Kitchen Island Reimagined
Multifunctional Designs for the Heart of Your Home
The kitchen island has long been a coveted feature, offering extra prep space and a casual dining area. Modern Kitchen Design has evolved the kitchen island into a truely multi-functional hub. Here at Inside, we're diving into some basics to put the living in back in the kitchen island!
Types of Kitchen Islands
The kitchen island has evolved from a simple prep space to a multifunctional living hubs. Here are some of the most popular types found from our imported kitchens:
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The most common shape, offers versatile layout options.
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Creates additional counter space and can fit into corner spaces.
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Focused on cooking tasks, it might include a sink, cooktop, or built-in appliances.
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Attached to a wall on one side, this type combines the benefits of an island and a countertop.
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Features countertops that cascade down the sides for a dramatic look.
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Incorporates different heights for various tasks, such as dining and prepping.
Design & Materials
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all islands. Today's designer kitchens are as varied as taste. Waterfall countertops add a dramatic touch(waterfall countertops extend past the sides, dropping all the way down to the floor). While pop-up downdraft extractors discreetly and efficiently vent cooking fumes. With the vast amount of choices available it is more important than ever to choose the right materials for your kitchen.
Cooking & Convenience
Islands are no longer just prep space. Integrate a cooktop or even a sink for a truly central cooking zone. Built-in wine racks, appliance garages, and pop-up spice racks keep favorite appliances and kitchen tools close at hand. For added luxury kitchen convenience, explore built-in charging stations for your phone or tablet.
Kitchen Island Storage Solutions
Maximise your storage with innovative solutions like pull-out drawers, deep pot and pan drawers, and even hidden compartments for small appliances. Opt for open shelving to showcase your favourite cookbooks or decorative items, or sleek, hidden cabinets for a minimalist look.
Dedicated hidden sculleries, separate prep and pantry areas, are gaining popularity in luxury imported kitchens. This allows the main kitchen to remain clutter-free and focused on providing a luxurious calming aesthetic in the house.
Size Matters
The perfect island size depends on your kitchen and lifestyle. Open floor plans typically accommodate larger islands with seating and even integrated breakfast bars.
Proportions
Houses come in all shapes and sizes, so the island should be proportional to the size of your kitchen, this will depend from house but a good rule is approximately 10%of your total kitchen area.
Kitchen Ergonomics
As a rule of thumb, the width of walkways should allow for 2 people two cross(walking, sitting or opening cabinets). This distance will account for clearance for the fridge, oven and cabinets when opened.
Island Lighting
Task lighting is essential for prep work, while pendant lights add a decorative touch and ambient light. Lighting can also be fitted undercounters in handle-less kitchens.
Enjoying Island Life
By incorporating these tips, we can transform your kitchen island into a stylish and functional centrepiece for your home, the true heart where meals are cooked, memories are made, and connections are fostered.
At Inside Living, we provide a 10-year warranty for our kitchens. This provides our clients with peace of mind for a much longer period, knowing the investment for their kitchen renovation is protected.
So, let’s reimagine your kitchen island and create a space that reflects your unique lifestyle and cooking needs!
