The Big Island
Now more than ever before, folks are entertaining at home, and most of that takes place—you guessed it—around the kitchen island. And island design has followed suit. Home owners are requesting longer, leaner islands with room to seat as many as eight or more, as well as more space around the perimeter to help accommodate a crowd. Photo by Woodhouse Home and Rich Frutchey 
Island Hopping
Many timber home owners are finding that when it comes to designing ample kitchen space, one island simply isn't enough. Dual islands with designated work zones and specialized storage areas are cropping up more and more, giving the kitchen ample surface space for multiple chefs to perform their culinary magic. Photo by Riverbend Timber Framing and Roger Wade 
Away From It All
An increasingly popular island-design trend is the "unfitted" look. Translation: The island looks like a piece of furniture, rather than a kitchen-cabinet component. Turned legs, a different counter surface and other furniture-style detailing can give the island this distinctive appearance, which is often accentuated by placing a colorful area rug beneath to soften the typically hard surface underfoot. Photo by Wellbron Cabinetry
Peaks and Valleys
Multiple-level islands are all the rage, and for good reason: They're great at hiding mealprep messes. Actually, the art of disguise isn't the only reason for a multilevel island. If designed effectively, you also can incorporate different surface materials, such as a marble top for rolling out pie dough, a butcher-block area for chopping veggies and a granitetopped space for placing hot pans. Varying heights and surfaces add function and dimension to your kitchen's design. Photo by Heidi Long
Island Fare
Eating at a kitchen island has become as common as cooking in the kitchen itself. Whether it's a meal on the go or an intimate, lingering dinner for two, with the right design, the island can be both a convenient and beautiful place to dine. Rule #1: To add sophistication to the island, lower an area of the counter to normal table height. Your dining-chair options will open up tremendously, and you'll have created a cozy nook to nosh. Photo by J.K. Lawrence
A Jagged Coastline
Nothing says the perimeter of your kitchen island has to be symmetrical. Have a little fun when it comes to the shape. Whether it's crescent shaped, wavy or completely indefinable, if it suits your taste (and fits your kitchen and your budget), go for it. Photo by Diamond Spas
Media Frenzy
Get the most from your island paradise—use the non-kitchen side as a media center. A television, stereo and all the accessories can fit comfortably within the confines of the cabinetry, and if you have small children, it's the perfect place to keep them entertained while they remain in view. Photo by Pine Ridge Timber Frame Homes and Janny Kowynia
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