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Kitchen bars and islands designs


Kitchen Island And Home Bar Ideas Inspired By Gorgeous Projects

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A lot of kitchens these days have either an island or a bar and that’s something which transcends style since there are a lot of fantastic designs to choose from and also a lot of interesting ways in which you can make your own kitchen look special with the help of custom furniture and accessories.

The kitchen island and kitchen bar are very similar to each other with one major difference: an island is a standalone countertop area while a bar is attached to either an existing countertop or to a wall.

That being said, a kitchen island with seating is not the same thing as a bar, even if it may seem like it. Check out some of our favorite island and home bar ideas below and identify the differences between them by yourself.

A kitchen can double as a space divider

A lot of times a kitchen island would serve as a separator between the kitchen area and the dining area or the living room. The same can also be said about a kitchen bar, although the circumstances, in that case, tend to be a bit different. This beautiful kitchen was a project by CVI Design.

Versatile designs can fulfill multiple functions at once

As we already mentioned, both a kitchen island and a bar can feature a seating and sometimes a kitchen island can even function as a bar even if technically it doesn’t fulfill the design conditions. This kitchen designed by Lisa Teague Studios is a nice example of how versatile these concepts really are.

There’s always alternatives for small spaces

You might be wondering when exactly it’s better to have a kitchen bar as opposed to an island. Usually, a bar suits kitchens which are long rather than square or small kitchens where a regular island wouldn’t fit. Of course, alternatives also exist, like this small bar-like table in this kitchen designed by Asun Antó of Coton et Bois.

A kitchen island or bar can add more storage to this area

Both an island and a kitchen bar have the role of adding storage and functionality to the space and providing extra counter space for various activities.

That’s why often the terms are used interchangeably or why certain designs tend to be hybrids with featured borrowed from both types. This is a kitchen designed by Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole of Kandrac & Kole Interior Design.

A large island or bar also adds more counter space to the kitchen

Whether you opt for a kitchen island or for a bar, the idea is more or less the same: additional counter and storage space, the option to add seating and the opportunity to have a physical separator between the cooking area and the rest of the space which often includes the dining room and living area. In this example, the project was completed by The Design Studio.

It’s possible to have both a kitchen island and a bar

Given that the kitchen island and the bar are so similar to one another but at the same time they show clear differences in terms of design and structure, is there a point in having both? 

Obviously, it all depends on the context. It has to do with how much space is available, the way in which it’s used and also the users’ needs and preferences. Check out this complex kitchen by Weber Design Group as an example.

Extra useful features can include a built-in kitchen and some storage

This beautiful coastal kitchen has a large and elegant island which functions a lot like a home bar. There’s bar stool seating on one side and a built-in sink and plenty of useful storage on the other. Three hanging pendant lamps complete the setup. This is a project by Stephen Alexander Homes.

An L-shaped bar helps to frame the kitchen in an open floor plan

A bar can neatly round up a kitchen and give it a complete and organized look even when part of a large open floor plan. A good example is this incredible kitchen designed by Mary McWilliams of Mary Mac & Company. The bar frames the kitchen and comes in the continuation of the countertop, creating a sense of privacy.

Hybrid designs allow you to have an island and bar combined

We mentioned before that hybrid designs which bring together the best of kitchen islands and home bars are possible and even desirable in some cases.

For example, studio Martha’s Vineyard Interior Design created this lovely setup where there’s a freestanding island with two different countertop heights. One side acts as a regular kitchen island while the other is a great bar.

Most islands can double as bars if you add seating on one side

Here you can see a very welcoming kitchen with this large island at the center that has bar stools on one side and a perfectly practical prep area on the other.

There’s a built-in sink which frees up more counter space along the main wall and a wide island countertop which gives a sense of completion. This is the creation of studio Jennifer Allison Design.

You don’t necessarily need a large kitchen to have an island or a bar

Interior designer Sarah Bartholomew shows here that you don’t need a very large kitchen in order to be able to add a home bar. In fact, kitchen bars are most common in rather small spaces which tend to be long and relatively narrow.

Two matching islands could potentially work in the right context

Studio Tracery Interiors gave this massive kitchen not one but two islands. The idea was to spread the kitchen along an entire wall and to frame it with two matching islands with seating. Each island can be used in a variety of different ways and for a variety of purposes.

Smaller islands and bars can still retain most of the functionality or a larger version

As you’ve seen, it’s possible to mix and match the features of a kitchen island and a bar and even to have more than one island/ bar if the space allows it. But what about smaller kitchens?

A lot of times a kitchen might seem too small for an island but often it’s a matter of perspective. We love this design by Blue Ladder Studio. It shows how versatile this whole idea is.

There’s plenty of ways to mix styles when designing your kitchen island

In this kitchen Studio Steidley has combined rustic and modern design elements to create a very pleasant and harmonious composition.

The island has a white countertop which matches the rest of the workspace as well as the furniture, with a wooden surface visible on the other side. The stools fit nicely under the counter and don’t have backrests which helps to ensure a fluid and open decor throughout this entire open space.

Bar stools that can fit under the island keep the area looking big and open

Choosing stools that fit underneath the kitchen island counter or under the bar is a nice idea, especially if the kitchen opens onto the dining room or the living area and you want to create a strong connection between these spaces. Take inspiration from this interior completed by Jenny Madden Design.

A kitchen island or a bar can have seating on more than one side

Usually, a kitchen island or a bar would feature seating only on one side but that’s not necessarily a rule you must follow, as very well exemplified in this beach house designed by Lindsey Cheek of Gathered. The countertop cantilevered a small bit on all sides, allowing bar stools to be spread across.

Changing the ambiance with a kitchen island makeover

Whether it’s intentional or not, the island is usually the centerpiece of the kitchen and an important part of what creates a certain type of ambiance in this part of the house.

Related: 20 Ways to Create a French Country Kitchen

With that in mind, an effective way to add a fresh touch to your kitchen is by giving the island a makeover. A change of color can sometimes do the trick. Check out the transition from black to to a lovely duck egg blue nuance featured on artsychicksrule for a bit of inspiration.

A small island with built-in trash storage

The size of the kitchen island is irrelevant when you include certain features in the design, like a built-in trash storage system for example. This design shared by shadesofblueinteriors definitely has plenty of cool ideas that you can borrow.

It’s designed to be compact and super practical and it looks beautiful as well. We really love this system because it’s super practical to just sweep everything right into the bin when you’re prepping or cooking food. It’s also space-efficient.

Turning a bookshelf into a kitchen island

If you currently don’t have a kitchen island or if you’d like to replace the existing one with something different, a super simple idea is to repurpose a bookshelf.

Look for one that has the size and shape that you’re happy with and the transformation will follow. Be sure to check out the project on littleglassjar to get an idea of what it takes to do something like this.

A wooden kitchen island made from scratch

If you have a good idea in mind of how the ideal kitchen island or bar looks like for you, building it from scratch might be the easiest and surest way to turn that into a reality.

Wood is probably the best material for this. It’s very versatile, easy to work with and accessible. Follow the tutorial featured on build-basic if you’re interested in attempting this project.

Make an island out of individual modules

Instead of building the island or kitchen bar from scratch, frame and everything, an easier option could be to make it out of existing individual modules.

You could put together two or three cabinet modules that have matching heights and that complement each other and then unify them with a countertop. That’s the idea behind the project featured on classyclutter so check it out if this sounds interesting.

How to extend or customize a kitchen island

Chances are you already have an island or a bar in your kitchen. It’s also quite plausible that you’re not 100% happy with the way it looks or with the functionality it offers.

Both of these things can be remedied with a little bit of effort from your part. On thriftydecorchick you can find some really cool and inspiring ideas on how you can make an island bigger, add more storage to it or give it a fresh new look altogether. It’s easier than you think but keep in mind that each project is unique and has different requirements.

Turning an old desk into a kitchen island

When you think about it, some furniture pieces are quite similar to one another. For instance, a desk is fairly similar to a kitchen island and some designs are better than others in this case.

This project from myoldcountryhouse shows how easy it is to repurpose an old desk into an island just by making a few changes like adding a new countertop and putting wheels on it. Of course, a fresh coat of paint really helps the transition too.

62 Kitchen Island Ideas You'll Want to Copy

By

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson began her career at HGTV where she worked with designers to write about home design. Her work has appeared in HGTV, Insider Reviews, Travel Channel, and more.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 05/11/22

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

The kitchen is oftentimes the heart of the home. It's where you and your family fuel up for the day, make memories during the holidays, entertain friends and family, and celebrate life's big moments during get-togethers.

Get Inspired by These Kitchen Island Ideas You'll Want to Copy

At the center of the kitchen is the kitchen island, the part of the room that provides an extra spot for meal prepping, cooking, gathering for casual meals or coffee breaks, and even extra storage space. Aside from all its practical uses, the island can also serve as a decorative focal point of the room. We've gathered our top kitchen island ideas, from big to small and simple to over-the-top to help inspire your kitchen design.

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Kitchen Island: 90 Kitchen Island Design Ideas with Photo

Kitchen Island, as you might guess from the name, is a working module, independent of the rest of the kitchen furniture. This layout has many advantages: you can approach the working area from any side, cook at once with the whole family, and the usable area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen increases. Here you can place not only a cooking area, but also storage shelves, a sink, a hob. The design of the kitchen island can be very different - our selection of ideas will allow you to feel all the delights of island life. nine0003

Johnny Gray Studios.

1. Smooth corners
Due to the fact that the corners are smoothed, there is much less space for walking around. Such a kitchen island made it possible to free up more space for the actual kitchen set.

Read more about the project with photo:
Artistic project in London Townhouse

J Witzel Interior Design

2. All the shelves
hung shelves usually “eat” the place and the mess at them is very stripped. In this kitchen, an island was used to store dishes and kitchen utensils, inside of which everything you need is located. nine0003

Garde Hvalsoe

3. Everything in sight
Don't be put off by the open shelves inside the kitchen island - the color and shape of the dishes placed there can create a rhythmic pattern of the room.

Roundhouse

Redesign London Limited

6. Display
The open shelves inside the kitchen island can be decorative. Here you can build "showcases" in which indoor plants, vases of flowers and other decorations will be located. nine0003

Peden & Pringle Ltd

7. Multifunctional approach
Kitchen islands can be integrated with appliances such as a microwave, oven, dishwasher and even a wine cooler.

Adam Chandler Ltd

8. Spell
U-shaped kitchen island is very spacious: cupboards for storing dishes, a cooking area, a bar can be easily located here. But for this option, you will need a fairly spacious kitchen so that you can freely approach the island. nine0003

Yuri Grishko

9. Inhabited island
In this small Moscow apartment (27 sq.m) there was simply no place for a full-fledged kitchen. Everything you need for cooking is contained in a kitchen island with a photo, household appliances are inside the stairs.

MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH PHOTO:
Tiny loft in the apartment of a designer girl

Die Wohnplaner GmbH

Guests and family members will be able to sit around and watch the cooking process. nine0003

J.A.S. Design-Build

11. Straightforward
Choosing a kitchen island sink depends on your needs and possibilities. If there is no dishwasher and the dimensions of the kitchen allow, install a spacious sink.

SEE ALSO…
Which sink to choose for your kitchen and why?

Neptune by Donndorf Weimar (D) I by 3F Zürich (CH)

12. In the solids
If the sink and hob are next to each other on the kitchen island, take care of the insulation in advance: moisture must not get on the electrics. nine0003

Hill Farm Furniture Ltd

13. Unbearable lightness
Kitchen island hob requires extractor fan. The designers of this kitchen have found an alternative to heavy models - an extractor hood disguised as a chandelier.

Read more about the project with photo:
New Country MEBLE with a limited budget

JaureGui Architecture Interiors Construction

14. The thorough approach is the ideal option for the cuisine in the rustic style-solid kitchen, with solid wood, with ardent. legs and drawers for storage, as well as with a high tabletop. nine0003

Hopedale Builders, Inc.

15. Natural product
Rustic style implies a combination of natural materials - wood, metal, stone - as in this example.

SEE ALSO…
Quiz: Which Style of Kitchen Would You Like

Paul Craig Photography

16. Expanding Your Horizons
Don't be afraid to mix things up. In this London apartment, the modern kitchen nook is expanded with a long Victorian table. nine0003

SUBU Design Architecture

17. Loft style
This kitchen island is a good example of loft style. Its legs are made from waste water pipes, the tabletop is from old boards.

Chalet

18. Unity of opposites
The kitchen island in the photo is made in contrast: marble top, wooden base.

SEE ALSO…
Hardware: Kitchen worktop overview

LPASSE DESIGN

19. Provence
The kitchen island in this French home is made from rough metal counters, zinc countertops, old boards. The boards were selected individually: the drawing of each of them had to become part of the overall composition.

MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH PHOTO:
In Provence, a tree in honor

Yvonne McFadden LLC

20. At a height of

The first option is convenient for cooking. nine0003

Lauren Levant Interior

21. Getting fit
In this example, the kitchen island is not the usual rectangular shape. It follows the shape of the wood from which the countertop is made.

Altius Design Group

22. Celestial body
The crescent-shaped kitchen island is multifunctional: the outside serves as a dining area, while the inside serves as a work area.

BARRETT STUDIO architects

23. Fit in the circle
The whole island or just the tabletop can be made with a crescent moon. The latter option is more economical, since a rectangular base is more common.

John Kraemer & Sons

24. In the spotlight
The work area is best placed in the center of the kitchen island so that guests and household can watch the cooking process like a performance on stage.

Treyone

25. Stand firmly on your feet
The highlight of this kitchen island is the unfinished solid wood legs. nine0003

Martha O'Hara Interiors

26. Highlights
A discreet kitchen island can stand out: upholstered bar stools set the right accents.

SEE ALSO…
How to choose fabric for new upholstery

27. Purity of experiment
Since the work and dining areas are combined on the kitchen island, it is necessary to provide an exhaust hood above the hob. It must be the same or larger than the panel size. nine0003

Matt Podesta

28. Size matters
If the island hood is smaller than the hob, there is a good chance that grease will settle on the kitchen island.

29. Passing moment
It is also important to set the correct width of the passages between the kitchen island and the set. To ensure that nothing interferes with your movements, they should be at least 1-1.2 m.

Kim Duffin for Sublime Luxury Kitchens & Bathrooms

30. Keep level
A kitchen island can have a multi-level structure: the work area should be on the same level as the kitchen set, and the dining area should be slightly higher.

Brayer Design

31. Lifebuoy
A round or oval kitchen table is best, even if the island itself is rectangular.

Orchid Newton ltd

32. Separately
The kitchen table can be either integrated into the island or stand alone. In this example, a notch has been made for it in the island. nine0003

Russell Taylor Architects

33. Mirror Reflection
The designers of this London kitchen used mirrors to design the island. So the room was filled with additional, reflected light.

MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH PHOTO:
Metamorphoses of the King George Hospital

Kitchen Architecture Ltd

In this kitchen, it is only needed at night. During the day, the room is filled with light from the top and side windows. nine0003

Roundhouse

35. High level
It is better to pick up bar stools for the island table - as the height of the island is oriented towards cooking, which takes place while standing.

Paul Craig Photography

36. A level below
In this example, the designers placed the table below the work area. The table top is built into the drawers of the island at the usual table height.

37. Light at different levels
The dining area in this kitchen island is higher than the work area: this difference is reflected in the height of the pendant lights. nine0003

38. Three in one
This kitchen island consists of three modules of different heights - table, work area and shelving. This gives dynamics to an overly homogeneous interior.

Alexander White

39. Flow
The kitchen island can flow seamlessly into the dining table, just like in this Stockholm home.

Julia Solovieva | Studio SJull

40. Mobile bar counter
In this Moscow apartment, the kitchen island is complemented by a mobile bar counter made of wood, which can be pulled out only when necessary. nine0009
Design: Julia Solovieva

Wiedemann Werkstätten

MCDESIGN

42. Mobile version
In the kitchen there is a risk of constantly bumping into chairs and hitting them. Stools are more compact and mobile.

SEE ALSO…
Stool as a compact alternative to everything

The Brooklyn Home Company

43. Save space
The stool fits easily under the kitchen island - a real find for a small kitchen.

Emilie Castille-Architecture Intérieure&Décoration

44. We sit well
The length of the island table top is usually made at the rate of 60 cm per seater.

45. Get down to business
In this Berlin home, the staircase flows into the kitchen island countertop, creating a striking white accent. nine0003

mo+ architekten

46. Convertible island
This convertible island with sliding bench saves space in the kitchen.

SEE ALSO…
Basement kitchen? - Why not!

Artichoke

47. Two is better
Well, if the dimensions of the kitchen allow, why limit yourself to one island? They can be divided functionally: make a working area on one, and a dining area on the other.

R.Z.Owens Constructions

48. Multi-directional lighting
Guided track lights are ideal for creating local lighting on a kitchen island. You can alternate different lighting scenarios, highlighting a particular area.

FTF interior

49. A winning combination
You can combine different types of kitchen island lighting: spots for the work area, pendants for the dining area.

Design: FTF Interior

Breathe Architecture

50. Broken lines
The shape of this kitchen island echoes the backsplash pattern: broken lines, transitions from light to dark.

Read more about the project with photo:
Space Transformations in Cozy House

Go to the next page

Aleksandra Fedorova Bureau

51. Hide from the eyes
in this Moscow cuisine all household appliances are hidden from prying eyes: large - in the cabinets, the smaller one - in the kitchen island. nine0003

MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH PHOTO:
Smart glass, suspended wall and snow-white minimalism

Luigi Rosselli Architects

You can achieve this effect with small means: for example, choosing the same dark color for the floor and the base of the kitchen island.

Jane Howell Interiors

53. From any direction
The convenience of a kitchen island is that you can approach it from any direction, you are free to move while cooking. nine0003

Lucy G Printed Image Splashbacks

54. Work triangle
The main thing is that the island helps to create the right work triangle : you can take food from the refrigerator, wash/cut, and then cook on the hob.

Architectural workshop za bor

55. Individual approach
Your individuality should be visible in everything. The owner of this Moscow apartment, an architect, designed and implemented the kitchen island project himself. nine0003

MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH PHOTO:
Mobile space by architect Petr Zaitsev

Esther Hershcovich

not necessary.

Sustainable Kitchens

57. Driving!
In small kitchens, the island may not be stationary, but mobile, on wheels. It is easy to slide in when not in use. nine0003

aegis interior design ltd

Incorporated

59. Nice addition
The island on wheels can be moved up to the kitchen countertop at any time, thereby expanding the work area space.

Arciform

60. Plus one
The kitchen island on wheels can consist of several modules, the combinations of which will depend on the work to be done.

Colin Cadle Photography

61. Multitasking
Kitchen island on wheels can perform several functions in addition to the main one. For example, its can be used as a coffee table or serving trolley.

Bruce Kading Interior Design

62. Small and bold
A big kitchen doesn't have to have a big island: there should be just enough space for the cutting area.

Paris-Bruxelles

Webb & Brown-Neaves

64. Through fire, water and copper pipes
Remember that if you plan to use a kitchen island with a sink or stove, you will have to slightly raise the floor to connect the communications.

THE GOOD GUYS

65. Young and green
In this Australian home, greenery grows right on the kitchen island: a special opening in the countertop was provided for this at the design stage.

66. Back support
In this example, the kitchen island not only separates the work area from the dining area, but also serves as a backrest for the bench. nine0003

Fast Forward Unlimited

67. Top of the line
The island's L-shape made it possible to combine it with the kitchen nook. The only drawback is that the guests will sit with their backs to the cook.

68. Pure truth
When combining the island and the kitchen sofa, it is important to provide protection against steam and grease - for example, make a good hood. As an option - removable covers that can be washed.

SEE ALSO…
Sitting Well: How to Rethink Your Kitchen Nook

Blakes London

69. In Contrast
A kitchen island can be a bright accent if you don't have the courage to use bright colors throughout your kitchen.

Melton Design Build

70. Everything in moderation
But you need to be careful with catchy details, otherwise there is a risk of overkill. But in this neutral kitchen, an island with bright tiles does not look too flashy.

Carole Hunter Home Design

71. Like a canvas
The designer of this kitchen was inspired by Mondrian's canvases and the idea of ​​primary colors. But not just copying his work, but trying to achieve color balance.

MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH PHOTO:
Mondrian-inspired kitchen

Markus Hierhager Innenarchitektur

nine0003

73. Breaking stereotypes
A black and white palette is by no means a boring solution: play with shapes, lines, levels.

SUPERGRAU

74. Make it dark
Black is said to reduce space. However, he is also able to make even a very simple interior expensive and status. Jan Showers nine0003

Australian Interior Design Awards

76. All-metal shell
This kitchen island's steel façade is a dramatic but impractical option: scratches are inevitable.

Design By Us Interior

77. Valuable item
The kitchen island's gold finish does not look outrageous or out of place in this simple interior: it harmonizes with parquet and hangings.

mckimm residential design

Standal Interiorismo + Reforma Integral

79. Maximum load
In this Barcelona apartment, the kitchen island is multifunctional: there is a stove, extractor hood, refrigerator and even a radiator. And on the back side, in the closet, is hidden ... a study.

MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH PHOTO:
Modular space in bright colors

Look Design Group

80. Working time
A small working area can be located on the kitchen island itself. Just be sure to protect against splashes, steam and grease. nine0003

LATOON / BRASS design office

81. Artificial selection
Kitchen island LED lighting does not always look cold. With its help, you can create a very cozy atmosphere, as in this Yekaterinburg apartment.

MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH PHOTO:
50 shades of white and the play of artificial light

Roundhouse

82. LED strip
In addition to the main illumination of the working area of ​​the island, try local lighting of the island. For example, experiment with an LED strip like in this example. nine0003

Read also ...
Light force: what do you really need to know about the backlight

MAL Corboy Design

IMPALA KITCHOROMS

BUTler Architects

85. Foreign Combine Japanese style: nothing superfluous and random, only necessary and simple furniture. Kitchen island - no sharp corners, only smooth lines and shapes.

Ashgrove Kitchens

86. In full sail
Kitchen design can be approached in an original way: choose an island in the form of a ship, on the mast of which you will place shelves, and in the hold - sections for storage.

DiMauro Architects, Inc.

87. Full speed ahead
The ship-island can cause difficulties. For example, special bar stools were selected for this kitchen, repeating the shape of the side.

Space Fitting Furniture Ltd

88. Atypical shape
The atypical shape of the kitchen island - without corners, smoothly flowing from the working area to the dining area - will save space.

Paul Craig Photography

89. Flying Saucer
The sterile white color of the flying saucer-like island blends well with the cosmic interior of this kitchen.

Charlotte Raynaud Studio - Design & Espaces

stylish ideas of designers — 30 photos

Author Maria Reading 9min Views 5. 2k. Posted on

Contents of the article

  1. What is a kitchen island: design and its benefits Interior styles
  2. Classic style
  3. Vintage style
  4. Industrial style
  5. Hi-tech and minimalism
  6. Country
  7. Scandinavian style
  8. Unusual kitchen island ideas
  9. Kitchen island: photo

A spacious kitchen is a dream of any housewife. However, an impressive space requires an appropriate design - aesthetic, comfortable and rational. Today, more and more owners of houses and apartments can afford such premises, and therefore the growing popularity of such a solution as a kitchen island is understandable. If you're also interested in island organization, it's time to learn a little more about this design element - its benefits, features, as well as a variety of shapes and finishes that will make your kitchen sound new. nine0003

What is a kitchen island: design and its advantages

In general, a kitchen island is a mini-set located in the center of the room, or rather, in its lower tier. Its layout is quite diverse: it can consist of a wide table top with drawers underneath and be used as a dining table, act as a work area, be equipped with a sink and induction cooker, or it can even combine the functions of a cooking base and a storage system.

All these features allowed the designers to highlight several advantages of the island:

  • Successful zoning of space . If you want to separate your work area from your dining area, nothing beats a kitchen island – and especially in terms of ergonomics. You do not need any redevelopment or the use of partitions - just install the furniture in the place you need.
  • Everything at your fingertips . As conceived by the designers, the kitchen island does not take up space, but creates it. Indeed, it can hold as much as you need and everything you need from crockery and cutlery to towels, tablecloths, groceries and cookbooks. You can determine the number and size of the drawers under the island top. nine0737
  • Multipurpose . As mentioned above, you can design a kitchen island for everything you basically do in the kitchen. It is more convenient for someone to cook on it, for someone to organize a wet zone on it, and someone sees in it a creative symbiosis of a dining table and a bar counter. Either way, its adaptability is impressive.
  • Stylish and modern look . A couple of decades ago, many people saw such islands only in the movies, and their association with respectable and fashionable interiors is still quite strong. Moreover, the choice of design options today is quite wide, and you can order an island of any shape - a compact square and an elongated rectangle built with a broken line, or asymmetrical, in the form of a trapezoid or a semicircle. It already depends on your personal preferences. nine0737

Kitchen island: how to know if you need it or not

The benefits of a kitchen island are undeniable. However, it should be taken into account that this type of furniture has some features. In order not to turn them into disadvantages, you need to pay close attention to them and weigh all the pros and cons of such a decision. We are sure that our advice will be useful to you:

  1. Make sure you have enough space in your kitchen . The designers claim that the minimum allowable area on which the island will look appropriate and harmonious is 15 square meters. If your kitchen is smaller or has a narrow and elongated configuration, then, alas, the island will have to be abandoned. nine0737
  2. Decide if you need island before renovating. First of all, this applies to cases when you plan to equip the work area. It may be necessary to install sewer pipes, waterproofing the field, installing electrical wiring for the hood and hob. All this must be taken into account at the stage of rough repair.
  3. Price . A comfortable and high-quality kitchen island cannot be cheap. Even if you have the opportunity to make its frame from the modules of the linear part of the cabinets, you won’t be able to save on the “stuffing” - a dishwasher, drawers, a stove, a sink. Plan your island expenses carefully - a detailed estimate will definitely come in handy. nine0737

Installing a kitchen island: some practical tips

So, your kitchen area is quite suitable for installing an island. The next step is to resolve specific technical issues, which include the following nuances:

  • Finding a place for structure . It is important to realize that the kitchen island is far from being mobile, and once installed it will be impossible to move it. That is why it is very important to think over its location in advance and make sure that it is convenient for you to use it, as well as move it past it to one corner or another of the kitchen. Also, plan out its shape so that you don’t touch the protruding corners later. nine0737
  • Communications Migration Plan . Suppose you dream of equipping the hood and work area. In this case, you need to carefully consider the installation of sewer and water pipes, as well as the installation of electrical wiring under the backlight, hob and hood. It is better to entrust the solution of such issues to professionals - they will draw up a well-thought-out plan and competently perform all the work.
  • Consider raising the floor . Summing up communications usually involves the construction of a podium, the height of which is sufficient for laying pipes and wiring in it. From what and how it will be made - it is also worth deciding together with specialists. nine0737
  • Design lighting script . If your island is planned as a work area, spotlights and hood lights may suffice. However, if the design combines the functions of a dining table and a bar counter, you can easily show your imagination using various models and the number of ceiling hangers.

The average size of a kitchen island is 1 to 3 square meters, although you can easily afford larger sizes. In any case, focus on your own needs and convenience. nine0003

Kitchen island for different interior styles

Kitchen island is a universal solution. It will be appropriate in any interior, and when made to order, it easily adapts to any design project. When deciding on the appearance of the island, rely primarily on the style in which your kitchen is made.

Classic style

The kitchen will be decorated with an island made of precious wood, with a polished worktop and expressive decorative details. Especially organically, mini-buffets and bars with thoughtful lighting are built into such structures. The classic design islands are characterized by:

  • rounded corners or rounded ends, oval or round;
  • stained glass in cabinet doors;
  • elegant decoration of facades - carvings, reliefs, elegant fittings, balusters;
  • expensive and practical materials - natural solid wood for the lower tiers, stone countertops;
  • Spectacular hoods, often fireplace type.

Classic interior styles

Vintage

When designing a kitchen island in vintage style, it is not necessary to strive for perfection and the so-called "elegance". Vintage implies a special attitude towards antiques and their competent integration into the interior, and therefore you can find many attractive solutions for the kitchen island:

  • using an antique sideboard or wooden table as an island;
  • rough woodworking - careless sanding, brushing, small cracks;
  • spot use of decoupage;
  • wicker and wire baskets as storage systems.

Industrial style

Industrial style kitchen islands blend in with casually plastered brick walls and leather furniture. The design of such an element must be thought out very carefully - designers recommend paying attention to the following techniques:0003

  • metal and black glass surfaces;
  • wooden base or rough top;
  • glazed cabinets with smart LED lighting inside.

Choosing lighting for an industrial-style kitchen island that doubles as a dining area is a fun activity in itself. Several pendants with metal shades, black chandeliers with clear geometry, wooden shades and just light bulbs of various shapes on thick black cords - you will have something to think about. nine0003

Hi-tech and minimalism

In a hi-tech interior, the kitchen island becomes a must-have element - steel structures add ergonomics and visual balance. Most designs in this style tend to include systems that have notable features:

  • sharp, clear lines, flawless geometry;
  • the use of shiny and chrome surfaces - glass and steel, less often plastic; nine0737
  • state-of-the-art equipment.

The last point deserves the most careful attention. Before equipping such a table, it is necessary to thoroughly study the most relevant kitchen novelties. Perfectly flat hobs, ergonomic hoods, remote-controlled faucets - often a high-tech island looks too monolithic and equipped with nothing - although in terms of functionality it can significantly exceed traditional solutions. nine0003

  • Hi-tech style in the interior
  • Minimalist style in the interior

Country

Massive wooden kitchen island with half-timbered finishes can serve as a spacious storage system or a cozy bar for friendly gatherings. The designs for this style are quite recognizable due to their charming features:

  • wooden cabinets and countertops;
  • aged effect (scratches and abrasions), rough finish, carelessly planed board; nine0737
  • Curtains in colorful natural fabrics instead of cabinet doors;
  • wicker storage baskets mounted on the open lower deck.

It is noteworthy that the island is rarely used as a full-fledged work area with kitchen appliances in country-style kitchens - at most, as a cutting surface with a sink. According to the designers, this is due to the traditional compactness of village houses, where it is easier to remove the working triangle in the corner - and leave the brighter middle for communication and enjoying delicious food with the family. nine0003

Country style in the interior

Scandinavian style

Scandinavian style is the ultimate simplicity and naturalness, which is reflected in the design of kitchen islands. You won't go wrong if you choose an element of your kitchen that has the following recognizable features:

  • simple, concise forms;
  • use of natural wood - including a combination of painted and unfinished elements;
  • light colors - from natural wood to white, light gray, milky; nine0737
  • open shelves for storage in the lower tiers.

Scandinavian style in the interior

Scandinavian style kitchen: design and photo

Unusual ideas for a kitchen island

Such an element of furniture may well perform not only a practical, but also a pronounced decorative function. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, take a look at these impressive design ideas: