The benefits of a Kitchen Island and how to make it work for your space

Kitchen islands are a remarkably versatile and beautiful way to transform both the functionality and look of your new space.

Considering the layout of your space and how you intend to use your kitchen is key to planning your island to suit your needs. In an open-plan environment, they make a wonderful focal point around which family and friends can socialise and, with incredible practical benefits, they are the perfect place to prepare and cook food for your guests to enjoy.

While we outline some of the amazing benefits of including an island in your design, we are also going to share with you some suggestions for making your kitchen island truly unique and bespoke to you.

Stunning Aesthetic Impact

Oozing style and sophistication, kitchen islands are synonymous with high-end design and will have a dramatic impact on the look and feel of your home even in a more compact space. Their centralised location and proportionate scale add exquisite balance and symmetry to your design. With additional storage, the island reduces the amount of over-head cabinetry needed which, in a smaller kitchen, will help make the room feel spacious. The architectural nature of an island commands a striking presence and makes a bold design statement in any home.

The breathtaking silhouette of a kitchen island will have a spectacular aesthetical impact on your space whilst also offering huge potential to reinforce and develop the stylistic intricacies of your interior. To bring a bespoke finishing touch to your kitchen, consider choosing a cabinet colour and worktop material that compliments or contrasts your kitchen design. You can further enhance your design by introducing stylish bar stools, lighting or even custom-made display storage.

Efficient Food Preparation & Cooking

The practical benefits of a kitchen island are dynamic and varied and can be tailored to suit you and your lifestyle. One of the most popular advantages of the island is its impressive ability to enhance the cooking experience. Extra worksurfaces are ideal for food prep as well as giving plenty of room for key appliances such as your sink or hob. Alternatively, an island will also offer space to position smaller appliances like food processors or mixers. If you are a keen chef and intend to use your island for cooking and food preparation, you will need to select a durable worksurface and, to use smaller kitchen appliances, you will need to add conveniently positioned electrical sockets to the design.

Paying attention to internal storage will also improve cooking efficiency, consider locating a utensil or pan drawer within easy reach or your hob or create a clean zone comprising of your sink, dishwasher and drawers to quickly put away clean crockery. A kitchen island is a fantastic addition to your space that can make cooking not only more efficient but more sociable and enjoyable.

Impressive Entertaining

The way we use our kitchens has changed and many of us are opting for open-plan living or larger kitchen diners in recognition of their potential for creating a beautiful, relaxed social ambiance. Whether you plan on hosting fabulous drinks parties or family lunches, a kitchen island is a wonderful spot for socialising and entertaining.

An island will help to zone a kitchen, defining the social area and workspace and providing a focal point for friends and family to gather. Depending on how many guests you intend to host, you might consider introducing seating to your island. Bar stools will fit neatly under a breakfast bar and a full-length design will give plenty of space for several places. Keeping the seating area to one side of the island ensures guests won’t get in the way whilst preparing food. To add a glamorous finishing touch that sure to impress your guests, consider including a conveniently situated wine cooler.

A Cosy and Adaptable Space

With an enviable and luxurious new kitchen, you’ll no doubt want to spend plenty of time soaking up your beautiful surroundings. A kitchen island is incredibly flexible and can be a great place to work when you need a change of scenery or to keep an eye on the kid’s homework while you cook dinner. Adding seating and plug sockets will allow you to use your island in a variety of ways. Consider including shelves or drawers within easy reach so that you have somewhere to store cooking utensils, cutlery or your favourite cooking books.

At Kreativ Kitchens, we have unrivalled experience designing and installing spectacular kitchen islands for our Leeds and Yorkshire clients.

To find out more about how a bespoke kitchen island can transform your design and enhance your space, contact us on 0113 436 0630 or via email at [email protected].