When it comes to kitchen islands, many people have strong opinions. Some think the feature is unnecessary. Others find it crucial for cooking. But the various types of kitchen islands tend to get overlooked in the for-or-against debate. During the latest episode of Christina on the Coast, Christina Hall’s client requested a kitchen island type that isn’t very common or often discussed: a T-shaped island.
For her client’s custom Tudor home located in San Clementine, California, Hall suggested adding a big island to their kitchen to replace their current bar and dining table setup. One of the homeowners asked, “What about a T-shaped island?”
A t-shaped island designed by Greenbrook Design
If you’re not familiar with T-shaped kitchen islands, picture connecting a dining table to a regular kitchen island to create a T-shape as the name suggests. The version above, for example, was designed by Greenbrook Design in Shelby, North Carolina, and crafted by Walker Woodworking.
When her clients suggested the idea, Hall, always game to try something new, responded, “I’ve never actually done one, but I’m sure we can make that happen.” Spoiler alert: She was could and she did.
For the custom T-shaped island, Hall and her design partner James Bender selected a soothing blue paint for the base that’s reminiscent of the ocean. They paired it with a sleek gray countertop. Upon seeing most of the island installed, Hall noted that the T-shape is actually quite practical, as it offers lots of options. In this particular kitchen, the horizontal top of the island, which is located directly across from the range, has a built-in sink and offers ample room for meal prepping, while the vertical portion of the island acts as a kitchen table that seats four.
Of course, you need a sizable kitchen for this idea to fit you to a T. But in this case, the setup is well-suited to the space, allowing the homeowners to enjoy the indoors while taking in the sweeping ocean views beyond.
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Associate Editor
Kelly Allen is the current Associate Editor at House Beautiful, where she covers design, pop culture, and travel for digital and the print magazine. She’s been with the team for nearly three years, attending industry events and covering a range of topics. When she’s not watching every new TV show and movie, she’s browsing vintage home stores, admiring hotel interiors, and wandering around New York City. She previously worked for Delish and Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
