Sometimes as an interior designer, your client will ask for something you really don’t love, but as this project goes to show, if it works for them and they love it, you have to let them have their dream! Such was the case with this whole house renovation managed by Gaylene Drew, whose clients specifically wanted not one but two island benches.

“From the start, the client mentioned it as something they’d really love, but to be honest, I wasn’t completely sold at first,” she explains. “I struggled to see how it would work in the space. They had such a large home with plenty of room for a stunning kitchen and walk-in pantry, and initially, I thought keeping the shaded outdoor dining area might be a better choice.
“I started with a more traditional kitchen design that kept the wall in place, but it quickly became clear that the double island was non-negotiable for them. So, we worked together to refine the layout, focusing on creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
“The standout feature for this was the large bifold doors along the wall parallel to the islands. When opened, they blur the line between inside and out, with the islands acting as a hub for entertaining. One island is purely for storage and socialising, while the other includes a small sink, stove, bins, and additional storage. This setup allows the islands to double as a serving area for the outdoor dining and pool space. Guests can sit at the expansive fixture-free island, enjoying a drink or chatting with the cook.”
To tie it all together, Gaylene made sure the two islands felt cohesive but not identical. Both feature 40mm stone tops and timber-look laminate finishes, but they have small differences to give them character. The rear island has a stone facade in front of the stove and a small overhang, while the timber laminate wraps around the corners and along both ends. That same finish carries through to the breakfast bar on the other island, creating a seamless flow. “Both islands also have a dramatic waterfall end, making them a stunning focal point.”
The kitchen was part of a whole house reno for a mature aged couple in Coral Cove, Bangara, QLD. “Previously, the property was dated and dark,” says Gaylene. “Nothing had been changed since the home was built in the 70s. The biggest difference really came down to rethinking the layout. By getting rid of awkward angles and those wasted spaces, I opened everything up and created a home that feels lighter, more spacious, and way more functional. We kept things modern and bold with sleek finishes and a masculine vibe, but I also made sure to balance it out with a few softer, more feminine touches.”
Gaylene adds: “The once dark and awkward ensuite and walk-in robe were redesigned to provide more storage for both owners while adding a sense of luxury to the ensuite. Additionally, the oversized office was reimagined as a versatile media room, which could easily be converted into a bedroom when the property is sold, along with a new mudroom tailored for the golfing enthusiast in the home.”
Suppliers:
- Joinery – Custom Built Furnishers
- Builder – Patrick Steindl
- Stone – Caesarstoone -Georgian Bluffs & WK stone – Quantum Quartz (prior to the engineered stone ban)
- Joinery finishes – Polytec
- Batten features – DecoWood
- Handles – Momo Handles
- Paint Colours – Dulux Raku & Silver Tea Set.
Photography: Samantha Antonello, Studio Serra
Comments
This is such a unique design choice! While two islands might not be for everyone, it’s amazing to see how customized spaces can reflect a client’s vision and lifestyle. If it works for them and makes their kitchen functional and enjoyable, that’s what truly matters. Great job bringing their dream to life!
Super slim lines but I cannot see a cook top! Did I miss it?