KITCHEN ISLAND – A MODERN AND EFFICIENT SOLUTION

The kitchen island is an effective solution in both modern and traditional homes. The versatile design transforms the entire look of the kitchen, providing additional surface and storage space needed to free up other areas of the room. Beyond its unmatched functionality, the kitchen island is also a way to enhance the cozy atmosphere of the kitchen, providing a central space for gatherings with family and friends.

Kitchen island – advantages

Installing a kitchen island has several advantages for the home and the whole family:

• Additional surface of the worktop

In a large kitchen, a generously-sized island can provide ample extra worktop space, a big plus especially if you love cooking at home for family and friends.

• Additional storage space

The deep drawers of the kitchen island are an impressive and very accessible storage space during cooking or meal preparation. Additionally, it offers the option of ditching the wall cabinets in the kitchen, creating a more open and inviting feel.

• Optimal arrangement of household appliances

By the additional surface area offered in the kitchen, the island offers the possibility of optimal arrangement of appliances. In addition, there are models that can incorporate an oven, hob or sink, which gives an interior designer more freedom in arranging the entire kitchen.

• Clear definition of interior areas

In an open space, a kitchen island can also help create a boundary between different areas, easing the transition from the kitchen to the living room or dining area and discouraging guests and family members from disturbing each other during meals preparation.

• Additional space for gatherings with family and friends

Bar stools are a great and versatile addition to any kitchen island. Thus, the island also becomes a perfect place for serving meals, for meetings with family or friends. At the same time, the design you choose can dramatically change the atmosphere of the entire space.

Kitchen island – selection criteria

Besides the advantages it presents, there are certain details that you must consider when choosing to install an island in the kitchen:

• Size

The size and shape of the kitchen determines the size and shape of the island. As much as you might like a large island that includes all the work areas in a kitchen, you won’t be able to benefit from it if the space isn’t generous. If you want the island to connect the kitchen to the living room area, then the space should be designed based on this criterion. And if the dimensions of the kitchen are already determined, calculate the dimensions of the island so that there is enough room to move around the island, plus access to cabinets and drawers. Also depending on the available space, decide whether you want a large island with enough seats for the whole family or a smaller, more compact and easier to maneuver island.

• Triangular workflow

For any type or shape of kitchen, it is good to take into account the triangular work flow rule. The rule dates back to the 1930s and helps to streamline cooking time, work style and improve the workspace. The rule says that if you were to join, in a triangle, the main points in the kitchen – the storage area (fridge), the preparation area (sink) and the cooking area (stove) – each side of the triangle should not be smaller than 1.2 meters or greater than 2.7 meters, and the sum of the sides should be between 4 meters and 7.9 meters. In addition, no tall storage units should be positioned between any two apexes of the triangle.

• Utility

Consider how you plan to use the kitchen island. If you have enough counter space and surface, you can move the preparation and cooking area to the island, next to the dining area. If you want the island to be just a place for dining and socializing, then its surface must be free, with the important points of the kitchen being incorporated into the rest of the fixtures in the room.

• Material

Kitchen islands can be made of different materials, the most common being wood, granite, marble and stainless steel. Consider each material’s durability, maintenance requirements and aesthetic appearance before choosing. For example, marble comes in a wide range of colors and unique variations, so you can easily find a style that suits your kitchen design. Granite is heat and impact resistant. Wood is a less common choice than stone, but it adds welcome warmth to the space.

• Style

The style of the kitchen island should complement the overall style of the kitchen. Consider choosing an island with clean lines and minimalist features if you have a modern kitchen. If you have a more traditional kitchen, consider choosing an island with ornate details and classic features. Similarly, the color scheme of the kitchen, but also personal preferences, will dictate the color palette of the island. If you want the island to be a standout piece, consider choosing a bold color or unique material. If you want it to blend into the overall design of the kitchen, choose a more subtle color or a material that matches the rest of the room.

The kitchen island can transform the kitchen into a place full of life and personality. In addition to the aesthetic advantages it offers, this object also comes with more space for cooking and dining. An interior designer can help you identify the perfect kitchen island to suit your individual needs and enhance the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.