1. INCORPORATE A COOKING SYSTEM
If you love cooking while entertaining then islands that incorporate a hob ensure that the space becomes central to the cooking process and so does the chef! This dynamic open-plan kitchen space by Naked Kitchens faces an adjacent sunken living area. The unusual open plan configuration demanded something out of the ordinary to a normal fixed island - elevating the cooking space and beyond.
2. CONSIDER HOW SPACE WILL WORK AROUND THE ISLAND
There are emotions and nostalgia attached to that dream kitchen island. Slow reading the Sunday papers whilst the coffee bubbles, spreading out school work whilst eating a comforting dinner or pouring a glass of wine with friends and it's easy to want to steam ahead with implementing that dream but it's important to think about how space around it will be used and what the reality will look like.
3. INCORPORATE A COMPACT BREAKFAST BAR
If you have a compact kitchen slim breakfast bars are the ideal way to incorporate small kitchen island ideas into your space. We love this charming sunny yellow design from Plain English which incorporates yellow tongue and groove cabinets, eclectic accessories, and rustic bar stools - and the slim breakfast bar feels a natural part of all the elements rather than standing out as a statement island.
4. GENEROUS AND PRACTICAL
If you spend a lot of time socializing in the kitchen, one way to make sure there are elements that lend themselves towards that goal is installing a large kitchen island that people can gather around to cook, eat, and chat.
5. OPT FOR A MOVEABLE ISLAND IN A SMALL SPACE
This delightfully small kitchen and scullery is a little nostalgic and incorporates a freestanding island that lends a casual feel to the room. The kitchen furniture is painted and arranged in a modest way with not too many cupboards and a little butcher's block table in the middle which allows for flexibility of layout in the small space.
6. PLAN THE LAYOUT WITH STORAGE IN MIND
Kitchen islands are a perennial favorite but are even more in demand are islands that work hard to incorporate all the extra elements from multifunctional living. This island is a beautiful piece of furniture and houses reams of storage underneath as well as open shelving to display books and glassware - doubling up as a display cabinet too.
7. THINK ABOUT THE CEILING WHEN PLANNING
Ideally, a kitchen island would sit smartly in the middle of a space un-encumbered by the areas around it – but often the architectural design of the existing space needs a little workaround and how to incorporate kitchen island lighting ideas needs some consideration.
8. INCORPORATE A PERCH FOR TUCKING AWAY STOOLS
Making the most of the space you have and maximizing your layout is essential at the best of times and especially when you have a small kitchen. This sweet mid-century-style basement kitchen by Pluck Kitchens maximizes the configuration of the island by incorporating a ledge that juts out of the main island and becomes a storage spot to slide your kitchen island seating. It also creates a perfect perch for checking emails and sipping on coffee in the morning.