An island kitchen is beautiful, functional, and blends form and function in a perfect manner. However, selecting the right island for your kitchen is essential to ensuring functionality. Among various kitchen island types, the double island kitchen is gaining momentum.
In today’s guide, we will discuss this unique island kitchen layout, & its multifaceted benefits. We will also share some design tips to help you plan a flawless double island kitchen.
What is a double island kitchen?
The double island kitchen layout is unique as it features two separate island units in the kitchen. One must understand that this layout requires a large amount of space to pan out. It will work great with open kitchen plans, and also with spacious kitchens.
In this layout the islands could be positioned parallelly, or the island units can be positioned side by side. Although parallel positioning is more common, one might also place them next to each other as per one’s requirement.
Both the islands could serve distinct purposes, and could be used for food prep, entertaining, storage, and even dining.
Now that we know what a double island kitchen is all about, let’s take a look at its benefits.
What are the benefits of a double island kitchen?
There are multiple benefits of a double kitchen island, let’s take a look at some of the key benefits here.
-
Boost functionality:
A significant benefit of a double island kitchen design is its functionality. The presence of double island units lets you plan a streamlined workflow in the kitchen.
You can use one island unit for the purpose of meal-prep and cooking, while the other can serve as the dinner table; you can also use one for storage and the other for socializing.
However, you must outfit each island unit accordingly with sink, kitchen chimney, storage units and accessories; plan the right lighting scheme for each island accordingly. It will enhance functionality.
-
Additional storage:
Additional storage is another benefit that you can expect if you are planning a double island kitchen in India. Add storage units to store large utensils, crockery that you do not use frequently, or even small appliance units.
However, the purpose of an island would determine what you are going to store in the cabinets drawers. For example, if you are going to use an island unit as your meal prep zone, then install pull-out shelves for storing kitchen tools and accessories, spice containers required for cooking.
-
Ideal for multiple cooks:
If you are planning a modular island kitchen for more than one cook, the double island can be a game-changer. Either both islands could be separate workstations, or, any one of them, leaving the other unit to be used for entertainment or dining purposes.
However, ensure that there is enough space left between workstations ensuring the cooks can move around without blocking anyone’s path.
-
Keeps the kitchen clutter-free:
One of the biggest benefits of having a double island kitchen is that your kitchen will always remain clutter-free. Each island will serve a distinct purpose; hence the workflow will be smooth. Even if you decide to create an entertainment zone, it will not create any blockage.
How to plan a double island kitchen? Here are the tips:
-
Leave enough space between islands:
Having two islands in the kitchen means you have to pay close attention to the spacing rules. There should be enough space between two islands, so that traffic can move around freely. You should also be able to switch between islands, and access any island without any obstruction. Furthermore, if you are going to use one of the islands for entertainment dining purposes, position chairs in a way that there is enough room between them.
-
Define the purpose:
If you are adding two units, you should define each unit’s purpose clearly. Are you going to use one as the meal-prep zone and the other as the dining zone? Identify the purpose of each island, and design accordingly.
-
Balance functionality and aesthetics:
While planning the double island kitchen design, you should balance functionality and aesthetics. There is no need for the islands to flaunt an identical design, let their distinct purposes define their design. Let the islands complement each other, and in doing so enhance the aesthetics of the kitchen interior.
-
Do not ignore the work triangle rule:
The double island kitchen design needs to be functional and accessible; hence you should implement the work triangle rule ensuring the islands are not blocking the workflow. You should be able to access all units without bumping into the islands.
Conclusion: The double island kitchen layout is efficient, and beautiful. However, paying attention to details and optimizing the available space is essential while planning this layout. Define your purpose before selecting kitchen islands, to ensure your kitchen transforms into a culinary haven.
