6 New Kitchen Islands With Conversational Seating
See how design and building professionals create islands with spots for at least two people to face one another
Kitchen islands typically feature seating on one side, like at a diner counter. It’s a great arrangement for some people. For those who prefer face-to-face conversation while sitting, not so much. But there are plenty of island design options to facilitate such a setup. Here, design and building professionals share the details on islands that offer conversational seating.
2. Movable Feast
Designer: Katie Geresy and team at KTG Design
Builder: Mt. Lincoln Construction
Architect: Marsden Architects
Location: Donner Lake in Truckee, California
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners had a family farm in Hubbardston, Michigan, which featured a historic barn originally constructed around 1870,” says designer Katie Geresy, who used Houzz ideabooks to coordinate design ideas with her clients. “The land and barn had been in the family since it was acquired by a great-grandfather in 1896.
“When it came time to sell the farm, the owners wanted to find a way to make sure the barn lived on within their family, and had the idea to repurpose the historic structure into a new retreat home on Donner Lake in Truckee, California. Nestled on a slight slope, the home is now perfectly positioned to maximize the scenic views of Donner Lake, Donner Summit and the surrounding mountain ranges.”
Island seating. “The original floor plans had this designed as any other island with bar stool seating and undercounter storage,” Geresy says. “After finishing the design of the rest of the kitchen, great room and art nook, it was clear that the island needed to feature a much more open concept and needed to encompass the same type of historic and rustic wood found throughout the rest of the home. The original design was scrapped and a custom piece of furniture was used instead.
“Due to the home’s modest size, this island needed to double as a dining room table. The table was designed to be mobile and functional, and the owners and their children can move the island and chairs around to maximize the views of Donner Lake from any direction. The chairs were specifically chosen to not only fit the overall look and feel of the room, but also to not obstruct the view from the kitchen area.”
Other special features. “Forty-four thousand pounds of the barn’s original timber framing was carefully dismantled and shipped via train from Michigan to Cottonwood, California, where the architect, builder and I all met to hand-select the best pieces,” Geresy says. “Each timber beam location was carefully selected, including which side of every timber would be on display throughout the kitchen and home. Other than the stunning beams, our eyes are drawn to the Carrara marble tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern.”
The countertops are concrete-look quartz. The cabinets are painted in Clay Beige by Benjamin Moore.
Shop for kitchen bar stools and counter stools
Designer: Katie Geresy and team at KTG Design
Builder: Mt. Lincoln Construction
Architect: Marsden Architects
Location: Donner Lake in Truckee, California
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners had a family farm in Hubbardston, Michigan, which featured a historic barn originally constructed around 1870,” says designer Katie Geresy, who used Houzz ideabooks to coordinate design ideas with her clients. “The land and barn had been in the family since it was acquired by a great-grandfather in 1896.
“When it came time to sell the farm, the owners wanted to find a way to make sure the barn lived on within their family, and had the idea to repurpose the historic structure into a new retreat home on Donner Lake in Truckee, California. Nestled on a slight slope, the home is now perfectly positioned to maximize the scenic views of Donner Lake, Donner Summit and the surrounding mountain ranges.”
Island seating. “The original floor plans had this designed as any other island with bar stool seating and undercounter storage,” Geresy says. “After finishing the design of the rest of the kitchen, great room and art nook, it was clear that the island needed to feature a much more open concept and needed to encompass the same type of historic and rustic wood found throughout the rest of the home. The original design was scrapped and a custom piece of furniture was used instead.
“Due to the home’s modest size, this island needed to double as a dining room table. The table was designed to be mobile and functional, and the owners and their children can move the island and chairs around to maximize the views of Donner Lake from any direction. The chairs were specifically chosen to not only fit the overall look and feel of the room, but also to not obstruct the view from the kitchen area.”
Other special features. “Forty-four thousand pounds of the barn’s original timber framing was carefully dismantled and shipped via train from Michigan to Cottonwood, California, where the architect, builder and I all met to hand-select the best pieces,” Geresy says. “Each timber beam location was carefully selected, including which side of every timber would be on display throughout the kitchen and home. Other than the stunning beams, our eyes are drawn to the Carrara marble tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern.”
The countertops are concrete-look quartz. The cabinets are painted in Clay Beige by Benjamin Moore.
Shop for kitchen bar stools and counter stools
3. Corner Conversation
Designer: Amanda Raymond of Studio Sage Interiors
Location: Sunapee, New Hampshire
Size: 325 square feet (30 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “At the top of their wish list was a well-designed kitchen, both aesthetically and functionally,” designer Amanda Raymond says. “State-of-the-art appliances were selected based on the client’s functional requirements, and the optimal layout was tailored to family dinners and occasional entertaining.”
Island seating. “At the heart of the existing kitchen was a large and highly utilized island, and keeping this was a high priority,” Raymond says. “With adjacency to the neighboring sitting and TV room, this island was key for entertaining friends and family. At a generous approximate dimension of 36 by 86 inches, there is enough space on this island for both work and play.” An overhang on the island end allows for a corner conversation area.
Other special features. “Spice storage, silver dividers and a tall pantry storage ensured everything had its place,” Raymond says. “Sherwin-Williams Indigo Batik seen on the island was carried through the home, allowing a visual connection throughout the home, while the bright white (Extra White by Sherwin-Williams) perimeter cabinets created lightness and dramatic contrast. Brass hardware and decorative lighting gave the space a hint of understated glamour while pulling the warm tones found in the lattice of veining in the Cambria quartz countertop. And it’s hard not to notice the dramatic impact of the large ceramic three-dimensional hexagon tiles that highlight the range wall. Companion subway tiles created continuity throughout the expansive kitchen.”
Designer tip. “Keep it light,” Raymond says. “In spaces where natural light is limited, lighten up your color scheme to make the space feel bright.”
Island lighting: Somerset pendants in Heritage Brass, Hinkley
Designer: Amanda Raymond of Studio Sage Interiors
Location: Sunapee, New Hampshire
Size: 325 square feet (30 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “At the top of their wish list was a well-designed kitchen, both aesthetically and functionally,” designer Amanda Raymond says. “State-of-the-art appliances were selected based on the client’s functional requirements, and the optimal layout was tailored to family dinners and occasional entertaining.”
Island seating. “At the heart of the existing kitchen was a large and highly utilized island, and keeping this was a high priority,” Raymond says. “With adjacency to the neighboring sitting and TV room, this island was key for entertaining friends and family. At a generous approximate dimension of 36 by 86 inches, there is enough space on this island for both work and play.” An overhang on the island end allows for a corner conversation area.
Other special features. “Spice storage, silver dividers and a tall pantry storage ensured everything had its place,” Raymond says. “Sherwin-Williams Indigo Batik seen on the island was carried through the home, allowing a visual connection throughout the home, while the bright white (Extra White by Sherwin-Williams) perimeter cabinets created lightness and dramatic contrast. Brass hardware and decorative lighting gave the space a hint of understated glamour while pulling the warm tones found in the lattice of veining in the Cambria quartz countertop. And it’s hard not to notice the dramatic impact of the large ceramic three-dimensional hexagon tiles that highlight the range wall. Companion subway tiles created continuity throughout the expansive kitchen.”
Designer tip. “Keep it light,” Raymond says. “In spaces where natural light is limited, lighten up your color scheme to make the space feel bright.”
Island lighting: Somerset pendants in Heritage Brass, Hinkley
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4. Low and Sociable
Designer: Virginia Betty of Betty + Co Design and Consulting
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Size: 255 square feet (24 square meters); 15 by 17 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was a complete gut remodel project down to the studs, so the kitchen was transformed from an enclosed corner kitchen in the back of the house to an open-concept kitchen with a long wall of cabinets and an island,” designer Virginia Betty says.
Island seating. “The homeowners didn’t want a dining room but wanted to incorporate dining seating at the island,” Betty says. “The couple had no children, so they wanted the island to wrap around the corner so they could sit together, and they wanted room enough to entertain friends. Their concept was a sushi bar with the island seating at dining table height. The clients originally wanted to find a live-edge wood piece for the dining table portion of the island, but the cabinetmaker ended up fabricating a more refined piece to match the light wood shelves.”
Other special features. “In searching for black-and-white tile for the master bathroom, we found the backsplash tile from Ann Sacks’ Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s Eastern Promise collection,” Betty says.
The countertops are a gray concrete-look quartz.
Designer tip. “We applied contrasting wood species for the vertical and horizontal elements,” Betty says. “The vertical cabinets are a darker wood, while the horizontal shelves and island seating are a light natural wood.”
10 Ways to Dress Up Your Kitchen Island
Designer: Virginia Betty of Betty + Co Design and Consulting
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Size: 255 square feet (24 square meters); 15 by 17 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was a complete gut remodel project down to the studs, so the kitchen was transformed from an enclosed corner kitchen in the back of the house to an open-concept kitchen with a long wall of cabinets and an island,” designer Virginia Betty says.
Island seating. “The homeowners didn’t want a dining room but wanted to incorporate dining seating at the island,” Betty says. “The couple had no children, so they wanted the island to wrap around the corner so they could sit together, and they wanted room enough to entertain friends. Their concept was a sushi bar with the island seating at dining table height. The clients originally wanted to find a live-edge wood piece for the dining table portion of the island, but the cabinetmaker ended up fabricating a more refined piece to match the light wood shelves.”
Other special features. “In searching for black-and-white tile for the master bathroom, we found the backsplash tile from Ann Sacks’ Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s Eastern Promise collection,” Betty says.
The countertops are a gray concrete-look quartz.
Designer tip. “We applied contrasting wood species for the vertical and horizontal elements,” Betty says. “The vertical cabinets are a darker wood, while the horizontal shelves and island seating are a light natural wood.”
10 Ways to Dress Up Your Kitchen Island
5. Style for Six
Designer: Mindy VanderVen of Foster Custom Kitchens
General contractor: Bob Steurer Builder
Location: Ithaca, New York
Size: 340 square feet (32 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a clean-lined and modern-looking kitchen,” designer Mindy VanderVen says. “They envisioned state-of-the-art appliances and a large island that would allow for entertaining and casual dining with friends and family.”
Island seating. “Conversation was key among the people seated at the island, so facing toward one another was important,” VanderVen says. “One way that the design ensured this was keeping the ‘working’ function to the far end of the island. This allowed ample seating for six on three sides.”
Other special features. Frameless cherry veneer cabinets with continuous horizontal graining from cabinet to cabinet. Gray glass elongated hexagonal backsplash tile. The countertops are quartz (Bentley for the island and Queen Anne for the perimeter, both by Cambria). The flooring is 12-by-24-inch glazed porcelain tile that mimics the look of travertine stone.
Designer tip. “One of the details I enjoy working in when possible is the relationship between the countertop and the new window,” VanderVen says. “Because we were adding a new large window, we were able to dial in the heights so that the countertop could extend to the window, leaving a clean expanse of countertop behind the sink for plants and further connection to the outside spaces.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “No project is without its little hiccups,” VanderVen says. “Once we finally had the appliances installed, the relationship between the front of the fridge and the side panels was not as the client expected. This can be a little tricky from an installation point of view. It turned out that the panels had already been cut and scribed to the wall. In order to remedy the situation and to allow for the fridge to sit completely flush, it meant two new, deeper side panels were necessary. Luckily, given our linear-grain matching from cabinet to cabinet was a nonissue with the side panels, we were able to turn out some new fridge panels quickly and keep the project moving forward.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Designer: Mindy VanderVen of Foster Custom Kitchens
General contractor: Bob Steurer Builder
Location: Ithaca, New York
Size: 340 square feet (32 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a clean-lined and modern-looking kitchen,” designer Mindy VanderVen says. “They envisioned state-of-the-art appliances and a large island that would allow for entertaining and casual dining with friends and family.”
Island seating. “Conversation was key among the people seated at the island, so facing toward one another was important,” VanderVen says. “One way that the design ensured this was keeping the ‘working’ function to the far end of the island. This allowed ample seating for six on three sides.”
Other special features. Frameless cherry veneer cabinets with continuous horizontal graining from cabinet to cabinet. Gray glass elongated hexagonal backsplash tile. The countertops are quartz (Bentley for the island and Queen Anne for the perimeter, both by Cambria). The flooring is 12-by-24-inch glazed porcelain tile that mimics the look of travertine stone.
Designer tip. “One of the details I enjoy working in when possible is the relationship between the countertop and the new window,” VanderVen says. “Because we were adding a new large window, we were able to dial in the heights so that the countertop could extend to the window, leaving a clean expanse of countertop behind the sink for plants and further connection to the outside spaces.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “No project is without its little hiccups,” VanderVen says. “Once we finally had the appliances installed, the relationship between the front of the fridge and the side panels was not as the client expected. This can be a little tricky from an installation point of view. It turned out that the panels had already been cut and scribed to the wall. In order to remedy the situation and to allow for the fridge to sit completely flush, it meant two new, deeper side panels were necessary. Luckily, given our linear-grain matching from cabinet to cabinet was a nonissue with the side panels, we were able to turn out some new fridge panels quickly and keep the project moving forward.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
6. Three-Sided Hangout
Builder: James Kennedy of Legacy Custom Builders
Location: Covington, Kentucky
Size: 238 square feet (22 square meters); 14 by 17 feet
Homeowners’ request. This was part of a major restoration of an 1850 Italianate home.
Island seating. The owners wanted a kitchen with an island that could entertain a crowd. “They are huge entertainers and wanted a kitchen and island that would make for a great place to hang out,” builder James Kennedy says. A slightly lowered portion of the island extends off the main portion to create a sociable area to gather around. The countertops are porcelain.
Other special features. The backsplash and perimeter countertops are the same porcelain slabs used for the island. A black refrigerator cabinet, island base, range hood and upper cabinets add drama and contrast.
Designer tip. “We featured the darker wood from the island and hood on several of the wall cabinet doors,” Kennedy says. “This is the first time we have done a kitchen with this type of door feature and have had several other clients ask for it after seeing pictures of this project.”
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Builder: James Kennedy of Legacy Custom Builders
Location: Covington, Kentucky
Size: 238 square feet (22 square meters); 14 by 17 feet
Homeowners’ request. This was part of a major restoration of an 1850 Italianate home.
Island seating. The owners wanted a kitchen with an island that could entertain a crowd. “They are huge entertainers and wanted a kitchen and island that would make for a great place to hang out,” builder James Kennedy says. A slightly lowered portion of the island extends off the main portion to create a sociable area to gather around. The countertops are porcelain.
Other special features. The backsplash and perimeter countertops are the same porcelain slabs used for the island. A black refrigerator cabinet, island base, range hood and upper cabinets add drama and contrast.
Designer tip. “We featured the darker wood from the island and hood on several of the wall cabinet doors,” Kennedy says. “This is the first time we have done a kitchen with this type of door feature and have had several other clients ask for it after seeing pictures of this project.”
More on Houzz
Read more kitchen stories
Browse kitchen photos
Hire a kitchen remodeler
Shop for kitchen products
Designer and general contractor: Valerie Helgeson of Design Directions
Location: Oklahoma City
Size: 156 square feet (14 square meters); 12 by 13 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The living, dining room and kitchen in this 1920s bungalow were all three separate rooms,” says designer Valerie Helgeson, whose client found her on Houzz. “The homeowners wanted to be able to see and interact with their family while in the kitchen and wanted to add seating.”
Island seating. “The kitchen’s width was just enough to allow for a center island, but there was only just enough room at one end of the island for a couple of stools,” Helgeson says. “The curved end of the island makes it easier to pull up those stools and allows for a little more elbow room.”
Other special features. “The Dutch door is my favorite feature in this kitchen,” Helgeson says. “It was a regular door we found in stock and our supremely talented carpenters turned it into a Dutch door. The brick vent stack (partially seen on the left) is original to the home. We didn’t have to keep it, but I like the story it tells of this old house, plus I like the color and texture that it brings to the kitchen.”
The flooring is engineered European white oak. The countertops are quartz. The range hood, island and shelves are all rift-sawn white oak. The backsplash is a 5-by-5-inch tile that looks handmade. The green cabinets are a custom color similar to Peale Green by Benjamin Moore.
Designer tip. “I love pairing wood cabinets with painted cabinets,” Helgeson says. “It brings so much warmth to a kitchen and just feels organic. A wet bar, coffee nook or island is the perfect opportunity to use a different finish than the perimeter cabinets.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The kitchen window was original to the home,” Helgeson says. “When we built the new cabinets next to it, which of course were square and plumb, it revealed that the kitchen window was most definitely not. It was so crooked it looked like something from a fun house. We had to do a bit of work to straighten the window up.”
Backsplash tile: Cloe, 5 by 5 inches, Bedrosians Tile and Stone
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