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lcampanella

1 vs 2 kitchen islands

We are in the planning stages of our kitchen renovation. Our kitchen measures 21’x21’. The right wall faces a view of the water so we are putting in a large 4 panel slider to take advantage of view, so that’s why the setup looks like this. I originally wanted one big island but there is almost 11’ of wasted space between the end of the island and the sliders. I was thinking to have two islands to help take up some of the space but wanted an outside opinion. Thanks in advance!

Comments (8)

  • 5 years ago

    I would eliminate the bench/table area, and run your cabinets along that entire wall. Move the sink to the other side of the island for better function (and the worker should get the view!). Then add a table to the other side of the island, rather than have island seating. Something like this image, except the table would run the long end of the island...



  • 5 years ago

    I bet the view is stunning! As the person who does most of the dishes and meal prep, I would selfishly switch the sink and the bar stools so I could enjoy the view while I doing dishes.. I would also continue the cabinets to where the dining table is and put a dining table in front of the doors. Then when you are eating, you can open up the doors for your meal.

  • 5 years ago

    I also would get rid of the bench and table in the corner and extend the cabinets all on that wall. Then turn the island so it is parallel with the long wall, so when prepping or cleaning up you can just turn your head and look at the view.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    I like the ideas above about flipping the seating and the sink at the island. Otherwise, I think you'd need more than a 40" aisle in front of the refrigerator. That aisle would be a working aisle and you need space to stand in front of the open fridge, while someone could be sitting in a stool.

    Make sure you measure from counter-to-counter, not cabinet to cabinet. The counter on each side usually adds 1.5". Likewise, make sure you're including the fridge handles when determining the aisle width. The handles will protrude, so you measure from the items which extend the most (handle to counter, not counter to counter). Is your fridge a built-in model? If not, it likely will be deeper than the cabinets (even if counter depth) and need at least an inch or two in the back for clearance (exact number determined by the fridge manual). If this isn't accounted for, your aisle at the fridge could be much smaller. With so much space in front of it, I wouldn't sacrifice aisle size.


    Similarly, I'd pull the island a little away from the range, assuming that is a cabinet-to-cabinet measurement. It seems like you have the space, so I'd add the extra couple inches to have the full 48" aisle size. Usually adding the counter decreases the aisle width by 3" (1.5" from each side).


  • 5 years ago

    You do not have enough space between the refrigerator and island to have seating there. Having the sink on the opposite side of the island from the fridge makes for a bad work triangle.

    At the very least, you should move the island away from the fridge (since you have 11 ft of space) rather than try to squeeze in another island. But you should really rethink the single island and come up with a better work triangle.

  • 5 years ago

    That's an odd and inefficient layout. This would be better for kitchen function, but it doesn't showcase the view:

    The bench is included in case the windows are lower than counter-height, and I also included the desk, although that seems to be a kitchen trend which has run its course.

  • 5 years ago

    Nix having 2 islands (I saw a remodel on Property Brothers in a kitchen with 2 islands and it did not flow properly and it looked weird)!

  • 5 years ago

    With mama gooses plan plus a t-shaped island, or island with table extending out from it, youd have a pretty good view showcase. Or maybe even an l shaped island.