Having a kitchen island types seems to be almost mandatory, at least in the design shows and magazines. Of course, most of them are dealing with optimal space and setup. Older kitchens and those with a tight layout may be unable to accommodate a kitchen island.
Island kitchens
Advantage
Disadvantage
- Increases counter space for small appliances and prep space.
- Offers additional storage for cooking utensils and specialty tools.
- Adds seating options with bar stools or dining chairs along one or more sides.
- Creates defined space in an open-concept home.
- Becomes the heart of the kitchen and where everyone spends their time.
- Disruption in room flow if the island interrupts the work triangle.
- Appliance placement problems because the island can be hard to vent and requires special wiring and plumbing.
- Budget problems if the island is too large or if the finishes are too costly.
- Space constrictions in tight kitchens.
Kitchen island types
Adding Prep sink
A kitchen island can be an ideal space to introduce useful features, especially where food prep and cooking are involved. While most designers stay away from adding a cooktop to an island, introducing a second sink works really well.
‘If room allows, a second prep sink can also look elegant on an island. I wouldn’t want my dirty dishes and dishwashing to be the main focal point of an island, but there is usually a special place for that in kitchens with butler’s pantries or dirty kitchens where the real dishwashing is done,
Adding Appeal & Bookshelf
Now more than ever we’re searching for ways to add a cozy touch to our homes, especially the kitchen. As these spaces become more than just a space to cook in, introducing decor and belongings that bring us joy is key to making kitchens feel as homey as other rooms.
One such way to do this is to introduce a bookshelf, and your kitchen island is the perfect place for it. whether you add shelving along one side of the island or utilize a cupboard as open shelving.
Split-Level Seating
As well as extra workspace, one of the top modern kitchen island types ideas right now is the addition of a dining table for a clever space-saving solution.
A decade ago, islands were generally only one height: either worktop height or a higher bar level. Now there is much more variation, with different levels for different functions.
We regularly integrate a table into the island for two main reasons: when a living space is more compact and there isn’t space for a separate dining table, or when clients actively want to eat close to the kitchen.
Hiding Outlets
A kitchen island types offers plenty of smart solutions for hiding the more unsightly features that are essential in a kitchen but can often be a bit of an eyesore. One such feature is outlets, which can easily be hidden within your island design.
Concealed outlets under the seating overhang are a must. This is a handy place to locate them – anyone sat around the island can charge their phone or laptop, and they’re still within close reach to plug in appliances. It also keeps the outlets out of sight, so you don’t have to worry about them ruining your scheme.
Read articles related to the kitchen here: Kitchen Shapes, Kitchen worktop
Statement Lightning
Kitchen island lighting can make all the difference – practically, you need good lighting to make the kitchen island useable, and stylistically, the lighting chosen can tie the scheme together. To put your kitchen island in the spotlight, opt for statement lighting in the form of pendant lights.
Characterful, statement lighting should enhance the drama in the kitchen – not steal the show. Iconic shapes with revered design heritage are likely to outlast trendy fittings while swerving standard pendant lineups in favor of off-set positioning is a simple move with impressive results as part of breakfast bar ideas.
L-shaped Island
Creating an L-shaped breakfast bar with your island can be a handy way of doubling the amount of kitchen island seating within the same kitchen island size and creating a sociable cooking space.
It also makes serving food and drinks easier, so this design is perfect for those who love to entertain. This design also works well for farmhouse kitchen island ideas, as it adds the sociability that defines this style of kitchen.
Double Islands
From a functional perspective, a kitchen island provides extra prep space, cutting down the footwork between key areas of the sink, cooker, and fridge in an open plan. It also provides a boundary between the work zone of the kitchen and the neighboring living zone, keeping children and guests from getting under your feet. It is increasingly a workspace, too.
The rise of the working kitchen reflects a repurposing of the traditional kitchen and an increased demand for multi-functional spaces.
Worktables offer added space and can include clever kitchen storage ideas to hide not only kitchen items but also office paraphernalia.
Open shelving
Kitchens are more than just spaces used for cooking and cleaning. And as we embrace these rooms as a place to relax and socialize, designers are looking to the kitchen island to add more decorative additions. Open shelving in a kitchen island is one such example, offering an extra space for displaying decor and aesthetic tableware.
Whether you display collected trinkets, stack your favorite cookbooks, or showcase your favorite ceramics, adding open shelving to a kitchen island instantly gives the scheme a more homely feel.
T-shaped Island
A T-shaped island can avoid one of the classic kitchen island mistakes of going too small in a large room and missing the opportunity to accommodate a host of activities at the heart of the room.
If you opt for this island layout, add a subtle contrast by choosing a different color and counter material for the seating area and the more practical island space. This creates clear zones within the space, without creating a divide.
To create the feeling of a dining table rather than a bar-style seating space, introduce upholstered bar stools with backrests for maximum comfort.
Pairing Island with wooden cabinet
Introducing a wooden kitchen island is a great way to introduce a more rustic element to your kitchen scheme.
Consider using wood as your material of choice for your kitchen island and contrasting it with the rest of the kitchen. Choosing this route instantly creates a statement and your kitchen island becomes the main centerpiece.
Cheerful Color
A kitchen island is a fabulous opportunity to incorporate fresh kitchen color ideas. It’s a more subtle way to introduce a vibrant hue, but it instantly adds warmth and personality to the scheme.
At least the facing part of the island should be covered in warm and welcoming materials to make a transition from efficient kitchen surfaces.
Adding Tiles
Tiles can be a great way of adding color and texture to a kitchen island. They can make a relatively standard kitchen island pop and instantly become the main focal point of the kitchen. There is also the bonus that they are easy to clean and wipe down, so if used cleverly in areas where your feet might brush against the kitchen island, it helps to keep it looking new, without having to worry about scuff marks.
A great tip to help tie your island into the rest of the kitchen is to use the same tiles as your backsplash. This can help to bring extra color and pattern but also make the kitchen work as one.
