If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the kitchen island is the soul. Even in the most extravagant kitchens, the island is a focal point that brings thedesign together. Kitchen islands have come a long way from just adding extra counter space. They are multi-use elements that provide seating, create storage space for appliances, or house a secondary sink. Now more than ever, kitchen islands are being designed larger to give the users even more function. Furthermore, including a second island has become a popular option, allowing users to have dedicated workspaces and areas for entertainment. Expanding and adding islands leans into the idea that more really is more in kitchen design.
Over the years, the kitchen island has evolved into a multifunctional centerpiece in a kitchen space. Designers have seen an uptick in requests for extra-large islands, making day-to-day tasks a breeze. According to Houzz, many have been requesting seven-foot or longer islands at a growing rate. Larger islands are reshaping how people experience their kitchen spaces by transforming them into hubs for living, working and playing. They provide much-needed space that addresses many needs around the home, including creating a communal area for seating and gathering, increasing the countertop real estate for food preparation, and adding storage capacity.
While extended islands are becoming more prevalent, so is a newer concept of including a second island in a kitchen design. The trend has been gaining traction for homeowners because it provides twice the space for all their kitchen needs. Celebrities like Kate Hudson and Martha Stewart have embraced the concept by implementing two kitchen islands to create separate zones for cooking and eating. The idea allows homeowners to address their specific needs for function and community within the home.
Vadara recently collaborated on a project with Jennifer Prock, the interior design and décor blogger behind Décor Gold Designs, where she included two islands in her kitchen.
Although integrating two islands was not originally a part of the design when she received the initial drawings, she realized there would be much more space in the kitchen than she had thought. She took advantage of the unanticipated square footage by adding a second island to the space. The design change added more storage and counter space to the kitchen, allowing Jennifer to have separate areas for cooking and entertaining guests.
Jennifer drew inspiration for her kitchen design from several important sources. One was the lake behind her home. The design includes many windows, highlighting this view while contributing natural light to the space. Another element that inspired her design was symmetry. Incorporating two islands helped achieve a balanced feel in the space. Most importantly, Jennifer wanted to create a highly functional space that embodied beauty and timelessness. She accomplished this by sourcing Vadara’s Amaranta for the primary countertops and Sunrise Vista for the islands in the kitchen design.
Jennifer spoke about her decision to use Vadara in her kitchen design, stating, “It is easy to see that Vadara quartz draws its inspiration from nature. Their designs are not only beautiful, but they are incredibly natural-looking as well.” Jennifer continued, “The durability of Vadara quartz, though, and the benefits of a scratch-resistant and stain-resistant surface were the deciding factors. The quality of Vadara is second to none”.
As new ways to include islands in kitchen designs emerge, it is evident this staple component is here to stay. Whether homeowners prefer a single oversized space or two dedicated areas, an upgraded island or islands could answer common pain points in kitchen design. Islands are crucial in homes with open floor plans because they become gathering spaces for the entire family, allowing them to partake in different activities in the same area, such as cooking, working, or casually hanging out. The extra space that islands provide for the small appliance storage or additional sinks contributes to less crowding in other parts of the kitchen. Islands are the centerpiece of a kitchen design and should celebrate their form and function.
