{"id":8377,"date":"2022-08-09T10:00:59","date_gmt":"2022-08-09T09:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goodhomesmaglv.wpengine.com\/?p=8377"},"modified":"2022-10-19T11:40:53","modified_gmt":"2022-10-19T10:40:53","slug":"kitchen-island-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/kitchens\/kitchen-island-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"9 contemporary kitchen island ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kitchen islands provide additional surface areas, social spots and valuable storage. With so many styles and bespoke options available, it can be difficult to know how to incorporate one seamlessly into your kitchen layout, so before you take a trip to a showroom, take a look at these kitchen island ideas…<\/p>\n

1. Small kitchen island<\/h2>\n

A simple prep\u202fisland\u202fcan be bijou in size but offer a focal point and act as a social hub for compact kitchens. These are often made up of 600mm deep cabinets with a simple 300mm worktop overhang, with at least 900mm of clearance around the perimeter. It\u2019s a good way to zone open-plan spaces, providing a physical divide between the cooking area and living spaces.<\/p>\n

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Nova kitchen in Seagrass with worktop in laminate in White Marble, from \u00a32,452 for an eight-unit kitchen, Magnet<\/p><\/div>\n

2. Kitchen peninsula<\/h2>\n

If you have less room to work with, adding a peninsula to your kitchen design is a great way to create extra worktop space for food prep while also doubling up as a sociable bar area for guests. If you have an open-plan kitchen and dining room, it\u2019s also an effective and simple way to divide the space visually.<\/p>\n

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Howdens Clerkenwell Super Matt cabinets in Sandstone. POA, Howden<\/p><\/div>\n

3. Ditch the dining table<\/h2>\n

If you don\u2019t have oodles of space, integrate your dining area into your island design for a smart space-saving solution that\u2019s ideal for informal mealtimes. This T-shape layout keeps everyone socially connected with the chef at the helm, whether that\u2019s overseeing homework while cooking, or hosting dinner guests.<\/p>

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Pure handleless kitchen in Dove White and Marina Blue with Calacatta Oro porcelain worktops. Kitchens start from \u00a330,000, John Lewis of Hungerford<\/p><\/div>\n

4. Kitchen island planter<\/h2>\n

An island planter is the perfect way to inject a bit of life and colour into your kitchen, as well as bringing the outside in. It doesn\u2019t just look the part, it\u2019s functional too \u2013 giving you space to grow fresh herbs with easy access while cooking, plus it can be switched up during the summer months to create a cool drinks trough when entertaining.<\/p>\n

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Cambridge cabinetry in Grey with Slabtech worktop in Copper Pearl and island unit in Richmond Grey Oak. Prices start from \u00a32,292 for an eight-unit kitchen, Benchmarx Kitchens<\/p><\/div>\n

5. Kitchen island lighting<\/h2>\n

A series of pendant lights over an island or peninsula not only provide a great source of light but also add another dimension of interest, colour or texture. Plan the positioning of your ceiling lights before you install them to avoid mistakes \u2013 you\u2019ll want to hang them at least 75cm above the worktop. Odd numbers often look best, but it\u2019s better to go for an uncluttered look \u2013 ideally leave a 75cm gap between each fitting.<\/p>\n

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Drop Three pendant in bone china in White, \u00a3439, Original BTC<\/p><\/div>\n

6. Round breakfast bar<\/h2>\n

Adding a round breakfast bar is one of our favourite kitchen island ideas. It’s a great way to break up a linear kitchen, plus a circular design provides a sociable seating area that\u2019s connected to the rest of the kitchen and provides optimum surface space. A contrasting material such as timber will add warmth and texture.<\/p>\n

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Harvey Jones Shaker kitchen painted in Wimborne White by Farrow & Ball, with oak breakfast bar and granite worktop<\/p><\/div>\n

7. Create contrast<\/h2>\n

This kitchen feels larger and brighter thanks to a clever use of colour \u2013 highlighting the island and more central units of the L-shaped design in a bold shade ensures the cabinetry feels less overbearing, with the wall cupboards and tall units on the outer edges painted white for a lighter feel. Another great kitchen island idea is a contrasting timber prep area, adding a practical workspace as well as warmth and texture.<\/p>

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Stanton doors shown in Hartforth Blue and Porcelain; worktop is Eternal Serena Silestone and Iroko Herringbone Strata timber. Kitchens from the Relaxed range start from \u00a320,000, Life Kitchens<\/p><\/div>\n

8. Kitchen island with curved edges<\/h2>\n

Not all islands have to be rectangular \u2013 embrace curvaceous designs for a softer look that also provide better circulation space. Open storage drawers in a contrasting timber finish also break up the solid block of colour and add warmth to the space, as does the compact breakfast bar in the same material.<\/p>\n

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Cambia Topaz kitchen in matt lacquer in Coral with black metal strip handles and walnut veneer timber drawers and top. Rational kitchens start from \u00a310,000<\/p><\/div>\n

9. Open shelves<\/h2>\n

Open shelves are a huge trend in kitchens, providing storage and room to display your best crockery or glassware. Make an island feel less monolithic by incorporating open-corner storage. It\u2019s a great way to add a splash of colour and add personality, as well as providing quick and easy access to everyday items that see a lot of use, such as dinnerware, casserole dishes or even cookbooks.<\/p>\n

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Urban kitchen in Concrete, prices start from \u00a33,339, Symphony<\/p><\/div>\n

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What to consider before choosing a kitchen island<\/h3>\n