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Large kitchen floor plans with islands


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Are you kitchen-obsessed? Do you keep Food Network on in the background, plan holiday menus before you finalize the guest list, or subscribe to more than one cooking magazine? Perhaps you look at the kitchen on a floor plan before anything else. If so, this post is for you! These large kitchen floor plans have it all (check out these kitchen decorating ideas from Freshome).

Click here to explore some of our favorite house plans with large kitchens.

Plan 928-305

This Craftsman house design (the Oxbridge from Visbeen Architects, above) nicely fulfills all of those must-haves. Just look at all of that storage and counter space! Windows let in natural light. Nearby, a walk-in pantry and home management center gives you room to stash your laptop and organize cookbooks, while a kitchen island makes it easy to hang out.

Plan 929-340

Here's another one with an impressive amount of bar space. This large kitchen floor plan features plenty of counter space, while a central island gives you a defined space to chop ingredients for sautéing on the stove – much like these kitchen island designs from Apartment Therapy.

Also of note in this plan: a double-sided fireplace sheds warmth to both the great room (which opens up to the dining area) and the flexible study/sitting area.

Plan 1066-3

Craving something that feels modern and simple? Plan 1066-3 displays an island that seems like it goes on forever, but keeps it sleek with just one level. The kitchen opens to the great room on one side and the dining room on the other, with the latter opening out to a patio. Another contemporary touch: a full bath makes the office useful as quarters for impromptu overnight guests.

Plan 1042-19

If you'd rather not turn your back on your guests while cooking and entertaining, consider an island with the cooktop on it, like in plan 1042-19. This way, you can maintain eye contact (well, as much as one can while cooking) while stirring your sauce or scrambling eggs. Just steps away, the open dining room feels fresh and contemporary.

888-15 Plan 888-15

Love a tavern-like vibe? Give your home the casual, relaxed feeling of a gastropub with an elevated bar like the one shown in this illustration of plan 888-15. You can fit a whole lot of people in this kitchen, with the dining table so close and extra seating at the island. The informal atmosphere feels perfectly at home in this modern farmhouse (for farmhouse decorating ideas, check out these tips from Country Living). Another contemporary feature is the extra master suite located on this level, easy to reach for an elderly in-law or guests.

Plan 938-82

Here's another farmhouse kitchen from plan 938-82. With close proximity to the porch on one side and the lanai on the other, you'll get plenty of natural light streaming into this space. (We also love the pop of blue that the chairs provide against the otherwise white tones.)

Plan 942-43

If you crave warmer tones and more wood, check out plan 942-43. This rugged beauty shows off tons of texture and color with wood and stone. Not only do you get a central island, but also a peninsula and another island with a snack counter. During Thanksgiving, just seat kids here while the adults enjoy sitting down to the meal at the dining table just steps away.

Plan 892-23

Now back to modern. Plan 892-23 takes simplicity to an almost austere level, which suits the ultra-modern style of this home. If your sensibility rejects clutter and color in favor of cool, calming tones, then this chrome-and-white palette will feel just right. Note how much light comes in through the large window over the sink.

Plan 892-21

Or if you'd like something more in the middle (not too modern, not too traditional), check out this beautiful kitchen in plan 892-21. It nicely matches the modern farmhouse vibe of the home, with a vaulted ceiling that creates an airy feeling and eye-catching pendant lamps. An auxiliary sink on the island gives you a handy place to rinse vegetables or prepare drinks.

Plan 892-22

Lucky enough to be building in a scenic location? Plan 892-22 shows off the view with a variety of high windows that let light flood inside for natural illumination. This ranch home also brings plenty of light into the master bathroom. The large kitchen boasts an island and plenty of counter space for cooking up something good.

Explore large kitchen floor plans

Island Kitchens

About Kitchen Islands

A kitchen island is a freestanding or floating unit with access on all sides - in other words, it is not connected to the walls or other countertops. This is in contrast to a "peninsula", which is similar to an island but is connected on one side.

Kitchen islands work particularly well in these types of kitchens

Galley kitchens, where two rows of cabinets face each other with an aisle in between, are usually not wide enough for a kitchen island.  

Typical Island Dimensions

The island's size will depend on the size of your kitchen and what you want to achieve with the island. Our top tip is to consider scale. A very small kitchen island won't look good in a very large kitchen. Conversely, a large island won't look good, or even fit, in a small kitchen. A guideline some designers use is that the island size is about 10% of the size of your kitchen. So, for a 100 sq ft (10 m2) kitchen, the island could be around 10 sq ft (or 1 m2).

The minimum size for a built-in kitchen island is usually defined as:

As far as height, an island will usually be either 36" (91 cm), which is standard kitchen countertop height, or 42" (107 cm) which is bar height.

If you want the kitchen island layout to include a breakfast bar or eating area, a good rule of thumb is to allow 24 inches (60 cm) of space per person. In this scenario, you will also want an overhang on the seating side, to allow for knee space. A 12" (30 cm) overhang is pretty standard. Much deeper and you'll need support or an extra bracket for the overhang.

Aisle space

Adequate aisle space around a kitchen island is crucial. Two people may want to work back-to-back and also need to pass each other. Cabinet doors and drawers on each side of the aisle need to be able to fully open. The dishwasher door must swing all the way down.

A common recommendation is 40 to 48 inches (or approx 1 m) of aisle space around the island. Occasionally you can go a little less - for example, near the fridge, a 36 inch (0.9m) aisle may work, to make it convenient to load or unload the fridge with the island in easy reach.

Kitchen Size Required for an Island

There's nothing worse than crowding your kitchen with an island. Imagine not being able to pass someone who is cooking in the kitchen. Or you can't walk past the dishwasher when its door is open. So an important step is to make sure you have enough space for a kitchen island.

To determine if an island can fit, subtract the needed aisle space from the width and length of your kitchen floor plan and see if there is enough space left for an island.

Typical Island Kitchen Layouts

As you create a layout for an island kitchen, it's key to think through which functions you want on the island and which functions will be along the wall. Once you've determined your needs, it's a good idea to make a prioritized list. From there, you can start thinking about the optimal island kitchen layout and how it fits with your overall kitchen floor plan.

Note that many islands have a "working" side, for food prep, and a "public" side for eating. The "working side" should be near the other key work areas in the kitchen. Place seats or stools on the "public" side, for casual meals and for guests to hang out while chatting with the cook.

To help develop a priority list, here are some of the most common uses for a kitchen island:

Plan Your Kitchen Today!

Are you ready to start planning the layout of your island kitchen? It's a good idea to visualize it first. One simple way is to mock things up in person - for example, create an island out of large boxes to check the scale. Or visualize a kitchen with an island in the RoomSketcher App.

Kitchen with island - 30 ideas. Design features, pros and cons of kitchen islands

What you need to think about before buying an island

Its advantages and disadvantages:

Island for large and small kitchens

The shape and area of ​​the kitchen island depends on the size of the kitchen.

A large kitchen will fit a large rectangular island, stretched along the entire headset.

It is reasonable to place a stove or sink on such an island to form a working triangle. By the way, about the work triangle, we have a detailed article "Kitchen layout: how to arrange furniture and appliances. "

The large island also offers ample storage space and is a useful addition to a compact kitchen set.

And if the kitchen and dining room are located in different rooms, behind such an island you can have a quick bite or a cup of coffee.

For a smaller kitchen, a small, square island will do. If desired, you can still take out the working area and organize storage on it.

Or use as worktop and dining area.

Work Island Functions

If finding a free space for an island is problematic, finding a use for it is easy.

Island as an additional worktop

In the article "Kitchen Ergonomics: About the Work Triangle, Heights and Latitudes" we said that the optimal height of the work surface is 15 cm below the elbow. The height of the countertop for most manufacturers of kitchen sets is 85-90 cm. It is far from suitable for everyone, and the price of a non-standard set rises sharply.

Therefore, you can buy a regular set and complement it with a tall kitchen island.

Extra storage island

The kitchen island comes in handy when your kitchen needs more storage space for food and utensils.

Some islands have open shelves. Place a beautiful service and stylish accessories on them.

The kitchen island can be used to store wine. Comfortable and stylish.

Island dining area

The kitchen island will become a complete dining area for several people.

Or turn into a quick bite.

Top of the work triangle

We have already mentioned the work triangle with a kitchen island at one of the vertices.

This is how it looks in practice.

Here you can find several different options for the work triangle:

Place for built-in appliances

A small refrigerator or freezer can be built into the kitchen island.

Pictured is an oven built into the island. In order to get a baking sheet, you have to bend over, but you can immediately lower it onto the countertop.

Bar counter

You can purchase an island with an optional raised top and attach a couple of bar stools to it. A large family will not fit at dinner, but it can be used for gatherings with friends.

More ideas for bar counters in the kitchen - in our article "Kitchen Interior with Bar Counter".

Zoning

With the help of a kitchen island it is convenient to separate the kitchen combined with the living room, as we did in one of our projects.

Decorative function

The kitchen island stands out in the kitchen and draws attention.

Pictured is a kitchen island made of artificial stone by German designers LEICHT Küchen. It sets the tone for the entire interior.

In order not to overload the space, you can make part of the kitchen island through.

The vibrant color island looks great in a bright kitchen.

Kitchen islands with unusual shapes

In addition to the classic rectangular and square islands, manufacturers offer unusual shapes.

The round island is easy to approach from any direction and there is no risk of hitting the corner.

You can find a curved kitchen island. It takes up a lot of space, but is more convenient and looks more original.

More compact corner island. On the island in the photo, the dining area and the stove were smashed.

Some kitchen islands are multi-level. The countertop is a little higher, and the sink or stove is a little lower. Convenient for work and protects the kitchen from splashes, and guests from the sight of dirty dishes.

Materials for kitchen islands

The main materials for islands are:

Chipboard option is the cheapest. Due to the protective coating, it is quite durable and can be made in any color.

Wooden kitchen island suitable for classic or country style kitchens.

The artificial stone option is much more expensive than the previous two. At the same time, it is important not to forget that the stone is stained and damaged.

Stainless steel kitchen island - a solution for a modern or high-tech kitchen. Most importantly, do not forget to stock up on glossy surface care products.

The material of the island is selected in the same way as for the kitchen unit. We covered this issue in detail in the article "Step-by-step instructions for choosing a kitchen set".

Kitchen island for a small kitchen

For those who really want an island in their small kitchen, we also picked up a couple of ideas.

Manufacturers Home Styles, SEGAwe and Best choice offer miniature kitchen islands on wheels. You can put a hot baking sheet on them, store glasses and a couple of bottles of wine or cutlery.

The kitchen island on wheels slides under the worktop and is removed when an additional work surface is needed.

So, let's combine the basic rules for kitchen islands:

If you don’t want to run pipes, wires and exhaust to the island, consider the option of a dining island, as in our house project in the Moscow region.

More ideas for inspiration in our portfolio. And more understanding of how you see your future home will be given by our test for stylistic preferences.

40 design projects with photos

In modern design, centralization is considered good form: furniture is located not only along the walls, but also in the center of the room. In the kitchen, it is not only fashionable, but also convenient: there is a chance to make an additional work surface.

In this article we will talk about kitchens with an island: we will understand its capabilities, see photos in the interior and learn about various design options. Interesting projects and advice from experts will help to equip the room beautifully and functionally.

What is it?

A kitchen island is a free-standing part of a kitchen. Most often it is placed in the center of the kitchen.

At the same time, this element of furniture can be used in different ways: as a countertop or as a table, place a stove or sink there, turn it into a kind of bar counter ... It all depends on the needs and design project.

The lower part is rarely made hollow: often there are additional drawers for storing kitchen utensils.

Let's make a reservation right away: it is unrealistic to put it in a small kitchen, since it takes up too much space.

However, in small kitchens, an alternative is usually used - the peninsula. This is a protruding structure, on one side adjacent to the wall or headset.

The islands themselves are of two types:

The former are more suitable for a full worktop with a stove and sanitary ware, while the latter are more suitable for those who want to equip an additional countertop.

Features of the layout

It should be noted that these are more tips than immutable rules. However, if you neglect them, then the island will simply interfere.

If you want to place a sink or hob on it, communications must be carried out in advance. You will also need an island hood (read what it is in this article). It costs more than usual, but it completely solves the problem of unpleasant odors.

For comfortable movement in the kitchen, indents from walls and furniture to the island must be made at least 80 centimeters.

The standard length of the island is from 90 to 120 cm, and the optimal height is about 80-85 cm, like the lower section of the headset.

If you want to use the island as a dining table, make sure that the overhang of the tabletop over the base is at least 30 centimeters. Otherwise, it will be uncomfortable to sit. In addition, make sure that nothing will interfere with the extension of drawers or the opening of doors, if they are provided in the island.

As for combining it with a bar counter, please note that in this case you will need to make a two-level tabletop. Otherwise, either the stand will be lower than expected, or it will become inconvenient to work on the island.

Tip: When creating a kitchen design project, it is recommended to evaluate the arrangement not only from the top view, but also from the side. So you will understand how comfortable it will be to work and move around the room.

Keep all of this in mind when planning a kitchen with an island. Real projects with photos will be shown below - we are sure they will be useful to you.

Is the extra surface worth the restrictions? Now we'll see!

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other furniture, the island has both pluses and minuses.

For Against
  • Ergonomics. The island forms a working triangle, significantly facilitating movement around the kitchen and making cooking more convenient;
  • Extra storage space for all sorts of little things, which is always missing;
  • In kitchen-living rooms or studios, it acts as a delimiting element;
  • Looks stylish and modern.
  • Requires a lot of space. Ideally, the kitchen should be at least 20 sq.m., unless, of course, you have purchased a compact model or transformer.
  • The need to carry out communications (if a sink or stove is placed on it). In an apartment it is more difficult than in a country house.
  • Purchase and installation will cost a large amount, even if you order a budget model.

Brief summary: Of course, there are more pluses. Plus, they're all quite heavy. Therefore, if space and finances allow, choose and order the model you like.

Now let's see if there are any restrictions on the size of the room where it will fit.

Island and kitchen area

As mentioned above, this requires a large kitchen. For example:

However, for a small kitchen, this condition is bypassed if you choose the right configuration: a compact island or a transformer.

Experts advise to choose the option with a pull-out mechanism and a folding top, which can replace a dining table and provide additional work surface. And in the “passive” state, such an island is generally invisible, which frees up a lot of space in the room.

Let's see photos with different types of designs.

American style

It is believed that this type of kitchen design came from the USA.

In general, it is characterized by natural materials and the combination of practicality with beauty. Therefore, we recommend decorating the island with light wooden facades and marble countertops. Moreover, furniture from IKEA will not work - Americans appreciate monumentality, so you have to find a really impressive set.

In the kitchen-living room, it makes sense to delimit the zones with the help of a long island with a prominent bar counter. It is comfortable and looks very unusual. Turn it into a dining table with a raised table top. Due to the size, there is enough space even for a large family.

Please note: According to design standards, it must follow the configuration of the room in shape. That is, square for square and rectangular for elongated.

An American classic kitchen with a fixed island is not only fashionable but also practical. Take a look at how the chandelier is framed. It is surrounded by an iron cascade, on which you can hang beautiful crockery and other kitchen utensils.

The décor is structurally similar to the main set - pay attention to the patina on the facades. But the color scheme is chosen in contrast. This technique makes the room visually more spacious. In this case, the main focus is on the center of the room - black wood is underlined by a white background.

Provence style

You will need to use light, light colors and natural materials. We also advise you to choose furniture that is not too heavy in appearance, without complex textures and decorative curls.

Let's start with a very unexpected decision. Remember, we wrote about the desired dimensions of the room? Meanwhile, some find a way out even for a small area of ​​12 sq. m.!

The sink is removed to the miniature island and there is room for a small cutting surface. This allows you to narrow the main headset. True, in this case, you will have to do with a two-burner hob.

The built-in sea-green peninsula also looks beautiful. Such furniture does not clutter up the center, making it possible to equip a full-fledged kitchen-dining room. It is best to use this technique in large rooms with at least two windows - one for each zone.

Modern idea: This configuration is convenient when you need both a dining table and additional storage space. In addition, it is easy to do it yourself.

Classic style

The island is also suitable for interiors decorated in discreet traditional motifs. Try to make the kitchen in light colors, with white facades and stone countertops. Delicate patina, elegant details look amazing, especially in this scale.

A little tip: place the shaped chandelier directly above the kitchen island. It will become the main decoration, while providing enough light above the work surface.

In the style of modern classics, the addition of non-standard textures or bright colors is welcome. We offer you this option: an island that plays the role of a dining table on the one hand, and a traditional surface with drawers on the other. To dilute the white-beige palette will help chairs of an unexpected color - for example, lilac.

If you decide to remove the wall between the kitchen and the room, it can be a worthy replacement. Place it on the border to emphasize the transition between zones.

A good move - hanging structure with stucco bas-relief. It is not only beautiful, but also practical - hang pots and pans on it. True, for this they must have an appropriate appearance - old dishes are unlikely to decorate the interior.

Scandinavian style

The bright and airy kitchens are ideal for an island. Don't believe? Let's prove it now!

Opt for natural textures such as wood. Pay attention to how multifunctional the small island is made. It combines a sink, a work surface, a dining table and a place to store books and all sorts of little things. This is the perfect solution for a small space.

Think twice before installing an island combined with a breakfast bar. If you place the countertop at the optimum height for the bar, it can be uncomfortable to work on. Therefore, estimate immediately whether you will be able to cook without discomfort.

It doesn't have to be big. Miniature models also look very stylish. Especially if you add an unexpected element during the design - for example, make legs from rough raw bricks. On a glossy snow-white background, they look interesting and original.

But for a spacious kitchen-living-dining room, a huge island is suitable, which combines several functions. For example, a table and a wide work surface. It is better to make it from natural materials. A wooden table top, for example, is now in vogue.

Contemporary

We love this look. Minimalism in design emphasizes the beautiful textures of countertops and the whiteness of facades. In a sufficiently large room, every centimeter is involved - rationally, don't you think?

It is better to make a table as simple as possible, but functional. Try to combine several purposes in it - a dining area, storage space, a wide work surface.

Classical styles often use rectangular or square. However, you should not be limited to them - round, wavy, zigzag. All this is quite feasible, especially if the area allows. We love this red and white design. It looks very stylish and catchy, becoming the dominant element of the interior.

Another option is an abstract island design. Smooth lines and elements flowing into each other attract the eye. If you do not want to force the room with furniture, turn it into a full-fledged work surface. A small sink, a modern hob, which at first seems like an unusual countertop decor. Fashionable and modern, right?

The modern design of the kitchen with a 9-square island also definitely deserves attention. A rounded corner set and a tiny island look organic, and the right set of tones makes the room visually more spacious.

The combined island surface is another trendy trick. Break it visually into three zones: cooking, work surface and countertop, which will play the role of a dining table. Of course, in a small room you can hardly put such a design. But in a large one, it will be appropriate.

Loft style

The idea of ​​decentralization is typical for a loft, so installing an island is the right and logical move.

If the kitchen is located in the attic, pick it up in width flush with the even part of the ceiling, and install a U-shaped set around the perimeter of the room. It seems to be nothing complicated, but the room immediately seems stylish and modern. Use traditional materials for this style - wood, brick, concrete.

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