A kitchen’s layout is more than just a matter of convenience — it’s a central design decision that blends style, functionality and lifestyle. According to the 2025 UK Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, nearly three-quarters (71%) of homeowners change their kitchen layout during a renovation so they can benefit from smarter spatial solutions that reflect how they live, cook, entertain and relax.
Breakfast bars, islands and peninsulas all play a pivotal role in defining the layout and flow of a kitchen’s space. Whether you’re working with a large open-plan area or making the most of a compact footprint, each offers a unique opportunity to maximise both form and function.
Kitchen islands
The kitchen island has long been a staple in luxury kitchens and it remains highly coveted, and for good reason. A well-designed island can serve as an additional work surface, dining area, storage solution and a casual social hub.
Topping an island with a Caesarstone surface, whether it’s the mysteriously dark and earthy 5820 Darcrest or the simple elegance of the solid warm white of 2141 Snow becomes a centrepiece of beauty and practicality. All our surfaces are highly durable, non-porous and easy to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic zones.
This family in South East London used 4011 Cloudburst Concrete to create a large kitchen island with a built-in breakfast bar to bring together their prep and dining areas. This formed a social space in their open plan kitchen that’s perfect for entertaining. Lianne Burrett, Senior Design Consultant at Roundhouse Design, who designed the kitchen, said: “The range of finishes available within Caesarstone's collection was an immediate draw for the clients. The material allowed us to craft a unique island shape while ensuring the design's high-quality execution.”
In larger kitchens, a central island can anchor the layout, promoting a natural flow between cooking, cleaning and dining areas. For smaller spaces, slimline or mobile islands offer flexibility without losing any of the functionality.
Peninsulas
Where a free-standing island isn’t suitable, either because of space constraints or architectural elements, a peninsula is an excellent alternative. Attached at one end to a wall or run of cabinetry, a peninsula offers many of the same advantages as an island, including additional prep space, integrated appliances or informal seating.
They’re also a clever choice in galley or L-shaped kitchens, providing an ergonomic work triangle while supporting social interaction — the cook can remain engaged with guests or family while preparing meals.
Kitchen studio Inglis Hall designed this open-plan kitchen space in Hove around a peninsula using 4023 Topus Concrete.
Peninsulas are especially effective in open-plan living, where they help define the kitchen zone without putting up physical barriers. Use a quality Caesarstone surface – like the cool grey of 5110 Alpine Mist with its crisp white veins, or the industrial 4044 Airy Concrete with its dark hues and white flashes – in your peninsula. This delivers both design continuity and practical durability, as it creates a visual transition between the kitchen and adjoining living or dining areas.
Breakfast bars
Whether incorporated into an island or peninsula or designed as a standalone feature, breakfast bars offer a relaxed space for everything from morning coffee to evening conversations.
Unlike formal dining zones, a breakfast bar invites spontaneity. It provides a place for children to do homework, friends to gather with a glass of wine or simply a perch for a quick bite to eat. When made using a Caesarstone surface like 508 Isobellia, 550 Silvax or 542 Mosstone, it becomes an elegant and durable feature that resists everyday wear and elevates the overall aesthetic.
A Hampshire family extended their kitchen island to include a breakfast bar using 4004 Raw Concrete. Pieter du Toit, kitchen design consultant at bulthaup, designers of this kitchen, said: “We've always been pleased with the quality and consistency of Caesarstone, but in this case, it was the exceptional colour and texture that made the decision easy.” The family considered other brands, but found Caesarstone’s superior finish and robust performance best suited their needs.
In today’s multifunctional kitchens — where the line between cooking, dining and living continues to blur — breakfast bars deliver versatility with style. Their sleek, streamlined design complements modern, transitional and even Nordic-inspired kitchens, which are gaining popularity among homeowners.
Personalised layouts for professional results
As kitchen renovations grow in scale and ambition, homeowners are increasingly turning to professional designers, fitters and tradespeople to bring their vision to life. The Houzz study found that 93% of renovators hire a pro — and it’s easy to see why. Introducing new layout elements like islands and peninsulas often involves structural planning, appliance integration and custom cabinetry — all of which benefit from professional expertise.
Get a quote from one of our recommended fabricators to make the best of your kitchen renovation.
Transform your kitchen with Caesarstone
At Caesarstone, we understand that great kitchen design is about more than aesthetics — it’s about creating a space that supports how you live. Our premium surfaces are engineered to handle the demands of daily life while making a bold and beautiful design statement.
If you’re reworking your kitchen’s layout as part of your renovation, incorporating an island, peninsula or breakfast bar can bring lasting value, versatility and visual impact. With our wide range of timeless and trend-forward surfaces, you can create a kitchen that not only meets your needs but exceeds your expectations.
Order a sample or visit one of our studios for help with redesigning your new kitchen layout.
