A MULTI-PURPOSE ISLAND

There are no rules to an island’s features, but it should fit well in your space

Today’s kitchen is where we live, dine and socialise. Along with its increased importance comes growing scale, hence the arrival of the island, the central feature of many beautiful kitchens.

A multi height kitchen island with a cantilever (a rigid structural element that extends horizontally and is supported at only one end) is useful for combining food preparation with an informal dining space. With one side devoted to cooking, the other to eating, the cantilevered island defines the working zone.

An island offers storage, as well as room for sinks, bins and built-in hobs, as well as seating and wine fridges.

Floor-to-ceiling units offer plenty of storage, while reeded glass fronts soften the look. A sleek hob is inset into the island. Kitchen, appliances and worktops, price on request, Roundhouse. Units painted in Studio Green estate eggshell, £67 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

A bold wallpaper mural anchors this space, while two sleek armchairs provide an informal seating area for friends and family. Amazon High wallpaper, €249 a roll, Isidore Leroy. Interior design, Stephanie Rackind