If you are planning to renovate or build a new kitchen, you may want to include an island in your plans.
Many homes across the country have some type of kitchen island which is used for a multitude of purposes such as; cooking, washing up, dining, storing essentials, entertaining, preparing food, and nowadays it’s even a popular place for working at. Basically an island is the most wanted fixture in the home and a kitchen often feels incomplete without one.
Fixed or movable island?
Kitchen islands come in many styles but we can classify them all under two categories: fixed and movable.
Fixed kitchen islands are permanent and designed to be fully functional. These islands offer bigger bench space for food prep, cooking, eating, washing up and more. These often house appliances and fixtures such as the sink, dishwasher, range, and oven too.
For these to work, you need to run the gas line, plumbing, or electrical wiring to the kitchen island. You are in need of professional designers, builders, and tradespeople to help you with this project.
Superdraft's platform helps you find and connect with the professionals you need to take on the design and the extensive installation work required in building a kitchen with an island. Get access when you sign up for free.
Moveable or portable kitchen islands, on the other hand, can be bought off the shelf or taken on as a weekend home project. These do not require the installation of utilities and offer additional workspace. Some have wheels so you can easily move them wherever you need them.
Here, let's take a look at the kitchen island designs under each category:
Permanent kitchen islands
1. L-shaped island design
Got a huge space for your kitchen? A sprawling L-shaped island like this will fill in the space. This island design provides more benchtop space for multiple cooks and ample storage underneath.
2. Full island in an open-plan galley kitchen
A massive island like this is a simple and efficient way to divide an open floor plan. It will give you the functionality of a galley kitchen without affecting traffic flow or sacrificing the open and spacious design.
3. Curved, circular, oval or semi-circle island design
Tired of square and rectangular island designs? Go for sexy curved ones! Rounded island designs are trending this 2021 and will make your kitchen look like it’s ready for impressing and entertaining guests! Curves add interest, can help to soften a space and work well for both smaller and larger areas as shown below.
4. U-shaped island design
A dream for many professional chefs and home cooks, a u-shaped island will increase the efficiency of your kitchen. Imagine having so much workspace and storage available on all three sides. Food prep and cooking will be possible while entertaining guests!
5. Double-tiered island design
A two-tiered design divides the island: one surface at bench height for work and food prep, with an elevated bar for dining and entertaining. Separating the two functions will conceal a busy and cluttered workspace while in use. It will allow the cook to easily interact with family and guests as well.
Bi-level island designs are not only functional. These are sanitary too because food won’t splatter to the eating area during preparation.
6. Double island
Why limit yourself to one kitchen island when you can have two? Kitchens with two islands are considered high-end luxury design and can come in many configurations. Most of the time, homeowners build islands that are parallel to each other or where one island wraps around another.
7. Eat-in kitchen island
These islands have an extension dedicated for dining to allow people to eat near where the food is made. In some cases, homeowners opt for this to merge their kitchen and dining areas completely.
8. Angled kitchen island design
These islands don’t fit the traditional rectangular or square shape. If you want something unique but still can accommodate many seats, this geometric and dynamic island design is for you.
Portable kitchen islands
9. Rolling island or kitchen island with wheels
These are extremely affordable when compared to permanent islands with cabinetry. Best of all, these come in a variety of styles and sizes. There are rolling islands that are as big as a full island and offer additional storage and workspace only.
Smaller rolling islands are a convenient alternative. Here’s one that you can use for food prep, then tuck neatly aside when you’re finished cooking. It can serve as a bar cart as well.
10. Table island or furniture style island
For many small kitchens, using a table as an island is a practical choice. There is a wide range of options in the market, use a custom-made piece by a carpenter, or reuse an old piece of furniture you already have!
11. Base cabinet kitchen island
Many DIY kitchen islands involve using off-the-shelf base cabinets, back panels and a benchtop material. Install caster wheels or legs so it’s easier to move and clean underneath.
Reasons to include an island in your custom kitchen design
- Around 75% of the homes across the country have kitchen islands.
- Guests notice the island first whenever they step into the kitchen.
- It is the most hardworking fixture in the kitchen, the real MVP of the home.
Now that you have learnt about the different types of kitchen islands, we hope you’ll make the best decision on what’s right for your kitchen. If you are looking for a kitchen design with a permanent island, you are going to need the help of a designer and a draftsperson.
Superdraft's platform helps you find and connect with the professionals you need. Get access when you sign up for free.
