Providing additional storage, preparation space, and even seating, an island is the jewel in the crown of contemporary kitchens. As homeowners look to push design boundaries and think outside of the box, KBB journo Nicky Rampley-Clarke explores how sharp edges and hard lines are being replaced by softer shapes…
Hot on the heels of the trend for curvaceous furniture, curved islands have been taking centre stage in the kitchen, adding a softer aesthetic and more streamlined flow to spaces.
This semi-circular island seamlessly combines clean lines and dramatic curves to create something truly distinctive. The dark wood and Calacatta Luxe worksurface by Neolith complete the look. Kitchen by Trentini Design Studio.
Bolstering feelings of comfort and simplicity, the organic shapes of these islands enable you to move around them with ease without sharp corners to navigate – particularly useful in tight rooms or busy family schemes – while visually opening kitchens by taking up less floor space.
There are plenty of ways to customise a curved island to make yours truly unique, too. You can opt for a statement colour – powder-pink, mint green or mellow yellow, anyone? – an intricate finish such as fluting, or much-needed seating solutions.
This kitchen by Kate Feather, with surfaces by Caesarstone, combines a mint-green colourway with an on-trend fluted finish to give the curved island a stand-out look. Photography: Birgit Mons.
Apart from beautiful aesthetics, a curved island has many practical benefits, as well. “By carefully considering the design of your curved island, you can really use the space available to the fullest, optimising storage and creating a more usable and dynamic workspace that allows for smoother, easier movement and efficiency,” explains Nathan Kingsbury, creative director at Nathan Kingsbury Design. “They also offer a flexible and versatile option for kitchens, being able to accommodate various layouts and styles, from traditional to modern.”
When designing your curved island, make sure to consider all the elements you need in it, whether you need ample washing or preparation zones or love hosting and require extra seating spots.
Need inspiration? Scroll down to see just what’s possible…
Curved kitchen island ideas
This timeless curved kitchen island with oak panelling by Hetherington Newman oozes charm and sophistication.Love displaying kitchenalia and an island is top of your wishlist? A curved freestanding unit with open shelving could be the missing piece to your design. Kitchen by Wood Works Brighton and Clare Topham. Loud Architects opted for a curved fluted island with an angular worktop to create interest in this east London project. Talk about wow factor!London-based interior design studio Indie & Co has created an on-trend kitchen island with a fluted wood base and a veined marble worktop. Kitchen: West & Reid. Photography: Anna Stathaki.Complemented by flooring from Chaunceys Timber Flooring, this oak kitchen island proves you can add modern curves to a traditional material. We love how this design leans into the shape of the room and skylight above it. Photography: Leighton James.If you’ve got an ample kitchen, why not opt for an L-shaped island? Get inspired by this design by The Woodworks which maximises storage and preparation space. A simple barrel-style feature, like this design from the Newbridge collection by LochAnna Kitchens, with integrated oak chopping boards, is all that’s required to tap into the curved trend without going overboard.Curves on curves on curves. This ergonomic and contemporary space by Davonport combines a curved island with a matching breakfast bar. Plus, the central cylindrical column provides a focal point.This curved island from Roundhouse mixes contrasting materials such as stainless steel and wood to achieve a modern look. We also love the attention to detail in this design. Did you spot that the suspended shelving echoes the unit’s crescent shape? Clever. Photography: Mary Wadsworth.Fluting, terrazzo and curves – this kitchen by Sheraton Interiors ticks off so many stylish elements. The oval island, wrapped in flutes and topped with a speckled worktop, is a show-stopping centrepiece.This traditional Shaker-style island in a muted grey, from luxury British kitchen maker Tom Howley, features a contemporary twist with curves at either end. The dark red colour of the island against the chalk-white shade of the units accentuates its soft shape. New England kitchen by Symphony.
