11 Sep Kitchen island design: Is your kitchen big enough for an island?
Top of many customers’ wishlists is a kitchen island. They are fabulous design centre pieces that help to zone an open-plan kitchen, create a sociable focal point, provide extra storage and worktop area, and, if designed with a breakfast bar, can also provide seating. This is a hard-working, multi-purpose piece of furniture in a kitchen, so it’s no surprise that they’re so popular, and we talk about them in most design consultations.
The big question remains: is your kitchen big enough for an island?
Because kitchen islands are so sought after for open-plan kitchen diners, we work hard to meet our customers’ wishlists. We design clever units that will fit the space, meet all their requirements, and take centre stage. However, not all kitchens can accommodate one, at least one that is a practical size.
For an island to feel like a truly practical addition to your kitchen, you need space around it on all sides to move about your kitchen and to open cupboard and appliance doors. Our recommendation is a minimum of 900mm gap between your island and other furniture in the kitchen so your workspace is not compromised.
When we look at a space and consider whether an island is the right design solution for a client, we take into account the obvious space you need to move around the kitchen, but we also take into account where the cupboard, oven, fridge and dishwasher doors open, and make sure you not only have room to open them but stand back to use the appliance with ease.
Yes, my kitchen is big enough for an island!
Great! Now we know you have the space for one, let’s have some fun designing it and making it both practical and a style statement.
We can design it any way you want it. How about a butcher’s block on one end and a breakfast bar on the other for a more classic style? Or a stunning waterfall edge for a sleek, contemporary style? Or we can give you a split-level island with a lower section for dining and working. We can create a sociable cooking zone or even a T-shape island with both casual dining and cooking zones. And let’s not forget what’s underneath: storage, wine fridges, and under-counter appliances. It’s all possible and will all be designed around your needs.
Make your island stand out from the rest of the kitchen by picking a different colour scheme and incorporating pendant lighting for instant impact.
Get inspired
If a traditionally styled kitchen and island is your dream, check out this beautiful in-frame kitchen by Rachael for a converted granary. How about a contemporary scheme with two islands at perpendicular angles? Then, take a look at this bold blue kitchen with a cooking zone and seating area.
My kitchen is not going to be big enough
Don’t worry; we have a few tricks up our sleeves if your kitchen is just a tad small or impractical for an island.
It’s not uncommon for an island to be an impractical choice; not all homes have big, expansive open-plan kitchen diners, but you don’t have to compromise on the open-plan feel, more worktop space or the casual dining area.
A great solution is a peninsula design. This serves the same purpose as a kitchen island, but because it extends out from a wall or unit, rather than being stand-alone, it is more practical in smaller kitchens. You don’t need to find your 900ml on all sides, which can make all the difference.
A peninsula will still offer you additional worktop space, seating with a breakfast bar if desired, and neatly create a divide in an open-plan space.
Get inspired
Check out this recent project featuring a clever peninsula design by Rachael for a small kitchen with an island high on the wishlist. This kitchen by Debbi shows how a peninsula really delivers everything you need in an open-plan scheme.
Ready to see what’s possible in your new kitchen?
Let’s get to work. Book a free design consultation by emailing info@kitchensbespoke.co.uk or by calling 01342 313 133. We’re open six days a week, and evening appointments are available on request.
Fire up your ideas and visit our Projects page for real kitchens in real homes.
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