8 WAYS TO PLAN A KITCHEN ISLAND
Whether you want storage, counter space or extra seating, here are eight ways to plan a kitchen island
These hardworking features perform endless roles, encompassing everything from food prep and cooking space, to coffee bar, storage saviour and room divider. When planning yours, give careful thought to your particular needs to make sure it’s as efficient as possible – as well as being an eyecatching centrepiece.
1 MIX AND MATCH
A kitchen island doesn’t have to match the rest of your cabinetry – different colours and materials add interest and demarcate separate purposes. Different-sized drawers offer versatile storage. Keep often-used items such as cutlery within easy reach and ideally not in drawers beneath cooking areas. Try Kitchen Makers for built-in storage ideas.
2 SPLIT LEVEL
Perching atop a bar stool isn’t the only option for eating at an island. Dropping a countertop can give you the best of both worlds, providing a comfortable dining area without compromising on floor space. Harvey Jones Kitchens offers similar multi-level islands.
3 MAKE A DISPLAY
Open shelving can act as a showcase for treasured possessions or a place to keep cookbooks close at hand, while closed cabinetry offers the benefit of concealing clutter. Having trouble deciding? This design features both. Tom Howley offers similar kitchen-island storage solutions.
4 SMOOTH FINISH
The wraparound surface of a waterfall island provides a seamless, sculptural look that’s well suited to contemporary kitchens. Luxury materials such as marble and quartz are often used, but more affordable options such as stainless steel or wood can also look stunning. Caesarstone offers a wide range of quartz worktops, or try Franke for durable stainless steel.
5 COLOUR SPLASH
Want to inject personality into a minimalist kitchen? Go bright. This island is the undeniable focal point of this room, adding a joyful dash of colour to an otherwise pared-back scheme of white walls and navy-blue cabinetry. Magnet offers similar handleless kitchen designs.
6 MAKE LIGHT WORK
While your island should be well lit for cooking and food prep, a softer glow might be more appealing for cosy suppers. Opt for dimmable lighting and all bases are covered. Pendants always look smart – especially grouped in odd numbers. Find similar copper designs at Pooky.
7 PRACTICAL AND PERFECT
The kitchen island we all dream of is one that performs efficiently and looks good. This one ticks all the boxes, with two sinks and plenty of worksurface to streamline cooking prep, while tableware is stored in the cupboards on the opposite side, making it easily accessible for dining. For a similar modern design, try Rational Kitchens.
8 BREAKFAST BAR
Even a relatively small kitchen can house an island. In an open-plan space, go for a slimline breakfast bar that breaks up the room and creates different zones, including an area for socialising. If you’re tight on space, ensure you incorporate enough depth to tuck bar stools neatly away. Renters can achieve a similar effect with a freestanding breakfast bar, available from John Lewis & Partners and Ikea.
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The kitchen island we all DREAM OF is one that performs EFFICIENTLY and LOOKS good