If you are lucky with a private house or just a large and free kitchen, pay attention to headsets with an island. Of course, it will take several valuable meters, but the working area immediately becomes more convenient and ergonomic. Each housewife will immediately appreciate how much easier and more enjoyable it is to cook in such a kitchen! And at the same time - relax with a cup of coffee, chat with guests or just go about your business.
What is a kitchen island?
The island is a separate multifunctional kitchen table equipped with base cabinets and side tables. It is placed relative to the rest of the headset, and therefore more convenient. In fact, it is an additional worktop with storage space.
Islands are of two types: stationary and mobile. The former are floor-mounted and are better suited for a full-fledged work surface, while the latter are good for flexible zoning of large rooms.
Installation and equipping
The island layout is suitable only for a spacious kitchen, and preferably square or at least not too elongated. The optimal area is from 20 sq.m., and if you do not need a separate dining table, then from 15-17 sq.m. The recommended distance between the headset and the island is at least 100-120 cm, otherwise it will be inconvenient to walk there, use boxes and equipment.
It is always best to calculate the size of the island individually for each project. On average, its length is 180 cm, but it can be much more. The standard length of kitchen modules is 60 cm, so you can build on these parameters. Or you can make a unique custom-made headset according to your calculations and drawings.
The standard width of the modules is the same 60 cm, but this is inconvenient if you want to place cabinets under the table top. In this case, either open shelves will be needed, or a blank wall will remain on one side. But under a deep worktop from 90 cm, you can place the cabinets in two rows so that they open from both sides.
The height of the island usually corresponds to the height of the working surface of the main headset - 85-90 cm. But if you want, you can always make it higher: for example, under a bar counter or for the convenience of tall family members.
Kitchen layout with an island
Islands can differ not only in size and height, but also in general configuration. For example, in a square kitchen, a square one is more appropriate, in an elongated one - a rectangular one, and in large combined kitchens-living rooms, you can even install a semicircular table. And of course, start from the shape of the main headset so that all elements are in harmony with each other.
Corner kitchen
So that the island does not stand out from the general picture of the corner set, you need to calculate its size and location so that the whole system folds into a neat rectangle. This solution looks sleeker and more harmonious, and at the same time - more functional during operation. For convenience, you can put another flooring directly under this area: for example, tiles, and in the rest of the room - laminate.
Direct (linear) kitchen
Linear typefaces allow you to experiment more with the shape of the island without getting out of the picture. Look for countertops with rounded edges or crescent-shaped islands. This solution is more expensive, but it looks stylish and fresh.
U-shaped kitchen
The U-shaped set is massive in itself, so choosing an island for it is not easy, and it will organically fit only into the largest and most spacious kitchens. Typically, work surfaces, sink, stove and household appliances are located on the main segment, and the island is taken out as a dining area.
Design of a kitchen combined with a living room (90 photos)
Island functions
The island is not only a stylish interior solution, but also a very practical find. After all, additional work space in the kitchen is never superfluous.At the same time, you can equip it completely to your taste and according to your preferences.
Island as a storage place
The detachable island is no different from the modules of the main headset: anything you want can be built inside. If a functional and inconspicuous storage area is important to you, hide cabinets and drawers behind sleek, neat fronts. And if you like open structures and shelves, bring beautiful kitchen trifles to open shelves: stylish utensils, jars of cereals and spices, various Provence-style decorations.
Island as a dining area
At its core, the kitchen island differs little from the bar counter, so you can safely adapt it to it or to the dining area. To do this, choose wider countertops and high bar stools as a set. And do not take important equipment or storage places to such an island, which you will constantly have to use.
Hob island
Massive stoves are rarely taken out on the island, but flat hobs are quite. It is much more convenient to cook when the work table is right in front of your eyes and the pots are boiling behind your back. You do not have to constantly run around the kitchen, so as not to overlook anything.
Island with sink
It is quite difficult to take out the washbasin to the island, because you will have to work with communications. But on the other hand, it is very convenient: finally, the desktop, food, stove and household appliances will not be accidentally splashed with water.
Dishwasher island
Another convenient trick is to bring the dishwasher to the island, which often does not fit into the main set. But for this, measure the distance to the kitchen especially carefully so that household appliances can be used normally.
Interior styles
The kitchen island can harmoniously fit into any interior, but it looks best in styles that in themselves suggest space and monumentality. If you don't know where to start, we offer you some interesting options.
Classic style kitchen with island
Classics are always pretentious monumentality, bulky wooden furniture and expensive materials. In the foreground - symmetry and correct geometry, so an island with an L-shaped kitchen, exposed by a rectangle, looks good.
Countertops made of natural or artificial stone will ideally fit into a classic interior. Just keep in mind that real marble or granite is heavy and requires careful handling. But modern imitations are practically indistinguishable in appearance, but they are more practical and more convenient to work with.
Loft style kitchen with island
For a loft, an island kitchen layout is one of the most successful solutions. At the same time, the industrial style does not require such a clear observance of proportions, the unity of details, textures and shades. If you like kitchen islands as separate expressive accents - they will be like family in the loft.
The bar counter is another classic attribute of the bohemian studios that this style began with. From the materials, pay attention to rough wood with a pronounced texture or simple laconic metal structures. Even minimalistic and purely functional steel modules, which are used in a professional kitchen, will fit into the loft.
Kitchen with an island in a modern style
Contemporary is an interesting modern movement that has absorbed the features of both the classics and modern technological minimalism. Use simple and laconic forms, combine natural and artificial materials in one headset.
Modern storage systems, a push-to-open system, as well as other laconic and technological solutions fit perfectly into the contemporary. Basic colors are simple: black, white, gray, beige, brown. But for accents, any bright or deep complex shades are suitable, so such a kitchen in any case looks stylish and relevant.
Provence style kitchen with an island
Provence is always an abundance of details, decor, cozy wooden furniture, open shelves and beautiful textiles.Therefore, the island in the kitchen only creates additional space for self-expression. You can adapt it to open shelves for storing cozy little things.
Small neat curtains instead of cabinet doors look interesting, but then choose the most unpretentious and wear-resistant fabric. Don't forget about bleached and aged surfaces, carved decor, decoupage and other decorative details that will complement the Provence style island set.
High-tech kitchen with an island
Technological high-tech itself gravitates towards solid and functional solutions, and at the same time - towards large areas. A kitchen with an island with acrylic fronts, steel elements and chrome details looks very organic.
Use the most modern hobs, neon or LED lighting, glass and quirky futuristic bar stools. A separate ceiling structure with spotlights or pendant lights looks stylish over the island: it creates the illusion of a floating block.
Modern interior: kitchen design 9 sq.m. (85 images)
Color solutions
Most often, the island and the kitchen set are one harmonious and holistic set. Therefore, colors, materials, shapes, fittings and other details are completely repeated. Choose the same configuration of cabinets, shades of wood or acrylic, material and color of the countertop - and you won't go wrong.
But there is another interesting trick: to turn the island into a separate accent. Then it is enough to keep one common feature: for example, the shape and geometry of cabinets and countertops. And you can experiment with colors for your pleasure.
Contrasts look good: a black set with a white countertop and a white island with a black worktop. And for modern interiors that gravitate towards colorful accents, choose an orange, yellow or red island. These colors are often used in restaurants for a reason, because they both invigorate and awaken the appetite.
Kitchen-living room design with an island
If you have a spacious kitchen-living room at your disposal, the island layout is the best tool for functional zoning of the room. Bring the dining area or bar to the island and you don't have to think about partitions, plasterboard structures and bulky shelving.
Kitchen design 2 by 3 meters: beautiful ideas (80 photos)
Small kitchen with an island
An island for a small kitchen is not the most convenient option, at least in the classic version. But there are alternatives: a small square island will perfectly replace a dining table, and a mobile structure on wheels can also be moved as needed. Pay attention to islands with end-to-end shelving instead of massive closed cabinets - they are visually lighter.
Kitchen with an island - photos of real interiors
If you are still wondering if you need an island in your kitchen, then we hope that this selection of photos will help you make the final decision! See, compare and get inspired, because modern interiors are completely open to experimentation!
