CUSTOMISE YOUR SPACE

A popular trend is incorporating a drop-down table or cantilevered ledge to create a designated dining area attached to the bench. “The look is very contemporary, and with more meals eaten in the kitchen, it’s incredibly practical,” says Stuart. If you have plenty of space to play with, an extension in a contrasting material can give a standard island wow-factor, like this kitchen by Henley (right). “We recently completed a project where we added a floating timber bar top to extend the bench width to accommodate stools,” explains Stuart. Great lighting can also transform a bland bench into a glittery isle (opposite). “Look to use a group of pendants overhead, which can provide a pop of colour or textural contrast, and place them at differing heights towards one end of the island,” suggests

Rex Hirst of Let’s Talk Kitchens. >