Dark handleless island, white and graphite tall units

This design shows a confident way to split a kitchen into two parts. A long, dark island with a concrete-look handleless finish does all the work at the worktop: sink, preparation and an open shelf frame at one end for cookbooks and serving bowls. Behind it, a freestanding block of tall units in white and graphite holds two ovens side by side at eye level, the refrigerator and pantry. Glass globe pendants hang over the island and reflect the windows.

Because the tall block does not touch the walls, light from the windows reaches around it, and the island can be walked around on every side. That needs a generous room, with about 42–48 in of clear floor on each working side. A black open shelf system along the side wall carries glasses and objects, keeping wall cabinets out of the room entirely. The handleless island fronts open with recessed channels, so the long sides of the island stay clean lines when seen from the living area.

The herringbone parquet is what makes it feel like a home rather than a showroom. Warm oak underfoot balances the dark island and the cool tall units, a combination that works especially well in open-plan homes where the kitchen shares one floor with the living room.

Two ovens at eye level are worth considering if you bake or cook for a crowd; the integrated appliances page explains how we plan US appliances into the tall units. For the handleless details, see handleless kitchens and kitchen islands. We also offer German parquet if you want a similar herringbone floor — ask at your consultation, or start with the 3D configurator.