Popular home renovation show “The Property Brothers” returned for its 14th season, bringing with it exciting new ideas on how to upgrade your home. We’ve seen some pretty out-there ideas on this realty program before, but Drew and Jonathan Scott proved that they could surprise us yet again with their episode “Island Getaway”. As part of the episode, the twins designed a home for a couple ready to start living in their own Las Vegas home.
The episode offered an unusual take on the traditional kitchen island. Rather than relying on one oversized island as the main focal point, the finished double island kitchen divided the available workspace between two separate islands.
For homeowners gathering design ideas for a home renovation or planning their own dream kitchen, the project is an interesting example of how a kitchen layout can be adapted to suit the people who will actually use the space.
Why Did the Property Brothers Use Two Kitchen Islands?
While the original plan for the kitchen was to have a standard island with seating, the couple were worried that they wouldn’t be able to reach the centre of the island for cleaning. As a result, the idea of two sister islands was born.
The HGTV duo shared their concerns about having two islands at first, saying that they were worried it would look like aisles at a supermarket. However, the design turned out a lot better than expected.
In this case, the second island wasn’t simply added for appearance. It addressed the homeowners’ concern about the practicality of one very large benchtop. Dividing the island into two also created parallel islands with space to move between them.
It’s a good reminder that a double island kitchen layout depends heavily on the dimensions of the room. Two islands naturally require enough space for people to move comfortably around them and access the surrounding cabinetry, seating and work areas.
How Did the Double Island Kitchen Turn Out?
HGTV viewers were surprised but inspired by the reveal. While some homeowners said that they wouldn’t have picked the two-island approach themselves, many agreed that the design really worked for the Las Vegas couple’s home.
The finished design demonstrates how a double island kitchen can provide additional counter space while creating separate areas that can serve different purposes.
However, that doesn’t mean two islands will suit every kitchen. The amount of available floor space, surrounding cabinetry and the position of kitchen appliances all need to be considered when planning the layout.
In a larger, open-plan living space, two islands can also become a prominent visual feature. Depending on the materials, cabinetry, lighting and finishes chosen, this type of layout can contribute to a sense of modern luxury without relying on one oversized centre island.
You can add open shelving, integrated storage, and well-positioned appliances. Ultimately, these choices should be based on how the household plans to cook, entertain and use the room rather than appearance alone.
If you’re planning your own dream home, explore more kitchen design ideas to find inspiration for balancing kitchen style with everyday functionality.
You can also browse our kitchen inspiration ideas for more ideas on creating a kitchen that works with your available space and lifestyle.
Planning Kitchen Appliances Around Your Layout
Whether you’re considering one island or two, appliance placement is another important part of the planning process.
Plan cooktops, ovens, and rangehoods around your cabinetry and counter space. Planning appliances early helps you allocate space for cooking, storage, and entertaining. If your home renovation includes replacing several appliances, our guide to buying a kitchen appliance package vs buying separately looks at some of the advantages and considerations of both approaches.
For homeowners considering a new cooktop as part of their kitchen design, our gas vs induction cooktops guide also explores the differences between these two popular cooking options.
Is a Double Island Kitchen Right for Your Home?
The Property Brothers’ two-island experiment shows how an unconventional idea can work when the layout and available space support it. In this Las Vegas home, splitting one oversized island into two addressed a practical concern while creating a distinctive focal point for the kitchen.
A double island kitchen won’t be the right choice for every home. It requires enough space to accommodate two islands while maintaining comfortable movement around the kitchen.
But for homeowners with a larger kitchen, the concept provides another layout worth considering. Parallel islands add counter space and create separate work areas.
Whether you’re planning a complete home renovation, gathering design ideas, or simply imagining your future dream kitchen, the key is to choose a layout that suits your available space, appliances and everyday needs.