Is an island on your wishlist? We look at how you can design yours to ensure it enhances not only the look but also the practicality factor of your kitchen…

Usually the focal point of the space, and a key divider between the cooking zone and entertaining areas, the kitchen island needs to look good as well as provide valuable workspace.

“The island should work in tandem with the main kitchen run, without needing to ask people to move out of the way constantly – at least a metre’s clearance around the perimeter is essential,” Alex Main, director of The Main Company tells KBB journo Charlotte Luxford.

Where to start

The design of the kitchen island itself will be determined by what you intend to use it for – if it’s predominantly for socialising, it may be best to use the worktop for food preparation, instead, and only include appliances such as a wine fridge, integrated cooler or ice bucket, warming drawers and perhaps a small sink for guests to wash hands.

You may want a more freestanding design such as a cook’s table for a more informal look, or a bespoke-shaped island to best fit your space, such as an L-shape with banquette seating and dining table built in.

In more compact or open-plan spaces, an island on wheels would provide the flexibility to move it to the side when entertaining or use it as a serving station next to the dining table.

Storage on the back of the kitchen island is ideal for keeping your crockery and cutlery and, if it’s adjacent to the dining area, it makes it easier to set the table.

Seating or no seating?

Seating around the island is a great idea – it encourages socialising and keeps guests out of the cooking zone – but don’t fall into the trap of simply adding a long line of bar stools to the back.

While it looks neat, Charles Elwell, design director at Kitchens by Holloways, points out it’s better to have seating around a corner at one end of the island (ideally towards the lighter or garden end) as it’s easier for conversing and is more likely to get used for weekday suppers and breakfast.

Make it multi-functional

If you’ve got your heart set on having your hob on the island, ensure the depth of the island is sufficient to keep guests at a safe distance.

Plus, good extraction is absolutely essential to eliminate smells and smoke – a discreet integrated downdraft extractor is ideal.

“Considered feature lighting also helps add to the drama, traditionally with pendants or with some subtle LED strip lights in a seating recess or above the plinths – not too much, or it’ll end up looking like Blackpool!” says Tom Edmonds, design director at Lewis Alderson.

Enjoyed this post? Click here for tips on designing your kitchen cooking zone

About Post Author