20 Double Island Kitchens We're Adding to Our Dream Home (2024)

Room Design

Kitchen Design

• 01 of 20

  Try This Common Double Island Setup

  

  These double islands are positioned parallel to each other, but just one features seating. This makes it easy for the other island to be used as a serving station when guests come by—everyone can assemble their own plate and then sit together to eat across the room.

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• 02 of 20

  Go for Geometric Detailing

  

  Small, artful details will go a long way in adding personality to your double islands. Here, geometric detailing on each side of these islands adds luxe decorative flair.

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• 03 of 20

  Allow for Maximal Storage Solutions

  

  Just because one of your islands features seating doesn't mean you have to forgo storage. These islands each feature plenty of drawers and cabinets, allowing for optimal kitchen organization. Designate one island for kitchenware and the other for dinnerware to make cooking and setting up the table easier.

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• 04 of 20

  Mix and Match Materials as You Wish

  

  There are many ways to mix materials when designing your islands. Here, wood and marble combine together nicely to result in a modern farmhouse look, which is enhanced by the addition of black metal pendant lights.

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• 05 of 20

  Select Textural Bar Stools

  

  Another way to add textural interest and new materials into your kitchen is through your bar stools. These woven ones have a coastal flair to them, which pairs nicely with the soft blue walls.

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• 06 of 20

  Be Sure to Brighten Up Your Space

  

  Don't forget to install plenty of lighting in your kitchen for both functional and aesthetic purposes; after all, you'll find yourself prepping meals late at night or in the morning.

  To ensure your kitchen is plenty bright, opt for additional overhead fixtures. You can hang pendants or chandeliers above each island or place them in the middle, as seen in this instance.

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• 07 of 20

  Place Your Islands Side by Side

  

  Double islands aren't always located across from each other, sometimes they're placed side by side. This arrangement is slightly less common but is still just as functional. Neither of these particular islands feature seating, but you could certainly incorporate bar stools in this instance, too.

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• 08 of 20

  Enjoy Two Distinct Styles of Island

  

  Your two islands don't need to be the same, either. Take advantage of the opportunity to experiment with two different styles, if you wish.

  Here, we see a darker, moody-colored island as well as one constructed from light, natural wood. Both complement the kitchen's white walls and forest green cabinets beautifully, resulting in a stylish, cohesive look.

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• 09 of 20

  Embrace Subtle Differences

  

  In this kitchen, the two islands are similar but not completely identical. One island is solely constructed out of marble, while the other features a softwood base that corresponds with the cabinetry.

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• 10 of 20

  Enjoy Both Form and Function

  

  When you have two islands, you can style one so that it serves a more decorative purpose while keeping the other primarily functional and sparse. Doing so may result in the best of both worlds.

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• 11 of 20

  Try This Entertaining Ready Setup

  

  This type of island arrangement is ideal for entertaining; guests can easily interact with the host while they are making last minute food preparations, but they aren't immediately in the way of the sink or oven area.

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• 12 of 20

  Add Bar Stools to Both Islands

  

  This is a case in which both of the islands in the kitchen feature seating. A setup like this one is excellent for large families who enjoy eating together in a more casual setting.

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• 13 of 20

  Replicate This Luxe Look

  

  This luxe-looking kitchen features ornate detailing and a set of matching islands, which are complete replicas of each other. The identical islands and matching color palette result in a cohesive look.

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• 14 of 20

  Choose a Curved Design for Comfortable Seating

  

  Think about how you can best design your island to suit your everyday needs. Here, the island with seating is subtly curved in shape, making it easier for multiple family members to sit down comfortably without being squeezed together.

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• 15 of 20

  Opt for an Industrial Look

  

  For a modern, industrial look, introduce islands with thick legs to the kitchen; they'll make a bold impact. Industrial-style pendant lights hung above each island help to cement the design.

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• 16 of 20

  Designate a Larger Island as a Serving Station

  

  In this kitchen, the secondary island is almost twice the size of the one containing the sink, making it an ideal serving station during gatherings. The contrast between the marble and sleek wood creates a dynamic look.

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• 17 of 20

  Create a Gathering Space for Several Guests

  

  If the shape of your island allows, you can place additional bar stools around the sides, too. Here, seven people can sit comfortably around the same large island so everyone can feel included during dinner conversations.

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• 18 of 20

  Infuse Warm Tones Into the Kitchen

  

  Don't shy away from decorating with warm tones. The wood paneling on the side of each of these islands warms up this all white kitchen and brings some welcoming contrast to the space.

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• 19 of 20

  Make It Symmetrical

  

  Symmetry is the name of the game in this neutral kitchen. The setup is ideal for those who appreciate a streamlined look.

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• 20 of 20

  Let Your Islands Double as Work Stations

  

  These islands could easily double as functional home office or study spots, given that they each contain chairs that do not face each other.