What is the island for?
A kitchen island is a special piece of furniture, mainly located in the middle of the space, separate from the headset. It is used for cooking or eating. This design is convenient in that it can be approached from all sides, having everything you need at hand.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages.
pros | Minuses |
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On the island structure, several work surfaces are located at once. |
Takes up a lot of free space. |
A great way for zoning a room, for example, in a studio apartment or a combined kitchen-living room. |
In an apartment building, there are problems with the installation of communications and their connection to the sink or stove. |
The opportunity to cook food and at the same time communicate with household members or guests is provided. |
When using an island instead of a dining table, bar stools can be uncomfortable.
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How is a kitchen with an island arranged?
The island structure has an optimal size of 180x90 centimeters and is 80-90 centimeters high. For comfortable movement, the distance from the kitchen to the island should be at least 120 centimeters. A powerful backlit hood is installed above the module with a built-in hob. A very interesting design element is mensola, which provides convenient placement of various kitchen utensils.
Layout
This design requires a sufficient amount of free space, so the kitchen is often combined with the living room. It is especially convenient to use the island in the kitchen with dimensions of at least 16 squares. For a large kitchen of 20 square meters in an apartment in an elite building, they choose volumetric models more than 2 meters in length.
In a small space, it is possible to install a compact island, taking into account not only aesthetic, but also practical and safe components. With a competent kitchen layout of 12 square meters, the island element should be located at a distance of 1 meter from the walls, and 1.4 meters from the dining area. Such a scheme will provide easy and free movement in space and build a regular working triangle.
Island options
Types of island structures.
Kitchen island with dining table
Quite often, the island element includes a dining area that unites the space and gives the room an original and unusual look. The structure can be equipped with both a stationary and a roll-out or pull-out table. The most common variation is the large rectangular model.
Chairs for the island should be both comfortable, functional, and harmoniously complement the interior composition. High stools are especially popular.
Island with sink
Such a move is very useful in planning the kitchen space and saves additional space. If the structure is used as a work surface, the sink becomes a necessary element.
Kitchen island with bar counter
The combined bar counter is a continuation of the table top or a small stand-out elevation with a drop. The rack is also complemented with various accessories, in the form of shelves for bottles and fruits, hanging glass holders, napkin holders and other useful details.
Island with sofa
One of the sides of the island cabinet can be combined with the back of the sofa, in front of which a traditional table is placed.
Kitchen island with storage system
This model is very convenient. Drawers are filled with boxes of cereals, and display cases are filled with culinary literature and other things. Open shelves are decorated with various decorations in the form of stones, vases or potted plants.
Hob ideas
The hob design has a stylish and modern look. Thanks to this option, a comfortable switch from cooking to eating and vice versa is provided. An island with a hob needs a lot of accessories in the form of potholders, pans, pots and other necessary parts.
Work zone
It is considered a classic version with a complex technological form. The island element is filled with various cooking equipment such as a sink, hob, hob or oven. The large structure can be equipped with a dishwasher. The cutting surface is made of resistant and durable material.
Mobile island on wheels
A fairly functional item, which, if necessary, can be moved, thereby freeing up the central part of the room. Small mobile structures are suitable for replacing a full-fledged module in a small-sized kitchen.
Kitchen shapes
Kitchen set configurations.
Corner kitchen
Due to such a layout, it turns out to free up additional space in a small room. To increase the ergonomics of the space, the installation of the corner model is more appropriate in a room with an area of at least 9 square meters.
Direct kitchen
The linear arrangement assumes not only the installation of the island, but also the dining group. This solution will be optimal for the kitchen-dining room. In this case, it is recommended to install a sink on a module, an oven in a pencil case, and a hob and a refrigerator would be better combined with a kitchen set.
U-shaped
For the location of the U-shaped structure with an island module, a large amount of space is required. This solution is most appropriate for a spacious kitchen in a country house.
Colors
Tint color plays an important role in the design of the kitchen. The island element should be in harmony with the entire environment. It can have both a single color performance and act as an accent.
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 into the interior in an original way.
Design
There are many options for decorating a kitchen. The most common solution is considered a module in the shape of a square or rectangle, as well as a semicircular, oval or round island, which looks very stylish. An interesting solution would be an island in the form of a chest of drawers, a showcase or a buffer, designed for small rooms or a transformer model with mobile sections.
A two-level island with different surface heights will allow to bring dynamics to the atmosphere. Often, the lower tier is equipped with a sink or stove, and the upper tier is equipped with a bar.
Lighting
This unusual kitchen interior is complemented by general, local lighting and LED lighting. The luminaire above the island must be able to change the direction of the light. If there are wall cabinets, they can be equipped with built-in mini-bulbs. This will add a special aesthetic to the design.
Interior styles
In the classic kitchen, for the manufacture of the island module, expensive woods are used in combination with decorative gilded details. The table top is made of stone or marble with a noble texture. The curbstone is a large stationary structure in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners.
The island in a modern style repeats the design of the headset. It mainly features a smooth base made of stone, steel or glass.
In Provence-style interiors, the module has a light marble or wooden countertop and has a simple configuration. The element is designed in gentle colors and equipped with wardrobes, drawers or wicker baskets.
Art Nouveau design is characterized by the use of metal and glass. The table top has streamlined lines, and the cabinet has a round or square shape.
In minimalism, the most functional models are used with built-in household appliances and storage systems for dishes and other things.
The Scandinavian interior is complemented by laconic and simple in color models with a wood worktop and a frame made of materials such as metal, brick or even concrete.
A high-tech kitchen assumes modules made of high-tech materials, in the form of plastic, metal or glass. Here, chrome surfaces look appropriate, contributing to the creation of a strict design.
Photo in a small kitchen
In modern design, there are mini-modules that provide an economical and rational use of space. In addition, a narrow peninsula is often chosen for a small room.
Mobile products equipped with wheels are perfect for a small room. In an elongated space, the island resembles a bar counter and is used as a partition.
Examples for the kitchen-living room
Such a layout requires a careful development of the concept of the space. The island design fits perfectly into the design of the combined kitchen-living room. She performs an excellent role as a delimiter of space.
In this interior, one part of the module is used as a workplace, while the other replaces the bar counter or dining table. The eating area is decorated with high chairs, wall paintings or even a menu.
Photo gallery
A well-planned kitchen interior with an island allows you to achieve an ergonomic, stylish and fashionable design that is distinguished by comfort and convenient performance.