A kitchen island will be the focal point of your room, whether an imposing feature or an elegant centrepiece to bring together your overall scheme. One of the most sought-after features of a modern-day kitchen, choose an island that combines trending designs and functionality to make your kitchen feel contemporary and comfortable. You’d be surprised at just how many ways you can incorporate an island into your kitchen – we’ve picked out some key considerations below…
Your kitchen island size
Selecting the right size for your kitchen island is crucial to ensure it complements your space effectively. The dimensions of your island should be determined by the available room, your design preferences, and its intended function. Keep in mind the traffic flow around the island and ensure there's enough space for comfortable movement. Also, remember to check that all doors and draws of your cabinetry, both on your base units and the kitchen island, can be easily opened and comfortably accessed.
For smaller kitchens, consider a compact island that doesn't overpower the space. This will maintain a sense of openness while providing a practical surface for prep work or casual dining. In larger kitchens, you have more freedom to go for a substantial island, which can serve as a central hub for cooking and socialising.
Waterfall ends
Round off the edge of your island design with a sleek and seamless waterfall end – which simply means the continuation of your worktops at a 90-degree angle to the floor. This gives a clean, uniform look and can transform your island into a real showstopping centrepiece, highlighting the beautiful intricacies and design of your worktop.
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Island worktop material
The worktop choice for your island should be chosen carefully, as this will be the statement feature of your entire kitchen. Marble is a timeless classic which will never be absent from kitchen fashion trends. Elegant and versatile, it can be used in a variety of schemes from traditional, period charm, to a rustic country kitchen or Art Deco design. Achieve this look with a Caesarstone 5143 White Attica surface. For a trending designer kitchen, black is back, with dark countertops making a resurgence. With the rise in popularity of industrial styling and decadent, moody, Gothic interior design schemes, concrete and black marble worktops are in high demand. Caesarstone 4033 Rugged Concrete and 5100 Vanilla Noir are perfect options for these statement schemes.
Statement colours
Bold ‘pops’ of colour such as deep blues, rich reds or forest greens can be injected into your kitchen island by adding contrasting highlights to your cabinetry and appliances. Or, for a more subtle statement, add in colour blocks with playful furniture and accessories. This adds personality to your kitchen island and gives a cool retro vibe to your interior which can be easily updated over time. You can even embrace the look further by choosing your favourite bold Little Greene, Paint and Paper Library or Farrow and Ball paint to refresh your cabinets.
Just remember that balance is key when using statement colours. Make sure the chosen hues harmonise with the natural elegance of your chosen worktop to create a cohesive and visually pleasing design.
Mixed materials
Experimenting with mixed materials on your kitchen island can add depth and character to your design, enhancing the beauty of your kitchen worktop. Combining various materials, such as wood, stone, or metal, can create a visually appealing contrast that sets the island apart from the rest of the kitchen.
For instance, you could pair a light quartz worktop, such as 5121 Layalite, with traditional natural wood cabinetry, or pair a beautiful copper sink and tap with a dark porcelain kitchen worktop, such as 302 Metallio Black, to bring contrast to your island. This mix of materials not only adds visual interest but also highlights the island as a unique design element.
As well as units and accessories, combining different worktop designs can also produce beautiful results. For example, in Kent, this stunning industrial kitchen pairs Caesarstone 4033 Rugged Concrete and 5031 Statuario Maximus worktops to create a modern and eye-catching combination that instantly brings an outstanding period property into the 21st century.
Lighting
Clever use of stylised lighting can bring drama and impact to a space. Positioned above an island, pendant lights will help zone and draw attention to this focal point of your kitchen. It goes without saying that the extra illumination will be a huge additional benefit when cooking aside from the impressive visuals.
Split level designs
Add increased dimension to your design with a split-level kitchen island, which increases texture and adds interest by layering visual focal points. This is a popular idea for those looking to add an integrated breakfast bar or dining area to their kitchen. Using a split-level design for your kitchen worktop also accounts for increased functionality, in the same way as a double island, by dividing surface space between the preparation area and surface for use as a breakfast bar.
Unique kitchen shapes
Explore unique and unconventional island shapes to make a bold design statement. While rectangular islands are classic and versatile, there's no rule against embracing more distinctive forms.
Circular or oval islands, such as in this Oxted home, can create a sense of flow, elegance and continuity in your kitchen. They encourage interaction and provide a central focal point. Alternatively, consider an asymmetrical or irregularly shaped island, which can add an artistic and personalised touch to your kitchen.
Combine functionality
Your kitchen island can do so much if you consider all of its potential uses at the design stage. Incorporate your appliances to maximise both space and practicality; a sink, hob or dishwasher can all help make your kitchen feel more sociable and open when doing those everyday tasks. Above all, your island should be an extension of your kitchen to improve the use of the space, as well as visually being pleasing to the eye. Consider open cabinets for easy-to-reach kitchen equipment and opt for a mix of drawers as well as cupboards. Hidden or sunken plug sockets can make a huge difference when it comes to using your island for food prep.
Additional kitchen island seating
Seating at your kitchen island can also transform it into a versatile gathering spot for family and friends. Using your island for seating can enhance its functionality and showcase the luxurious quality of quartz or porcelain worktops. The choice of seating should align with your lifestyle and how you intend to use the island.
Consider bar stools with cushioned seats and sleek metal or wood finishes for a comfortable and modern look. These stools can complement the elegance of your worktops while providing a cosy space for dining or socialising. For a more formal touch, you can incorporate built-in banquettes or bench seating, which seamlessly blend with the island. These options provide additional storage underneath, maximising the island's functionality.
Ready to create your own kitchen island?
We hope you now feel fuelled with inspiration to style your dream kitchen island. To help you decide on the perfect quartz or porcelain worktop for your space, request a sample from Caesarstone to visualise it in your home.
Images Source: Caesarstone
