Kitchen Planning: 10 Ideas for Adding an Island to Your Work Space
Storage, prep space, appliances and decorative detail packed into one neat block
Whether you have a cavernous ballroom of a space or a teeny patch to play with, an island unit (or at the very least a portable butcher’s block) is worth its weight in culinary gold. Not only does an island allow you to introduce other materials, colours and textures (so important for today’s mix-and-match vibe), it can create extra space for appliances, sinks and clever storage. Here are 10 reasons why your kitchen is crying out for an island.
Do something different
An indoor garden might not be one of the more obvious uses for your island unit, but this integrated herb container is quirky, modern and adds a zing of vibrant emerald. It also means you’ll never have to run to the garden or shops to stock up on fresh herbs!
An indoor garden might not be one of the more obvious uses for your island unit, but this integrated herb container is quirky, modern and adds a zing of vibrant emerald. It also means you’ll never have to run to the garden or shops to stock up on fresh herbs!
Play with light
Make your island float magically in mid-air by utilising clever light sources and new technologies. This large, glossy white island contrasts beautifully with the wall-to-wall wooden cupboards and adds a ghostly silhouette to the mix-and-match scheme.
Make your island float magically in mid-air by utilising clever light sources and new technologies. This large, glossy white island contrasts beautifully with the wall-to-wall wooden cupboards and adds a ghostly silhouette to the mix-and-match scheme.
Double up on function
A two-tier island unit is a really clever idea in open-plan kitchen-diners. Not only does the upper level create a handy perch where guests can sit and chat to the cook, it screens all the preparation mess going on in the kitchen.
A two-tier island unit is a really clever idea in open-plan kitchen-diners. Not only does the upper level create a handy perch where guests can sit and chat to the cook, it screens all the preparation mess going on in the kitchen.
Create a hub
A well-designed island unit is often the true central meeting point in today’s homes. This colourful and inviting family room revolves around the multi-purpose island, which is fitted with appliances, masses of storage, a place to sit and eat breakfast or enjoy a quick cup of coffee, and a bookshelf for a little literary or culinary browsing.
A well-designed island unit is often the true central meeting point in today’s homes. This colourful and inviting family room revolves around the multi-purpose island, which is fitted with appliances, masses of storage, a place to sit and eat breakfast or enjoy a quick cup of coffee, and a bookshelf for a little literary or culinary browsing.
Soften with curves
This spectacular, curved island unit is the pièce de résistance in this white, minimalist scheme. With a super-modern, almost sci-fi vibe, the island not only looks the part, it is equipped with two sinks and storage for maximum practicality. It’s high on ergonomics, too, with not a sharp corner in sight.
This spectacular, curved island unit is the pièce de résistance in this white, minimalist scheme. With a super-modern, almost sci-fi vibe, the island not only looks the part, it is equipped with two sinks and storage for maximum practicality. It’s high on ergonomics, too, with not a sharp corner in sight.
Scale down if necessary
Even if you don’t have space for an all-singing, all-dancing island unit, a simple, hardwearing butcher’s block will offer extra prep space and, where shelves are incorporated, extra storage, too. Hunt down a vintage piece that’s packed with character.
Even if you don’t have space for an all-singing, all-dancing island unit, a simple, hardwearing butcher’s block will offer extra prep space and, where shelves are incorporated, extra storage, too. Hunt down a vintage piece that’s packed with character.
Illuminate your island
Good lighting is crucial if your island is going to be a hardworking, practical centrepiece. A row of low-hanging pendants offers a good spread of light across the work surface and the chance to add smart materials, such as brushed or warm metallics or bright colour. Alternatively, opt for a central, rise-and-fall pendant that can be raised or lowered as and when required for different functions.
Good lighting is crucial if your island is going to be a hardworking, practical centrepiece. A row of low-hanging pendants offers a good spread of light across the work surface and the chance to add smart materials, such as brushed or warm metallics or bright colour. Alternatively, opt for a central, rise-and-fall pendant that can be raised or lowered as and when required for different functions.
Dream up a bespoke blueprint
The beauty of the island unit is it’s open to creative design. While wall units are necessarily neat and functional, with an island you can push things a bit. Be creative with yours, and mix curves with straight lines, wood and stone and a whole line-up of storage solutions.
The beauty of the island unit is it’s open to creative design. While wall units are necessarily neat and functional, with an island you can push things a bit. Be creative with yours, and mix curves with straight lines, wood and stone and a whole line-up of storage solutions.
Work an industrial look
I love the professional set-up of this industrial-style kitchen, with its long island that wouldn’t look out of place in a trendy bar or restaurant. The mix of rough-hewn timber and shiny stainless steel neatly separates the breakfast bar and serving area from the prep space, and is serious eye candy for all kitchen lovers.
TELL US…
Are you a fan of the island unit? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
MORE
8 contemporary white schemes
How to maximise light in your kitchen
Imaginative ways to create an indoor herb garden
I love the professional set-up of this industrial-style kitchen, with its long island that wouldn’t look out of place in a trendy bar or restaurant. The mix of rough-hewn timber and shiny stainless steel neatly separates the breakfast bar and serving area from the prep space, and is serious eye candy for all kitchen lovers.
TELL US…
Are you a fan of the island unit? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
MORE
8 contemporary white schemes
How to maximise light in your kitchen
Imaginative ways to create an indoor herb garden
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One of the key functions of an island unit is to add a style element to your scheme. There’s nothing to say an island has to be the same as your wall cupboards, so why not make yours a real statement piece? The preparation side of this island is kitted out with a series of functional drawers but, just around the corner, the fabulous, French-style gilt lettering and glass doors add a beautiful vintage vibe.