Kitchen island, its purpose, size and correct location

The fashion for a kitchen island has appeared recently. This is a separate element, standing at a distance from the rest of the furniture. It really looks like an island, which is located in the center of the room and serves as additional storage space for food and kitchen appliances. The island also takes on the functions of a dining table or bar counter.

How functional and practical this piece of furniture will be depends on the size of the room and the taste of its owner. First, let's figure out why you need an island in the kitchen.

No. 1. Who is a kitchen with an island suitable for?

An island is a table that stands at a distance from the kitchen unit. It is equipped with its own countertop and can be equipped with a hob, sink and storage system. A kitchen island is not a mandatory piece of furniture, and it will not be appropriate in every kitchen.

So who can afford to install a kitchen island?

• A full-fledged island is suitable for kitchens with an area of ​​20-25 m2 or more , and there should be a separate dining area.
• A peninsula or a small mobile island is suitable for kitchens with an area of ​​15 m2 or more.
• The kitchen table will look great on the border of zones in a combined kitchen-living room or studio apartment.
• This is an excellent option for spacious cottages and country houses.

Is it possible to install a kitchen island in an ordinary city apartment? Difficult. If this is not a modern, spacious studio apartment, then you will have to get rid of some partitions, combine the kitchen and living room, obtain the necessary permits and still be content with the smallest version of the island. But if this is your interior dream, then why not?

Lighting

This unusual kitchen interior is complemented by general, local lighting and LED lighting. The lamp above the island should be able to change the direction of the light. If you have wall cabinets, they can be equipped with built-in mini-light bulbs. This will add special aesthetics to the design.

The photo shows a chandelier above the island in a kitchen interior made in a rustic style.

No. 2. Why is a kitchen island necessary?

A kitchen island can perform one task or a range of functions:

• be part of the work triangle. The rules of ergonomics say that it is most convenient when the stove, sink and refrigerator are located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. The easiest way to achieve this layout is with an island;
• become an additional or main tabletop ;
• completely or partially replace the dining area by placing chairs on one side;
• be used as a storage place , since a lot of shelves and drawers can be organized under the tabletop. Typically, a kitchen island is used to store plates, pots, other kitchen utensils and cookbooks. Sometimes a freezer or dishwasher is built into it.

Designers call a kitchen island the best ergonomic option for organizing the space of a large kitchen.

What material can a kitchen island be made of?

Kitchen island materials:

• The most popular option is MDF coated with enamel. The material is resistant to temperature changes, is not afraid of humidity, and is durable. There are many colors to suit any style of kitchen interior.

• An island made of solid wood is used in spacious kitchens or those combined with a living room, as the structure is large. Careful care of the material will be required, as it is sensitive to aggressive kitchen environments.

• The island structure made of natural stone is heavy; it is recommended to use it in the kitchen of a private house on the ground floor. It looks stylish, noble, marble and onyx are trendy. This also includes brickwork.

• Stainless steel, rarely used, is suitable for kitchens in modern urban styles.

No. 3. Pros and cons of kitchens with islands

The widest functionality along with decent dimensions allows us to talk about a number of pros and cons of a kitchen island. Let's start with the good:

• convenience and ergonomics . Thanks to the presence of the island, all the main elements in the kitchen can be placed closer to each other. The housewife will spend less effort moving between the sink, stove, refrigerator and work surface. Consequently, time and energy are saved and comfort is increased. Moreover, if there is an island, several people can cook at once ;
• the housewife, while preparing a culinary masterpiece, can easily communicate with household members and guests without turning her back to them;
• a kitchen island can replace a significant part of the set and accommodate a hob with oven, dishwasher or sink;
• the kitchen island, or rather part of it, can be used as a dining table or bar counter for small snacks;
• an island can become the main element of zoning the space of a combined kitchen-living room;
• The island looks great in large kitchens, adding chic and zest to them.

There are also disadvantages:

• depending on the size, the island will take up from 1 to 3 m2 of area , plus there must be enough space around it for free movement. In general, for small kitchens a full-fledged island is a pipe dream;
• If you are planning to place a sink or dishwasher on the island, then be prepared for difficulties associated with the transfer of communications and creating the necessary slope, which may entail raising the floor level. Moreover, in an ordinary apartment it will not be easy to do this.

What you need to know about installation and equipment

• If you want an island with a sink or dishwasher, then even at the renovation stage you will need to think about moving and installing water and drainage pipes;
• If you are planning to install an island with a hob or oven, then take care of running electrics along the floor also at the renovation stage;
• Keep in mind that in order to carry out all communications, the floor will need to be raised slightly;
• Keep in mind that the layout of a kitchen with an island must also include a hanging (island) hood, the installation of which is not done by hand, but will require the participation of professionals;
• If you plan to install household appliances, then only a stationary table is selected for it, and not a mobile table;
• In addition, the island should be additionally illuminated - separately hanging ceiling lamps are suitable for this;
• If shelves are made in the body of the island, then separate lighting is installed for them, for example, LED;
• You can choose modern transformable furniture made in a factory, or you can create a set of standard modular elements with your own hands, turning them towards each other and covering them with a common tabletop.

No. 4. Distance between the island and other pieces of furniture

To ensure that the kitchen island does not interfere with free movement, opening drawers and the dishwasher, it is necessary to leave sufficient space between it and the kitchen unit or wall.

The minimum distance is 100 cm, the optimal distance is 120 cm . Only in this case will the kitchen island really be comfortable and ergonomic and will not cause inconvenience.

Basic Configurations

Regardless of the location of floor and wall cabinets, the functional purpose of the “island”, it is necessary to observe the rule of the “working triangle”. This is necessary so that the main objects - the stove, the work area and the sink - are at a convenient distance. That is, the refrigerator and sink will be located along the walls, and the island built into the table and its surface will become a work area. Another option is to install a sink in the “island”. This configuration is more difficult to implement, as it requires running water and sewer lines to the center of the kitchen.

The larger the kitchen, the more extensive such an interior element can be.

An interesting solution is an island table with built-in cabinets. It can replace a row of wall-mounted or floor-standing tables, freeing up additional space.

The dimensions of the island will be the most harmonious, taking into account the comfortable parameters of the desktops.

No. 5. Standard kitchen island sizes

The optimal parameters of the island depend on the size of the kitchen and the personal preferences of the household:

• in a spacious kitchen you can easily place an island up to 2 m long , if there is a need for such a giant;
• The standard for a kitchen island is 180*90 cm and 180*60 cm . Three standard modules will fit in length;
• the width, as a rule, ranges from 60 to 120 cm . A compact island 60 cm wide will have blank cabinet walls on one side. An island 90-120 cm wide can accommodate cabinets on several sides;
• The island is usually made 85-90 cm high , like the rest of the set, so that you can cook comfortably. If a dining area is provided, it may be slightly lower. An alternative option is to keep the tabletop height the same and buy taller (half-bar) stools. Part of the tabletop can be raised, thus organizing a bar counter. Its logical conclusion will be bar stools.

Features of the dining table

A kitchen with an island table is a place where a variety of dishes are prepared and eaten. In order for the whole family to enjoy the comfort and coziness of home, it is necessary to choose this furniture wisely. The main criteria are dimensions, design features, and the material from which the countertop is made.

Size

The choice of dimensions of the dining area depends on the number of people who will use it. The area of ​​the kitchen and the nuances of the layout are of great importance. The optimal dimensions of the tabletop for one seated person are 50 x 40 cm. There should be at least 20 cm² in the central part of the table. This is necessary for the location of common dishes and cutlery.

The island that houses the dining table must be of optimal size. Thus, the standard height from the floor is 75-80 cm, the length of the tabletop is 90-120 cm, the width is 80-120 cm. For large families, transformers that consist of several designs are suitable. Each of them is designed to accommodate from 2 to 4 people. Such models can easily be transformed into large areas intended for a large family or group of friends - up to 10 people.

Design

Dining islands are classified based on their design and how they are attached to the table. Attached or stationary models are installed closely, so they are ideal for creating a full-fledged place for eating. The advantages of the products include practicality, comfort, a fairly large surface area, and stability. Among the disadvantages, it is noted that such furniture is not suitable for small rooms.

Roll-out or built-in structures are hidden in the body of the island and can be removed if necessary. Pull-out models are ideal for creating additional surface if there is already a table in the room. Advantages: ease of use, can be used in small rooms. Disadvantages: low level of product stability.

Stationary

Roll-out

Built-in

Table top material

When choosing kitchen islands with a table, you should pay special attention to the material from which the countertop is made. In order for furniture to serve for a long time, you need to give preference to reliable coatings that are not afraid of moisture and temperature changes. High-quality products must withstand the weight of kitchen utensils and dishes containing hot dishes, as well as exposure to coloring products.

Countertops made of natural stone are created specifically for expensive interiors. The cost of natural material is significant, so products made from it are not in high demand. In most cases, these countertops are custom-made to suit individual requirements.

The optimal price-quality ratio is typical for models made of artificial stone or MDF. Laminated chipboards have an attractive appearance and affordable price, but they do not last long and quickly lose their original shape.

To create a practical and original kitchen interior, simply combine an island with a dining table. Thanks to the wide variety of shapes, models, sizes, you can choose the right option for spacious and small rooms. A kitchen island is a convenient and fashionable solution for apartments and country houses.

A natural stone

Solid wood

Plastic

No. 6. Kitchen island shape

Designers advise that the shape of the island matches the shape of the kitchen , i.e. For a rectangular room a rectangular island is suitable, for a square one - a square one. Rectangular and square islands have become so popular that many people cannot imagine this element of any other shape.

In addition to standard ones, islands can be semicircular, oval, intricately curved, triangular and more. An island of any shape and size can be made to order. The main thing is that, along with extravagance and unusualness, the island should be functional and fit harmoniously into the existing interior. Oval and round tables are convenient because they do not have corners and reduce the risk of injury, but they take up more space. Broken, triangular and other design options are rarely functional and require huge areas to arrange them without risk to health.

When choosing a shape, you need to look not only at the shape of the kitchen space, but also at the type of location of the kitchen unit . If an L-shaped layout is chosen, then a square island would be a good solution. For U-shaped kitchens, a rectangular island is usually chosen, but the final decision depends on the size of the room. If the set is located in one line, then you can choose an island of any shape. Bizarrely shaped islands are best supported with an equally unusual set.

Colors

Shade color plays an important role in the design of a kitchen space. The island element should be harmoniously combined with the entire surrounding environment. It can have either a single color design or act as an accent.

The photo shows the design of a white corner kitchen without upper cabinets, complemented by an island.

Light colors are often used in the design of modern kitchens. The white model not only looks very attractive, but also contributes to the visual expansion of the room. Designs in black, burgundy or coffee tones will fit original into the interior.

The photo shows a linear gray kitchen with an island.

No. 7. Main types of kitchen islands

A standard kitchen island is a free-standing, stationary element. But what should those who have a kitchen not large enough to accommodate a full-fledged island do, but want to have such a useful accessory? It’s good that they came up with several interesting varieties of ordinary islands:

• peninsula It differs from an island only in that one end is adjacent to a wall, kitchen unit or window sill. This solution allows you to significantly save space while maintaining maximum benefits of a full-fledged island;

• mobile compact island. These are now in collections from IKEA. When necessary, it can be placed in the kitchen, fixed and used as an additional countertop and storage space, and then rolled away, for example, into a pantry or pushed against the wall;

• archipelago - This is a type of kitchen island that is designed for spacious rooms. The archipelago is a system consisting of multi-level structures. This ensures maximum functionality. One part can be used for preparing lunches, the second for eating, and the third can be raised to the level of the bar counter and used only for snacks.

Island as a zoning tool

In spacious rooms, for example, in the living room of a private house, as well as when combining rooms, the island serves as an effective zoning tool, especially when arranging a bar counter in addition to the desktop.

The location of the island part marks the boundary of the working area and the beginning of the guest area. If the bar counter and the food preparation surface are at different levels, this helps to divide the space to a greater extent.

A harmonious solution would also be to place pendant lamps above the island, or rather above the tabletop for eating. Although light is needed to a greater extent precisely above the working surface.

The features of using an island as a zoning tool are often determined by the design style. For example, in a classic style, a central lamp is usually used. Here the island is appropriately square, with luxurious finishes and decor. Of course, these are not rules, because you can always find harmonious solutions with other parameters.

In modern design trends, the unusual shapes of the island will be organic, as will the original lamps. Moreover, lamps can be made of non-standard materials - concrete and silicone, wood, metal wire and tubes. In this design, the island will be laconic - without unnecessary details and decor, with smooth facades without fittings. Here you should not make glass or other fragile doors, as there is a risk of catching them and breaking them. But the transparent bases of the island are another interesting modern technique, especially in zoning. True, in this case you will have to abandon large-scale storage areas.

An island is a convenient element of a kitchen interior, which can also become a decoration, especially when combining the living room and kitchen spaces. Even in the most budget version, such a detail will make the room individual and comfortable.

No. 8. Options for organizing a kitchen with an island

We have already said that the kitchen island is multifunctional . Now here are examples of how it can be used in the kitchen:

• as an additional work surface. This is the easiest option to implement, since you do not have to transfer communications. If you love to cook, or there are several people in the family who actively experiment in the kitchen, then additional work space will only be beneficial. Just remember to place several sockets at the ends of the island. This will make it easier to use kitchen appliances and charge gadgets;
• island with a bar counter , which can become an additional zoning element. You can organize a bar area by using a tabletop protruding from one side, but the height of such a solution will not reach a full-fledged bar counter. An alternative solution is to raise part of the tabletop;
• island can smoothly flow into dinner table. In this case, it is desirable that its width be at least 90 cm. As for the height, it depends on who is more comfortable. Some people prefer higher tables and half-bar stools, then the level of the kitchen island will be uniform. Some people prefer a dining table of the usual height, then it will be necessary to provide a transition from one level to another;

• An island with an electric hob is more difficult to organize. Not only will you have to supply electricity (it’s better to run the cable along the floor), but you’ll also have to provide an exhaust hood. You will have to choose a special model, and also install an air duct, and then hide it behind the ceiling structure (stretch and suspended ceilings are suitable). This means that you will have to sacrifice the height of the room. But there is a way out - you can buy a hood with recirculation. It draws in air, purifies it and returns it back. Filters will have to be changed frequently, but if the ceilings are low, this is the only option;
• kitchen island with sink will require moving water and sewer pipes, providing the necessary slope, and sometimes even installing pumping equipment. It’s good if you are building a private house, and you can plan in advance the location of communications as needed. What if we are talking about an ordinary city apartment? You will also have to coordinate the project, and it may happen that it will be completely impossible to place a sink in the island. But even if this option is feasible, do not forget that the pipes running down the middle of the kitchen will need to be hidden somehow. This means that the floor surface will rise and the height of the room will decrease. The same problems await you if you want to move the dishwasher to the island;

• showcase island assumes the presence of a large number of open shelves where plates, souvenirs, and books are beautifully arranged. To enhance the effect, the shelves can be illuminated using LED strips or special furniture lamps. Open cabinets and shelves can be located around the entire perimeter of the island, or they can decorate only part of it, for example, the one that faces the dining area or living room.

The same kitchen island can perfectly cope with several tasks at once. For example, serve as an additional work surface, a location for a built-in oven and a snack area.

Ready-made island table

The selection of such ready-made tables at IKEA is quite limited: only 4 models of different sizes. The choice in design is also small.

For example, the Vadholma series is suitable for an interior in a loft or scandi style.

Vadholm table with hanger

The “Tornviken” series is a good solution for interiors in country, Provence, shabby chic, vintage, etc. styles.

In the table below you can see the sizes of each model and prices.

The price for such a ready-made separate module is quite comparable with the alternative option - from cabinets and countertops. But here the advantage is in the design itself - open shelves, stylish design. You won't be able to create something similar from cabinet frames in a planner. This option is also easier to assemble and install.

It is not at all necessary that the island table matches the color of the kitchen set. In the photo below you can see examples of how to harmoniously fit it into the interior.

From countertops and cabinets

You can create an island in the IKEA planner on the official website. You can also see component options in the catalogs.

The advantage of this option is that the table will ideally complement the set; there will be no doubt about the compatibility of the furniture parts in design. Independent planning will also allow you to create a dining area in the form of a bar counter on the island.

With Vokstorp facades

There are several options for designing such a module.

1. No bar counter.

1. With tabletop removal. One possible solution is to select cabinets with a custom depth of 39.2 cm.

Another option is to make a takeout from the end.

1. Multi-level bar counter. For it, you need to purchase a console and an additional tabletop from IKEA.

1. A table with an open bar counter combined with a narrow small module

1. Large module (several tabletops are joined together).

An island layout will require at least 1-3 square meters of additional space. A small island can be installed in a kitchen with an area of ​​14 sq.m.

The shape of the room also matters. The design should ideally replicate it. For example, in a rectangular kitchen a rectangular table will look better. An island with a bar counter is good for quick breakfasts, but for lunch and dinner with the whole family you may need a separate dining room or a full dining area with a large table.

No. 9. Kitchen island style

The island part of the kitchen should be in harmony with the rest of the interior in terms of material, shape and color scheme. If the kitchen set is made of wood with a stone countertop, then it is better if the island is exactly the same. If the kitchen space is spacious enough, then you can take some liberties and place an emphasis on the portable cabinet using an interesting texture or shade. But even in this case, it is important not to get too carried away and lose the overall harmony of the room.

To create a harmonious kitchen interior, you must, first of all, start from the chosen style and select the appropriate island for it:

• For classic interiors , a massive island made of polished wood is suitable; the tabletop should be either wood or stone. Carved elements, gilding, panels and other decorative elements are welcome. The color scheme matches the interior, but preference is given to light shades and rich browns, olives, black-gray and gray-white. You can hang a large crystal chandelier above the island;
• For modern interiors (high-tech and minimalism), a laconic island that fully matches the kitchen set is suitable. Minimum decor – maximum practicality. Preferred materials are artificial stone, steel, and tempered glass. On the island you can place an induction hob, build in an oven or sink. The main goal of modern interior styles is to simplify a person’s life and daily worries, so the idea of ​​a kitchen island fits very well into this concept. Don't forget to organize a convenient storage system and allocate some space for snacks;
• The island also fits into the Provence style. In this case, the preferred light pastel shades are: white, milky, light lavender, mint, turquoise, etc. The base is made of wood, the tabletop is made of natural or artificial stone of a light shade. A large number of drawers, shelves, wicker baskets are welcome; some of the shelves can be covered with chintz curtains in a checkered, floral or striped pattern. Special honeycomb shelves for storing bottles of wine will look good - Provence, after all, is a wine-producing region;
• For a country style, you should choose a massive, even rough island made of natural wood. It is better to preserve the texture of the wood, so preference is given to varnishing rather than painting. Large shelves and cabinets, forged handles, a tabletop made of stone, wood or ceramic tiles - all this will complement the country style. Some shelves can be left open, new furniture can be aged;
• in the loft style, the island almost always takes on the role of separating the kitchen area and the living room. The cabinet should be as simple as possible; you can use brickwork or a structure made of steel pipes as a base, and choose stone or steel as a tabletop. There is no need to hide the air duct from the hood - its presence will only emphasize the chosen style;
• An island of a bizarre shape, with smooth, streamlined facades, will fit into the Art Nouveau style. Glass and metal are preferred;

• Scandinavian style emphasizes simplicity and functionality. The base of the island can be wood, brick, concrete or metal; the preferred countertop material is wood. It is better to choose a light-colored island.

Interior styles

In a classic kitchen, expensive types of wood are used to make an island module in combination with decorative gilded details. The tabletop is made of stone or marble, which has a noble texture. The cabinet is a large stationary structure in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners.

The island in a modern style follows the design of the set. It is mainly characterized by a smooth base made of stone, steel or glass.

In the interior in Provence style, the module has a light marble or wooden countertop and has a simple configuration. The element is decorated in soft colors and equipped with cabinets, drawers or wicker baskets.

The photo shows a straight white kitchen with an island in the loft style.

Art Nouveau design is characterized by the use of metal and glass. The tabletop has streamlined lines, and the cabinet has a round or square shape.

Minimalism uses the most functional models with built-in household appliances and storage systems for dishes and other things.

The Scandinavian interior is complemented by laconic and simple-colored models with a wood tabletop and a frame made of materials such as metal, brick or even concrete.

A high-tech kitchen involves modules made of high-tech materials, in the form of plastic, metal or glass. Chrome surfaces look appropriate here, contributing to the creation of a strict design.

The photo shows a neoclassical style kitchen, decorated with a linear set with an island.

No. 10. Island in the interior of a small kitchen

It is generally accepted that an island is a privilege only for owners of huge kitchens. Is this statement correct? Yes, but only partly. The classic bulky stationary island is only for large rooms , but if you have a small kitchen you can find a way out, although you will have to make compromises.

Take a closer look at small stationary models. An island with dimensions of 120*60 will allow you to equip additional workspace and storage space, if necessary, divide the room into zones, but will not take up too much space.

Also pay attention to all kinds of retractable and mobile options . You can order a set in which the island will be fully or partially retractable into one of the modules. An alternative option is to attach the tabletop to the wall and raise it as needed (for snacking, cooking). You can consider designs on wheels.

Some kitchens have an island in the form of a bar counter. The main task of this solution is to separate the kitchen area from the recreation area. On the living room side, the counter is equipped with high chairs, and on the kitchen side, it can be supplemented with a folding tabletop, which can be raised if necessary and used for preparing dishes.

Add a cutting board sliding across the surface

Cutting boards are a must when preparing food. To make this device even more practical, it is worth attaching its edge to the surface to give it even greater stability.

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This will allow you to move the cutting board in any direction, which is very convenient when preparing food.

Designer tips for planning an island kitchen

Finally, some cool tips from designers that will simplify the layout of your island:

1. When combined with a dining table, you need an overhang of at least 30 centimeters. Otherwise it will be impossible to sit behind him.

2.The countertop bar should be two-level. The stand should be high, but the working surface should be at elbow height.

3. If a sink or stove is planned, then communications must be carried out in advance.

Photo ideas

You can see cool photo ideas for islands in the kitchen of a private home in the selection below.

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