thanks but that's a very intentional choice and perhaps the most non-negotiable element. I do not want my sink in the middle of the kitchen. I know all the pros & cons and I feel very strongly about it.

Is there a reason why the end panel is white or is it a waterfall edge?

To me the wow factor is that it looks like a chunky wood (nature-made) island "wrapped" in sleek, glossy (manmade) material, so I probably would have wood there, too.

Yes, it's a waterfall. Same white quartz on that end panel as the rest of the island. If I don't waterfall it there it doesn't look "wrapped" which, as you said, is what makes it look cool. If it's brown there it just kind of ends up being a white trim/border.

Very interesting comments. I am just an ordinary semi-retired wife and mother to grown children.

You asked opinions - here's mine. I don't like it. It looks like someone had lots and lots of money, expense was no issue, and they were trying to demonstrate that fact. The next person to buy this house will immediately remodel it because they too have an unlimited budget and don't like it.

I am not trying to be rude or offensive. If you have the means to build this, and you like it, go for it. It's your call. What others think shouldn't matter.

Are the other things fairly represented? Like the flooring, trim, etc? And are the colors close? If so, I am concerned you have too many wood tones and species. I would personally bring it down to 2 finishes for the cabinets instead of the three shown.

What is that horizontal box / soffit (?) on the ceiling going to the cooktop? Can ut be removed? I prefer cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling just from a "I hate to dust" perspective - but having that thing there negates that possibility and will simply look weird / spoil the look of that horizontal element of the cabs over the sink.

The stack of appliances to the left of the sink - be very careful about useable heights as the upper appliance looks like it may be unnaturally high if the lower appliance is starting at slightly below counter height.

The most natural and valuable counter space is between the sink and the cooktop, which really means the area to the left of the sink in your layout. Despite having a lot of counter and a lot of appliances, your prep space is lacking. Depending where the dishwasher is, you may have competing spaces. Unfortunately, I don't see this as a pleasant working experience kitchen. If that is not your thing, then you're good.

The island is fine, not my taste but clearly seems to be yours. Do things because you like them not to show off. I'll use the typical car example. When you buy a Porsche you'll impress a few people. Some people will react negatively thinking you are a show off and should have just bought a perfectly good Honda. Then the guy with the Ferrari is like, why is he bragging on that junk? So... Mixed results at best. But if you buy it because you like driving it, who cares?

I also would not suggest 3 cabinet finishes. Too much.

The layout is potentially problematic from the renderings as I see them. The sink and cooktop arrangement is backwards but you also seem to be okay with it. More concerned about the fridge being off in the distance without landing space.

What's to the left of sink? Whatever it is probably too high but thats an easy thing to adjust.

Probably should have a seperate layout thread to differentiate the function from the controversial form.

I really don't get the forum dynamic where, when someone does something unusual that is a technique sensitive and expensive detail that people start saying that it's only because it was expensive that it is being chosen.

Nobody questions the expense of details in conventional designs, or rarely. The conventional-looking gets a pass no matter how expensive it actually is without the owner being accused of showing off. Sometimes people like the unusual because they have unconventional taste. Some people drive Porsches for the performance.

That said...I don't think the return works, because it doesn't add anything. and I am not a functionalist, I can definitely sacrifice some function to form, even in a kitchen. But I don't think it works well as a form because it seems to have no particular reason for its presence other than its presence. It's sort of a design conceit and it seems to work less here than in the inspiration...I support the overall design of the island in its details, but the ell does nothing for it really. I think you could get the same sort of "solid end mass" thing but doing something like this:

Personally I am not completely convinced that it is the countertop material all the way around - if you look at the oven and the cabinet above, they are white as well. Whether it is expensive or not, it is a fresh, creative idea that certainly is a conversation piece. If the homeowner loves it, then who are we to judge?

I like the concept of the island and I'm sure the storage space of the L could be useful. I'm curious if you've thought about stools that will not detract from the statement of the island? And please tell me that's an espresso machine built in to the left of the sink, lovely idea.

Reposting the original picture. I agree that the little peninsula may distract from the overall statement. I'm also not sure about the waterfall. The main design feature is the wrap, right? so you really want to highlight that. Maybe go back to the original 4" vertical surround and narrow the depth of the one at the bottom? Since the overhang is more than 4", it should be fine to have the bottom "wrap" extend less than 4".

So, you'd basically have a large wood block wrapped in a quartz frame, looking the same from both sides with a solid wood side on the narrower block ends.

I mean, you don't want it to look like this:

I haven't spoken up but will now. I happen to like the overall concept but agree with Pal on the L part. I like his version better for what you're trying to achieve. I think his first version is even more striking and unusual than the L shape and will definitely give you the wow factor with the waterfall coming out to be the edge of the seating area.

What I don't like is your layout. I'm sorry but if you cook, it won't be pleasant to cook in.

Your fridge and freezer is far from your prep area and as stated above there's no landing space. What happens when you bring home groceries? That's a lot of extra steps from the island to the fridge and pantries to put things away.

Why are you so set on putting a cooktop on the island? Only 10% of our time is spent actually cooking food at a cooktop, whereas 70% of our time is spent prepping food. Food prep needs to be done near a water source.

Additionally there isn't a huge amount of space behind the cooktop so that anyone who sits there, can possibly be spattered with grease, etc.

I also agree with the others who say you have 1 too many cabinet/vertical surface materials. Change the beige cabinets to the brown and I think it will be a lot more cohesive looking and striking. (That's the artist in me speaking.)

I think when it's done it will be a real show stopper

It also could be this, which gives you more of the Wrap and less of the Waterfall on the internal aspect. It's like the L without the L

Has GW ever asked its forum members to track their food prep/ cook time percentage over a couple of days? I'm like Paula Poundstone on 'Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me' surveys when I see that percentage cited.

If something's on my rangetop, I think I'm generally interacting with it, unless it's chili or something similar. And I never prep next to my sink. I have a galley and chop, mix, next to my range. Admittedly, my floor is tile so I never think too much about drips from transporting things between the two counters so if I've rinsed, I've still moved away from the sink. I don't tend to 'mise en place'( sp?) and was just thinking I might try to, so that might also be a difference.

But I'm with the OP. I would not want a sink on an island. So, that makes two of us.

I like that last version of Pal's!

Kind of a random question, if you don't mind. Why are you dead set on a cooktop instead of a sink in the island? I used to be opposed to anything in the island - I get not wanting to interrupt the beautiful countertop. But it seems to me that a sink, in the same color as the countertop would be less disruptive to the eye than a cooktop and a hood overhead. So since you said you had strong feelings not he issue, I was wondering what they were- just to learn from your thinking- not trying to convince you of mine.

Has GW ever asked its forum members to track their food prep/ cook time percentage over a couple of days? I'm like Paula Poundstone on 'Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me' surveys when I see that percentage cited.

LOL. Good question. I think it would be a good one to figure out.

If something's on my rangetop, I think I'm generally interacting with it, unless it's chili or something similar.

As am I, but usually I find the prep time chopping, rinsing, etc takes more time than the actual cook time on top of the cooktop. Of course the exception being a stew or soup, etc.

And I never prep next to my sink.

Interesting because I've done it both ways and it really depended on my kitchen layout. When I didn't have enough room next to my sink like in my condo, I washed everything and then moved it to prep next to my cooktop. It worked but wasn't ideal.

In the kitchen in my first house, I had a traditional L shape with fridge, sink, stove and I prepped right between the stove and the sink. It actually was the ideal layout for me.

In our rental in NY, I also prep between sink and stove.

In our rental here in FL the sink is literally right next to the stove so there's no room to prep there. There's also no room to prep on the other side of the sink so it means again washing things and then bringing them to the other side of the stove. It's awful.

But I'm with the OP. I would not want a sink on an island. So, that makes two of us.

And that's perfectly fine but why have even the cooktop in the island?

I don't know how you feel about Corian or that type of solid surface; the foot rest area could be shaped differently (a little higher) and that might look good, too -- it would shift the scale a bit. The mockup beige color doesn't read modern (to me) but it's hard to understand what that surface / finish might be. It think it's some very cool ideas in a Wow! Kitchen

Personally I think island cooktops are fine.

And this kitchen has adequate prep space next to the sink and next to the cooktop so that's fine, too.

In the house I grew up in prep was done in either or both locations depending on what it was.. or mood I suppose.

Since my kitchens have been small enough that there is one prep space between sink and cooking surface.

But I can't see the objection to two options. This is one I of those GW dogma things I think.

Years ago I asked people what they thought a prep sink was for and even the people who had prep sinks disagreed among themselves as to what it's use was.

So sometimes I think the rules are like Shirley Jackson's The Lottery. No one remembers why some of these hard and fast rules became so.

Honestly I was not saying island cooktops were a problem. I just thought the white sink in the white counter without the hood overhead was less disruptive.

I understood, I was making a general comment.

The big objections to the island cooktop have historically been lack of ventilation and potential spatter of grease or other hot things on people sitting at the island.

If you have no objection to an island hood, the ventilation is essentially taken care of.

If the island is large enough for seating I suppose spatter could still be an issue.

But if someone's sitting there to socialize, the don't necessarily have to be pulled in all the way. If they are sitting there only to eat, I dunno, in my house we never start eating until dinner is served and the person who cooked is seated as well.

If they are using the island to do homework...I just don't agree with this anyway, so for me it's a moot point. Plus in some schools here, the kid has an iPad or Tablet. No books, no paper.

So I think what goes on the island is still predicated on what's going on in the household in general.

Finally, I start to question islands that dont have an additional function besides, possibly extra storage. Maybe if you have kitchen that is so large that the island can be ornamental, the kitchen is too big. I know about the seating. But the seating is often redundant.

Thanks for all the responses. No time to respond to everything right now but since it's a hot topic I'll explain why I don't want my sink in the island and then let's drop it. As I said, this is non-negotiable for me. And I did quite a bit of reading on the pros and cons so I understand them and I'm OK with them.

My sink is typically a mess. That's the last thing I want right in the center of the kitchen which will be the first thing people see and also mucking up the amazing island I want. Plus my cooktop is induction which will add to the "sleekness" of the island more than a giant hole. Please drop this and don't try to talk me out of it because *that* is not changing.

At one time I also wanted a statement island hood but that's just not going to work so I'll have a fairly standard, modern looking hood.

And for those who are concerned about the appliance to the left of the sink it is a built in coffee/espresso maker.

As for the colors, there are three. The wall cabinets are matte beige (wood mode dune) and glossy white. The island cabinet is a darker matte brown (wood mode cocoa). I think the island design looks best with a higher contrast color so I wanted a darker color but I didn't want all my cabinets to be dark. I've seen lots of kitchens with more than one color cabinet and if it's done with intention it looks good. These are the colors agains a white background.

And now I'm running late... :-(

I know one does not generally want to choose a cooktop by color but particularly if you got a transmetallic, mirrored silver, or white induction cooktop, it would be very sleek.

uscpsycho - sorry you were late! LOL it is easy to get swept up.... I love the plan and love the colors and love the l-shaped island as shown in your renderings. Please keep either a larger walkway between the sink and stove or offset them for better function. I would almost want the cooktop to be down by the "L" so more of the seating area is not directly behind the cooktop.

And I am with you - I do not like a main sink on the island ....

Looking good!

I like Pal's last rendition, wrap and water fall.

Of course, I was also operating under the assumption, the island dark material was going to be wood with some grain to juxtapose the white glossy manmade with the naturemade wood grain.