1. COMBINE THE ISLAND WITH BUILT-IN SEATING
When it comes to small kitchen layout ideas, an island unit and a dining table are often top of the wishlist. 'Especially in sociable, open-plan settings,' Annie says. 'However, this room is relatively long and narrow (30 feet x 16 feet), which didn’t leave sufficient room for both. Incorporating banquette seating into the island is always a significant space-saver because it takes the circulation space required around chairs out of the equation.'
2. PUT STORAGE IN UNEXPECTED SPACES
With utensils, appliances and tableware all needing to live somewhere, small kitchen storage ideas have to work particularly hard. Because Annie has built the banquette into the island, she was able to utilize that as cabinetry. 'We took the opportunity to add drawers under the seat for storage – something you can never have too much of, ' she says, having also managed to find the room for a pantry in the cupboards. 'Combining the island and dining then left the other end of the room free to create a lounge area.'
3. USE COLOR TO MAKE A DESIGN FEATURE OF THE ISLAND
If you're planning to put an island into a small space then chances are you won't have much room left for other aesthetic gestures except perhaps for small kitchen paint colors. So, make the island as pretty as you can.
4. DON'T BE UNREALISTIC ABOUT SIZES
Some small kitchens are, sadly, too little for an island, and it's good to know how much you realistically need. 'Size is critical when planning an island/banquette combo – going too large risks creating a huge obstruction in the room,' Annie says. 'This island is 80cm-deep, which is about as narrow as I’d suggest if there’s a hob or sink installed, but 70cm-deep is fine if it’s just for prep. A reasonably narrow table is also wise. Choose one with a central support (not legs at the corners) to squeeze extra guests onto the ends. Not for daily use but you can make it work for occasional entertaining.'
5. AVOID TOO MUCH STATEMENT LIGHTING
When thinking about small kitchen island ideas it's easy to get carried away with the statement lighting. But too much can overpower this already little space. 'When buying lighting, avoid statement lights above both the island and table – they’re too close and will compete for attention,' Annie says. 'We always recommend lower hung, atmospheric lighting to set the mood above the dining table, and more discreet but powerful (and dimmable) task lighting above the island.'