Kitchen archipelago: multiple islands for multifunction kitchens

Custom Home, March, 2003 by Shelley D. Hutchins

When clients clamor for open kitchens connected to other social areas, custom home pros must find a way to eradicate barriers while providing enough storage and unimpeded traffic patterns. Many designers turn to multiple islands for a solution. "When you eliminate walls, you're left with base cabinets and countertops," says Stewart Davis. The Austin, Texas-based architect explains that a kitchen's old walls can easily give way to perimeter islands where family and guests can hang out without obstructing work spaces.

Davis used interior islands as durable, storage-filled spots for prepping, cooking, and cleaning in this remodeled Austin kitchen. The walls of the original 9-by-10-foot kitchen came down, and the first-floor ceiling was bumped up above the rafters to increase volume and light. The homeowner wanted a clutter-free kitchen since it's always in view, and the islands' pecky pecan cabinetry helps keep things tidy. Davis speced maple butcher block for the hardworking interior island. Polished Texas pink granite tops the island that separates the kitchen and family room. Now, the entirely renovated home thrives around its sparkling 250-square-foot kitchen.

Interior designer Kate Darche wanted a kitchen in her Indiantown Island, Maine, summer home where she could cook and socialize. Two islands zoned for specific uses let her work in the midst of gatherings large and small. The first island, near the mud room, features a butcher-block counter and small sink. Groceries are dropped off here next to the refrigerator, and vegetables are left on the counter for immediate washing. The back island is cleanup central; underneath its slate counter are a dishwasher, trash/recycle bins, and storage for paper products. Closest to the dining room, this island is within easy reach of the china hutch.

TOP PHOTO: Builder: Boothbay Home Builders, Boothbay, Maine; Architect: John Silverio, Architect, Lincolnville, Maine; Interior designer: Darche Designs, Spring Lake, N.J.; Cabinetmaker: Knickerbocker, Boothbay; Photographer: Brian Vanden Brink. Resources: Lighting: Arroyo, Circle 452; Paint: Ralph Lauren, Circle 453. * BOTTOM PHOTOS: Builder/architect: CG&S Design Build, Austin, Texas; Photographer: Paul Bardagjy.