Kitchen islands with dining area: design and layout options

No. 1. Who is a kitchen with an island suitable for?

An island is a table that stands at a distance from the kitchen unit. It is equipped with its own countertop and can be equipped with a hob, sink and storage system. A kitchen island is not a mandatory piece of furniture, and it will not be appropriate in every kitchen.

So who can afford to install a kitchen island?

• A full-fledged island is suitable for kitchens with an area of ​​20-25 m2 or more , and there should be a separate dining area.
• A peninsula or a small mobile island is suitable for kitchens with an area of ​​15 m2 or more.
• The kitchen table will look great on the border of zones in a combined kitchen-living room or studio apartment.
• This is an excellent option for spacious cottages and country houses.

Is it possible to install a kitchen island in an ordinary city apartment? Difficult. If this is not a modern, spacious studio apartment, then you will have to get rid of some partitions, combine the kitchen and living room, obtain the necessary permits and still be content with the smallest version of the island. But if this is your interior dream, then why not?

Island and kitchen area

As mentioned above, this requires a large kitchen. For example:

• Kitchen-living room 20 square meters;
• Combined with a hall, hallway or studio apartment.

However, for a small kitchen, this condition can be avoided if you choose the right configuration: a compact island or a transformer.

Experts advise choosing an option with a retractable mechanism and a folding tabletop, which can replace a dining table and provide additional work surface. And in a “passive” state, such an island is completely invisible, which frees up a lot of space in the room.

Is it difficult to imagine what this looks like in practice? Let's see photos with different types of designs.

No. 2. Why is a kitchen island necessary?

A kitchen island can perform one task or a range of functions:

• be part of the work triangle. The rules of ergonomics say that it is most convenient when the stove, sink and refrigerator are located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. The easiest way to achieve this layout is with an island;
• become an additional or main tabletop ;
• completely or partially replace the dining area by placing chairs on one side;
• be used as a storage place , since a lot of shelves and drawers can be organized under the tabletop. Typically, a kitchen island is used to store plates, pots, other kitchen utensils and cookbooks. Sometimes a freezer or dishwasher is built into it.

Designers call a kitchen island the best ergonomic option for organizing the space of a large kitchen.

Island with elements of household appliances, sink

Installing household appliances into a kitchen island requires preparation at the stage of renovation and kitchen refurbishment.

Island with hob

According to technical parameters, there must be free access to gas communications. Therefore, the pipe supply points are equipped with removable inspection windows. You need to install a hood above the hob. Its power is calculated based on the cubic capacity of the room, this is especially true for studios. The appearance is selected to match the stylistic design of the kitchen.

Types of exhaust devices for island kitchens:

• Aspiration type of hood. Removes air from the room and replaces it with new air. The intake and output is carried out through a laid air duct. To do this, it needs to be hidden in the ceiling structures. It is not recommended to connect to general ventilation; a separate channel is installed.
• Recirculating type with filters. It draws in air masses, cleans them through filters, and returns them back to the room. Advantage - no need for a separate air duct, disadvantages - limited power, filters need to be replaced.
• The combined type combines the two described types.

Large blue kitchen Source pop-building.cz
There is a wide range of household appliances on the market: from simple, inexpensive models to exclusive designer ones. The stylistic diversity of the model range is noteworthy, from classic, fireplace type, to ultra-modern models in the form of pipes, glass products, and composites.

Hoods have been developed specifically for kitchen islands, which are mounted on the table and are raised only during cooking.

Island with sink

This is quite convenient from a functional point of view. For example, when the kitchen island is connected to the dining area, or the area of ​​the wall area of ​​the kitchen unit is limited.

The main thing you need to pay attention to is the slope of the sewer drain (3 cm per 1 meter). The floors in the kitchen area will have to be raised slightly. But this disadvantage can be transformed into an advantage. A small podium will serve as an additional zoning technique for space.

Wooden kitchen-dining room with living room Source bepvietbn.com

No. 3. Pros and cons of kitchens with islands

The widest functionality along with decent dimensions allows us to talk about a number of pros and cons of a kitchen island. Let's start with the good:

• convenience and ergonomics . Thanks to the presence of the island, all the main elements in the kitchen can be placed closer to each other. The housewife will spend less effort moving between the sink, stove, refrigerator and work surface. Consequently, time and energy are saved and comfort is increased. Moreover, if there is an island, several people can cook at once ;
• the housewife, while preparing a culinary masterpiece, can easily communicate with household members and guests without turning her back to them;
• a kitchen island can replace a significant part of the set and accommodate a hob with oven, dishwasher or sink;
• the kitchen island, or rather part of it, can be used as a dining table or bar counter for small snacks;
• an island can become the main element of zoning the space of a combined kitchen-living room;
• The island looks great in large kitchens, adding chic and zest to them.

There are also disadvantages:

• depending on the size, the island will take up from 1 to 3 m2 of area , plus there must be enough space around it for free movement. In general, for small kitchens a full-fledged island is a pipe dream;
• If you are planning to place a sink or dishwasher on the island, then be prepared for difficulties associated with the transfer of communications and creating the necessary slope, which may entail raising the floor level. Moreover, in an ordinary apartment it will not be easy to do this.

What is

A kitchen island is a special set, independent of other furniture. The design is compact in size and located in the center of the room. This element is often used as a dining table. If necessary, it can be supplemented with built-in appliances and can serve as a full-fledged work surface.

The island fits perfectly into different room designs, even if the living room is combined with the kitchen. The product is an optimal dividing element that serves for zoning space. The main feature of the headset is the ability to approach it from any direction, all the necessary items will always be at hand. It is very comfortable.

Among the advantages of the kit:

1. Increasing the working area. By filling the empty center of the room, the usable area increases by almost 25%.
2. Part of the large island can be used as a dining table; the remaining area is equipped with a sink and cutting surface.
3. The set provides new shelves and cabinets for storing utensils.
4. Kitchens with an island look impressive and play the role of the main accent in the interior of the room. Depending on the design, they harmonize with a variety of styles: classic, modern, loft, country and others.
5. Ideal for large spaces.

Despite significant advantages, such as functionality, island models have a number of disadvantages. Headsets occupy from 1 to 3 square meters. Difficulties often arise when connecting communications to an element, because it is located in the middle of the room.

No. 4. Distance between the island and other pieces of furniture

To ensure that the kitchen island does not interfere with free movement, opening drawers and the dishwasher, it is necessary to leave sufficient space between it and the kitchen unit or wall.

The minimum distance is 100 cm, the optimal distance is 120 cm . Only in this case will the kitchen island really be comfortable and ergonomic and will not cause inconvenience.

No. 5. Standard kitchen island sizes

The optimal parameters of the island depend on the size of the kitchen and the personal preferences of the household:

• in the spacious kitchen you can easily place island up to 2 m long, if there is a need for such a giant;

• the standard dimensions for a kitchen island are 180*90 cm and 180*60 cm. Three standard modules will fit in length;

• width usually ranges from 60 to 120 cm. A compact island 60 cm wide will have blank cabinet walls on one side. An island 90-120 cm wide can accommodate cabinets on several sides;

• the island is usually made height 85-90 cm, like the rest of the set, so that you can cook comfortably. If a dining area is provided, it may be slightly lower. An alternative option is to keep the tabletop height the same and buy taller (half-bar) stools. Part of the tabletop can be raised, thus organizing a bar counter. Its logical conclusion will be bar stools.

No. 6. Kitchen island shape

Designers advise that the shape of the island matches the shape of the kitchen , i.e. For a rectangular room a rectangular island is suitable, for a square one - a square one. Rectangular and square islands have become so popular that many people cannot imagine this element of any other shape.

In addition to standard ones, islands can be semicircular, oval, intricately curved, triangular and more. An island of any shape and size can be made to order. The main thing is that, along with extravagance and unusualness, the island should be functional and fit harmoniously into the existing interior. Oval and round tables are convenient because they do not have corners and reduce the risk of injury, but they take up more space. Broken, triangular and other design options are rarely functional and require huge areas to arrange them without risk to health.

When choosing a shape, you need to look not only at the shape of the kitchen space, but also at the type of location of the kitchen unit . If an L-shaped layout is chosen, then a square island would be a good solution. For U-shaped kitchens, a rectangular island is usually chosen, but the final decision depends on the size of the room. If the set is located in one line, then you can choose an island of any shape. Bizarrely shaped islands are best supported with an equally unusual set.

No. 7. Main types of kitchen islands

A standard kitchen island is a free-standing, stationary element. But what should those who have a kitchen not large enough to accommodate a full-fledged island do, but want to have such a useful accessory? It’s good that they came up with several interesting varieties of ordinary islands:

• The peninsula differs from the island only in that one of its ends is adjacent to a wall, kitchen unit or window sill. This solution allows you to significantly save space while maintaining maximum benefits of a full-fledged island;
• mobile compact island . These are now in collections from IKEA. When necessary, it can be placed in the kitchen, fixed and used as an additional countertop and storage space, and then rolled away, for example, into a pantry or pushed against the wall;
• Archipelago is a type of kitchen island that is designed for spacious rooms. The archipelago is a system consisting of multi-level structures. This ensures maximum functionality. One part can be used for preparing lunches, the second for eating, and the third can be raised to the level of the bar counter and used only for snacks.

Island as a zoning tool

In spacious rooms, for example, in the living room of a private house, as well as when combining rooms, the island serves as an effective zoning tool, especially when arranging a bar counter in addition to the desktop.

The location of the island part marks the boundary of the working area and the beginning of the guest area. If the bar counter and the food preparation surface are at different levels, this helps to divide the space to a greater extent.

A harmonious solution would also be to place pendant lamps above the island, or rather above the tabletop for eating. Although light is needed to a greater extent precisely above the working surface.

The features of using an island as a zoning tool are often determined by the design style. For example, in a classic style, a central lamp is usually used. Here the island is appropriately square, with luxurious finishes and decor. Of course, these are not rules, because you can always find harmonious solutions with other parameters.

In modern design trends, the unusual shapes of the island will be organic, as will the original lamps. Moreover, lamps can be made of non-standard materials - concrete and silicone, wood, metal wire and tubes. In this design, the island will be laconic - without unnecessary details and decor, with smooth facades without fittings. Here you should not make glass or other fragile doors, as there is a risk of catching them and breaking them. But the transparent bases of the island are another interesting modern technique, especially in zoning. True, in this case you will have to abandon large-scale storage areas.

An island is a convenient element of a kitchen interior, which can also become a decoration, especially when combining the living room and kitchen spaces. Even in the most budget version, such a detail will make the room individual and comfortable.

No. 8. Options for organizing a kitchen with an island

We have already said that the kitchen island is multifunctional . Now here are examples of how it can be used in the kitchen:

• as an additional work surface. This is the easiest option to implement, since you do not have to transfer communications. If you love to cook, or there are several people in the family who actively experiment in the kitchen, then additional work space will only be beneficial. Just remember to place several sockets at the ends of the island. This will make it easier to use kitchen appliances and charge gadgets;

• island with bar counter, which can become an additional zoning element. You can organize a bar area by using a tabletop protruding from one side, but the height of such a solution will not reach a full-fledged bar counter. An alternative solution is to raise part of the tabletop;

• the island can flow smoothly into the dining table . In this case, it is desirable that its width be at least 90 cm. As for the height, it depends on who is more comfortable. Some people prefer higher tables and half-bar stools, then the level of the kitchen island will be uniform. Some people prefer a dining table of the usual height, then it will be necessary to provide a transition from one level to another;
• island with electric hob organizing is already more difficult. Not only will you have to supply electricity (it’s better to run the cable along the floor), but you’ll also have to provide an exhaust hood. You will have to choose a special model, and also install an air duct, and then hide it behind the ceiling structure (stretch and suspended ceilings are suitable). This means that you will have to sacrifice the height of the room. But there is a way out - you can buy a hood with recirculation. It draws in air, purifies it and returns it back. Filters will have to be changed frequently, but if the ceilings are low, this is the only option;

• kitchen island with sink will require moving water and sewer pipes, providing the necessary slope, and sometimes even installing pumping equipment. It’s good if you are building a private house, and you can plan in advance the location of communications as needed. What if we are talking about an ordinary city apartment? You will also have to coordinate the project, and it may happen that it will be completely impossible to place a sink in the island. But even if this option is feasible, do not forget that the pipes running down the middle of the kitchen will need to be hidden somehow. This means that the floor surface will rise and the height of the room will decrease. The same problems await you if you want to move the dishwasher to the island;
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• showcase island assumes the presence of a large number of open shelves where plates, souvenirs, and books are beautifully arranged. To enhance the effect, the shelves can be illuminated using LED strips or special furniture lamps. Open cabinets and shelves can be located around the entire perimeter of the island, or they can decorate only part of it, for example, the one that faces the dining area or living room.

The same kitchen island can perfectly cope with several tasks at once. For example, serve as an additional work surface, a location for a built-in oven and a snack area.

Work island functions

If finding free space for an island is problematic, then finding a use for it is easy.

Island as an additional countertop

In the article “Kitchen Ergonomics: About the Working Triangle, Heights and Latitudes,” we said that the optimal height of the working surface is 15 cm below the elbow. The height of the countertop for most kitchen set manufacturers is 85-90 cm. It is not suitable for everyone, and the price of a non-standard set increases sharply.

Therefore, you can buy a regular set and complement it with a high kitchen island.

Island as additional storage space

A kitchen island will help if you need a large storage area for food and utensils in the kitchen.

Some islands have open shelves. Place beautiful tableware and stylish accessories on them.

You can use a kitchen island to store wine. Comfortable and stylish.

Island as a dining area

The kitchen island will become a full-fledged dining area for several people.

Or it will turn into a place for a quick snack.

Top of the work triangle

We have already mentioned the work triangle with a kitchen island at one of the vertices.

This is what it looks like in practice.

Here you can find several different versions of the work triangle:

• refrigerator - sink and work surface on the island - oven built into the set;
• stove - work surface on the island - oven;
• sink - work surface next to the stove - oven.

Place for built-in equipment

A small refrigerator or freezer can be built into the kitchen island.

The photo shows an oven built into the island. In order to get the baking sheet, you will have to bend over, but you can immediately lower it onto the countertop.

Bar counter

You can purchase an island with an additional raised countertop and add a couple of bar stools to it. It won’t fit a large family for dinner, but it can be used for get-togethers with friends.

For more ideas for bar counters in the kitchen, see our article “Kitchen interior with a bar counter.”

Zoning

With the help of a kitchen island it is convenient to separate the kitchen combined with the living room, as we did in one of our projects.

Decorative function

A kitchen island stands out in the kitchen and attracts attention.

The photo shows a kitchen island made of artificial stone by German designers LEICHT Küchen. It sets the tone for the entire interior.

In order not to overload the space, you can make part of the kitchen island through.

A richly colored island looks great in a bright kitchen.

No. 9. Kitchen island style

The island part of the kitchen should be in harmony with the rest of the interior in terms of material, shape and color scheme. If the kitchen set is made of wood with a stone countertop, then it is better if the island is exactly the same. If the kitchen space is spacious enough, then you can take some liberties and place an emphasis on the portable cabinet using an interesting texture or shade. But even in this case, it is important not to get too carried away and lose the overall harmony of the room.

To create a harmonious kitchen interior, you must, first of all, start from the chosen style and select the appropriate island for it:

• for classic interiors A massive island made of polished wood is suitable; the tabletop should be either wood or stone. Carved elements, gilding, panels and other decorative elements are welcome. The color scheme matches the interior, but preference is given to light shades and rich browns, olives, black-gray and gray-white. You can hang a large crystal chandelier above the island;

• For modern interiors (high-tech and minimalism) a laconic island that fully matches the kitchen set will do. Minimum decor – maximum practicality. Preferred materials are artificial stone, steel, and tempered glass. On the island you can place an induction hob, build in an oven or sink. The main goal of modern interior styles is to simplify a person’s life and daily worries, so the idea of ​​a kitchen island fits very well into this concept. Don't forget to organize a convenient storage system and allocate some space for snacks;

• The island also fits into the Provence style. In this case, the preferred light pastel shades are: white, milky, light lavender, mint, turquoise, etc. The base is made of wood, the tabletop is made of natural or artificial stone of a light shade. A large number of drawers, shelves, wicker baskets are welcome; some of the shelves can be covered with chintz curtains in a checkered, floral or striped pattern. Special honeycomb shelves for storing bottles of wine will look good - Provence, after all, is a wine-producing region;
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• For a country style, you should choose a massive, even rough island made of natural wood. It is better to preserve the texture of the wood, so preference is given to varnishing rather than painting. Large shelves and cabinets, forged handles, a tabletop made of stone, wood or ceramic tiles - all this will complement the country style. Some shelves can be left open, new furniture can be aged;

• in the loft style, the island almost always takes on the role of separating the kitchen area and the living room. The cabinet should be as simple as possible; you can use brickwork or a structure made of steel pipes as a base, and choose stone or steel as a tabletop. There is no need to hide the air duct from the hood - its presence will only emphasize the chosen style;

• An island of a bizarre shape, with smooth, streamlined facades, will fit into the Art Nouveau style. Glass and metal are preferred;

• Scandinavian style emphasizes simplicity and functionality. The base of the island can be wood, brick, concrete or metal; the preferred countertop material is wood. It is better to choose a light-colored island.

No. 10. Island in the interior of a small kitchen

It is generally accepted that an island is a privilege only for owners of huge kitchens. Is this statement correct? Yes, but only partly. The classic bulky stationary island is only for large rooms , but if you have a small kitchen you can find a way out, although you will have to make compromises.

Take a closer look at small stationary models. An island with dimensions of 120*60 will allow you to equip additional workspace and storage space, if necessary, divide the room into zones, but will not take up too much space.

Also pay attention to all kinds of retractable and mobile options . You can order a set in which the island will be fully or partially retractable into one of the modules. An alternative option is to attach the tabletop to the wall and raise it as needed (for snacking, cooking). You can consider designs on wheels.

Some kitchens have an island in the form of a bar counter. The main task of this solution is to separate the kitchen area from the recreation area. On the living room side, the counter is equipped with high chairs, and on the kitchen side, it can be supplemented with a folding tabletop, which can be raised if necessary and used for preparing dishes.

Modern design

Most often, kitchens with an island design photo can be found and ideas can be drawn in a modern design style. Modern style is minimalism of shapes, details, unusual ideas and various dimensional transitions.

The modern island is a kind of spaceship heading to the cooking planet. These are rectangular shapes, clear lines and acceptable asymmetry in the size of the modules.

It is worth experimenting a little by choosing interesting facades, for example, of unusual thickness or with non-standard facade milling.

Freedom of choice is also provided in color. If the island is an addition to the main kitchen, then you can highlight it by highlighting it with a contrasting color or another shade.

Not only a difference in color is acceptable, but also different textures on the headset and island part, such as wood texture and a plain matte facade.

From appliances to a modern island, it is possible to provide a non-standard compact coffee machine or a built-in microwave oven.

And if there is a hob in the island area, you need to pay attention to the exhaust system; it can be either mounted in the countertop or in the ceiling.