Planning a kitchen makeover?
Before you start, follow this guide to help you decide if an island is correct for you.
The trend for open-plan living isn’t changing anytime soon, suggesting the kitchen island is here to stay. A multi-functional island can make a stylish centerpiece and focus in any large, open-plan space. Similarly, a narrow unit can divide a smaller kitchen-dining area into useful zones.
What is a kitchen island?
A kitchen island could also be a standalone unit that is accessible from all sides. Kitchen islands provide additional surfaces, cabinets, drawers, and shelving. If there’s space for an infinite island, it can have multiple kitchen appliances installed in it – for example a hob, sink, and dishwasher.
Many people also want to include seating for family or friends to assemble while they cook and for relaxed dining. Some also want to use it as a locality to catch informed work.
Think through the island’s roles
A kitchen island can have multiple functions: storage, prep, cooking, serving, and washing-up to call but some. Before you intend your kitchen layout, decide which roles your island will fill. This might determine the size and magnificence of your island unit.
Remember if you’re visiting install a hob on your island, you’ll need an extractor fan. Otherwise, cooking smells will linger long after the meal is eaten. If you don’t need a hood hanging down within the center of the kitchen, consider an innovative induction hob with an in-built extractor. Or put the sink on your island instead.
Is my kitchen sufficiently big for an island?
While you’d possibly have a decent-sized kitchen, is it sufficiently big for an island unit or will it feel cramped? Check the dimensions of the world. The rule is that you just simply will need a minimum of 1 meter of open space around your island. There has got to be room for cupboard doors, drawers, ovens, and dishwashers to be safely opened and bar stools comfortably pulled up. The foremost important trip hazard is usually the dishwasher door. It’s best to err on the side of caution and leave extra space than is required as a minimum.
A breakfast bar with seating may be an honest alternative in smaller kitchens. Similarly, a peninsula with one side attached to the wall is different from imitating the island look without absorbing an excessive amount of valuable floor space.
One size doesn’t fit all
Kitchen islands are available in different shapes and sizes. It’s smart, that the larger your room, the larger your island could also be. However, if it’s too big, it can’t only spoil the planning of your kitchen but make it awkward to use. The island’s dimensions must be in proportion to the space around it.
The average size of a kitchen island is 1000mm x 2000mm. This can be able to typically have a clearance zone of 1000mm around it.
Most kitchen companies will offer smaller or larger units to tailor-make your island to your specific requirements. Some units even include wheels for flexibility.
Plan ahead
Stoves, dishwashers, and sinks can all be accommodated in an island unit but remember the more roles you provide it, the more pipework and power feeds are visiting be needed. Plan for electricity and plumbing. While retrofitting an island is possible, it’ll boost the bill if the ability and water supplies aren’t already in place because the ground might have to be lifted.
Islands are often used for prep work due to the useful extra counter space. Consider power points for blenders and food processors. Do you want an outlet built into the side of the island? There are also available pop-up sockets and charging points perfect for streamline island units.
Don’t forget task lighting over the food prep area. A trio of pendant lights is also classy because of boost lighting over an island.
As well as offering extra worktops and storage, a kitchen island can transform how you utilize your kitchen – making it a more sociable space. Follow the knowledge above and acquire advice from professionals. An honest kitchen designer will facilitate you to work out if your kitchen is large enough, how large you want to go, and thus the simplest layout.
