Multiple configurations abound, and with enough time and imagination, you’ll find just the perfect set-up to make your kitchen the one that everyone will remember. One secret to effective island seating arrangement is to remember to leave 32 inches behind diners (to pull chairs in or out) and 15 inches on each side between diners for elbow room. One downside is that you cut into your kitchen workspace. In the case of this featured kitchen island, its only work functions are as a general food prep area—leaving much room for dining. It’s an island with an overhang, the traditional way to create a dining table and free up plenty of room for eating. It can be space enough for a friend to chat with you as you cook. This design by Mindy Gayer is small and compact, keeping the chairs out of sight when not being used—yet is an ideal space for a couple of people. With this dual-level kitchen island, the dining space is clearly delineated from the prep area. This is a very dependable and serviceable design from D Burns Interiors, which is built into the wall framework yet isn’t impeded in any way.
