Kitchen islands – 6 top tips from Roundhouse Design

1 INTRO

A thoughtfully designed, functional and stylish bespoke kitchen island is a design classic and a modern island unit has so many plus points: extra storage, extra worktop for food prep, a perch for eating and having a coffee, for doing homework, work or life admin, it can work as a room divider and as banquette all whilst also be a seriously luxe design statement. Roundhouse Design shares 6 design features and the minimum measurements recommended for a bespoke kitchen island:

2 OPTIMISE A SMALLER KITCHEN

Even if you have a smaller kitchen, you can still include a bespoke kitchen island. A modern island really doesn’t need to be huge to be successful and with thoughtful planning it can be an extra special workhorse.  The key is to carefully consider what you want from your standalone island: is it more storage, a better, ergonomic work flow or extra worktop space for preparing food or for a sink or hob? Roundhouse Design suggests that to make a showstopping statement in a compact kitchen, luxury materials can be introduced for impact and a sophisticated mood. This classic, galley-style layout features a monolithic, marble top island wrapped in smooth slabs of veined stone for a slick visual centrepiece.

3 CREATE MORE STORAGE

It is vital to have enough storage in the kitchen. In fact, participants of a recent study by consumer champion Which? revealed that not having enough storage in the kitchen was a top regret. An effective way to increase storage is with a kitchen island.  Roundhouse suggests you choose wide, deep drawers to stash big pots and pans and cumbersome cooking kit.  Also recommended is tailormade cutlery and utensil drawers so you can see everything at a glance.  Also worth considering is wine storage and built-in recycling units. Kitchen islands can also include a seating area / breakfast bar.  In this case, the closed cabinetry and drawers are situated on the working side of the kitchen, with seating, open shelving for displaying books and decorative objects are on the more social side.

4 DEFINE ZONES

Open plan living is a great choice for today’s homes but without some division, these large layouts can often feel too big and sprawling. Zoning a single space, with dedicated areas for eating, cooking, socialising and even working, is crucial to getting the most out of your designer kitchen. A contemporary bespoke kitchen island is a smart way to create a visual barrier in an open view kitchen, creating a natural divide and breaking up the space into smaller, well-defined zones. This design rule works for every style and size of kitchen be it a large kitchen design, a compact studio apartment or family kitchen.

5 ADD A DINING HUB

Contemporary kitchen islands are often the perfect spot for introducing seating and dining. Try a breakfast bar at one end of a long, bespoke island or a high-level counter opposite the cooking zone for fool-proof combined kitchen dining room ideas. Add in a few comfortable bar stools for a super sociable way to connect the cook with guests who can sit and chat while food is being prepared. As a more luxurious alternative, Roundhouse can integrate a bench, booth or banquette seating. Often low-level and upholstered, it will create a truly luxury kitchen design silhouette.

6 INJECT WOW FACTOR

Bespoke kitchen islands can create incredible showstoppers.  Roundhouse Design suggests the use of co-ordinating materials and colours to create visual harmony.  Alternatively, you can go all-out on a striking metal kitchen island with units clad in brushed bronze. Glazed fronts, wrap-around marble islands and curvaceous detailing all add up to a centrepiece that will elevate your design. And don’t forget lighting, it is very important. Consider rows of glass statement pendant lights, a sculptural modern chandelier or invisible strip kitchen mood lighting to make your island glow – the ultimate finishing touch.

Do you have space for a kitchen island?

Bespoke kitchen islands come in all shapes and sizes, but the recommended minimum size is 1000mm x 1000mm. Make sure you have space between the island and the perimeter base units for clear walkways and for doors and drawers to open freely and fully. These dimensions are only really suited for one cook. If there is likely to be more than one person working in the kitchen at the same time, factor in more space for practicality.  Ultimately, squeezing an island into a kitchen that’s too small or creating a compact island that doesn’t function well, might be a mistake.  An expert kitchen designer can guide you on this and create a beautiful, practical and functional kitchen that dreams are made of with or without an island.

Visit your nearest Roundhouse Design showroom in Clapham, Fulham or Richmond. You will be greeted by a welcoming Roundhouse team, who will show you around and let you explore a number of luxury kitchens and furniture. The Richmond showroom has been newly refurbished.  It is an impressive space, now twice its original size and showcases 10 designer kitchen and wardrobe displays across our Design and Studio Collections. The showroom also unveils hidden treasures behind pocket doors with a home office and a drinks cabinet providing inspiration for every corner of the home.

Book an appointment here

www.roundhousedesign.com