New Kitchen Design

7 years ago

Currently in the process of finalising design for a new kitchen, we have never incorporated an island in previous designs however the worktop and storage space is required in this kitchen for functionality. Our concerns are the space around the island and general flow of the space. Any thoughts on the plans would be appreciated, is the room sufficiently size to incorporate the island? Note the single door leads into a basement and the adjacent wall has been removed to make the space open plan into the living room, we are however considering installing internal glass bifold doors and the clearance to the island when opening would be 600mm. The images show the space looking into the kitchen from the dining room and looking into the dining room from the kitchen. Advice appreciated!

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yasin
Original Author

7 years ago

Thanks for your comments Najeebah & Kitchen Republic.

The peninsula is a nice alternative idea, however I think we are edging towards the island. The house is for a family of 6 with a very social extended family! 2 people could be cooking simultaneously.

I take on board both your comments regarding the 1000mm space between island and cooker and it's reassuring to know this will suffice - the images of kitchen republic are helpful! This will allow the stool side to be more spacious and the flow of the space will be maintained when someone is cooking, someone is eating at the bar and someone wants to go out or to the sink!

Appreciate the heads up on 4 stools! 3 should suffice, once I remeasure the door opening we may have space for the fourth on the end. The doors are 2400mm and would swing open 720mm into the space leaving approximately 600-800mm space to the edge of the island. The doors would mostly remain open, the option to close is there if and when required.

Thanks!

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Comments (8)

tweakyb
7 years ago
900 does seem a bit tight from units on left to the island- will be less with people sitting at island. Do u need the units on the left? Could they b added at a later stage? I would consider making the island longer and moving the sink/ dishwasher to the island.
temple274
7 years ago
I find 1100 mm sufficient between island and unit run ( measured worktop to worktop). 900 would be too narrow except for occasional use.
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Najeebah
7 years ago
I would move the island 200mm to the right, giving you 1000mm between the island and preparation area, and 1100mm at the seating side. it may not be plenty, but would work, and you need more space behind seating.
it may make more sense to have a peninsula in this kitchen though (rotate island 90º right and attach it to units)
yasin
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi Brenmullan, thank you for your comments.

I agree 900 is a bit tight, initially the units were not incorporated which left a space of 1200. I guess we could retrofit the units if required once the main kitchen was installed and we had a feel of the space (coordinating the UF heating would be a challenge!)

I'm don't think we have the space for a longer island, otherwise it would be ideal if we had another metre - but Isn't that always the case!

Attached an image of the type of backless stools which would save space and be subtle to look at given the area would be tight if we went ahead.
yasin
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi Najeebah, thank you for your comments.

Yes making the space a touch narrower on that end to 1000mm or 1100mm as temple247 suggested could help.

Do mean incorporating the peninsula into the base units (opposite end wall to the cooker in front of the bifolds) I think this could work solely as a kitchen space but when used open plan may make a space feel closed (if that makes sense!)

I have attached some rendered images to give you a better feel for the space.

The other option we have is to remove the island completely, make the base units on the end full size and have an open space in the middle.

Thanks!
PRO
Kitchen Republic
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I would have to agree with Nageebah and say move the island 200mm closer to the hob/oven run.

To give you an idea of the difference. this kitchen was set at 1000mm between units and is enough for 2 people to pass without too much trouble
Comprex Forma · More Info

Comprex Forma · More Info

and this is a kitchen with 1200mm space

Satin Platinum & Anthracite Kitchen · More Info

Satin Platinum & Anthracite Kitchen · More Info

In your case I think the slightly narrower space is worth the pay off to allow the island seating. As you have already gathered, using backless stools will make a difference and will allow people to pass even when somebody is sitting at the island.

One word of caution though. You are showing the island as having 4 stools but in practice this will be extremely tight. At 1600mm long that only leaves 400mm per person which is too little, As an absolute minimum you should have at least 500mm per person. If three people are enough then fine but if having seating for 4 people is a major element for you, then the island design needs to be reworked.
Najeebah
7 years ago
with the units as you have them, these are 3 possible layouts, the first with a peninsula to the right, the second to the left, and the third as you're considering.
in the pictures you posted, it looks as though 3 may work. How many people typically cook simultaneously? how many in the family, to be in the kitchen simultaneously?
you did mention that the area may be made open plan, in which case space wouldn't be limited in any way in 1 and 2. However, if you use bi-folds, with the doors opening, only 600 will remain, which can be quite workable (what would be the total space to the doors?)
I hear you about wanting it open if it's open plan, but as the island would not occupy the entire width, do you think it would be an issue?
also, if you choose to have the 'island' as a peninsula, particularly as in 1, flow from the living area, through to the basement is uncomplicated. also, the cabinets on the left can be full width. The peninsula length can be increased to comfortably seat 4. should you wish, when entertaining informally, you can have a row of seats on the opposite side as well. The peninsula can be wider if desired. Also, in 1, contrary to 2, the island remains on the side of the preparation area
the benefit of keeping it as an island is that the preparation area is somewhat closer to the basin and such than the peninsulas would be
I would not remove the island from the plans. The kitchen, as you currently have planned, has little counter space, and the island/peninsula would be a help