10 Dos and Don’ts of Designing a Kitchen Island
Planning a new kitchen? Check out these insider tips for designing a great-looking and practical unit
When it comes to fitting a new kitchen, an island is a must-have for many homeowners, but how can you ensure yours is both beautiful and functional? Here, four Australian kitchen design experts suggest 10 things to bear in mind to help you get this key element right.
Do get the proportions right
Getting the proportions of your island correct lets you work efficiently in the space and ensures that traffic flow is maintained.
Some key measurements to follow:
Getting the proportions of your island correct lets you work efficiently in the space and ensures that traffic flow is maintained.
Some key measurements to follow:
- You want a minimum of 1m circulation space around the island.
- The overall height of the island should be between 92cm and 94cm.
- The minimum island width would ideally be 90cm and the length would be 120cm
- The worktop should be between 2cm and 8cm thick.
- If you want to include bar stools around the island, you’ll need 30cm of under-worktop space.
Photo by Tom Ferguson
Don’t forget power outlets and appliances
Melonie Bayl-Smith, principal architect at Bijl Architecture says:
There’s nothing worse than a beautiful piece of stone ruined by ill-considered power outlet locations. Think about how both sides of the island can be ‘working’ sides, not just the ‘kitchen’ side.
Make sure power outlets and appliances are well-placed so they don’t dominate the appearance of the island, are easily accessed, and make the functionality of all sides of the unit work really well.
Consider what will be plugged in – it probably won’t just be a hand mixer, but phone chargers, laptops and the like. A charging drawer for items such as these can be a smart inclusion.
Don’t forget power outlets and appliances
Melonie Bayl-Smith, principal architect at Bijl Architecture says:
There’s nothing worse than a beautiful piece of stone ruined by ill-considered power outlet locations. Think about how both sides of the island can be ‘working’ sides, not just the ‘kitchen’ side.
Make sure power outlets and appliances are well-placed so they don’t dominate the appearance of the island, are easily accessed, and make the functionality of all sides of the unit work really well.
Consider what will be plugged in – it probably won’t just be a hand mixer, but phone chargers, laptops and the like. A charging drawer for items such as these can be a smart inclusion.
Do consider how you’ll use the island
If you like entertaining or eating everyday meals at a breakfast bar, then an island with more overhanging area and less cabinetry or storage underneath might be for you.
Think about how you envisage using the bar both every day and on special occasions. We’re realistic with many clients who have families in pointing out that children will often sit there and talk with parents, complete homework, use devices and eat (sometimes all at the same time) – I call this the ‘mission control’ island breakfast bar.
Think about whether the sitting area needs to be closer to the fridge and pantry. This is another way of managing who is walking in and out of the kitchen, and who can be kept on the outside edges of the island – for safety as well as to avoid overcrowding in the kitchen.
If you like entertaining or eating everyday meals at a breakfast bar, then an island with more overhanging area and less cabinetry or storage underneath might be for you.
Think about how you envisage using the bar both every day and on special occasions. We’re realistic with many clients who have families in pointing out that children will often sit there and talk with parents, complete homework, use devices and eat (sometimes all at the same time) – I call this the ‘mission control’ island breakfast bar.
Think about whether the sitting area needs to be closer to the fridge and pantry. This is another way of managing who is walking in and out of the kitchen, and who can be kept on the outside edges of the island – for safety as well as to avoid overcrowding in the kitchen.
Some people like to drop down part of the island to table height (around 74cm) rather than the standard 92cm-high worktop. This can work really well in some kitchens, but do be careful that you don’t inadvertently limit your storage and appliance options by having a really large table section on the island.
Do mix materials
Too many kitchens have enormous islands that might provide a lot of worktop space, but effectively take over the room and look like a big lump in the middle. Using different materials can break down the scale of an island. However, balance is key – too many materials and details start to look messy and fussy.
When you’re choosing materials and colours for your island, make sure they harmonise with any hues in the adjoining rooms.
You might also like 5 of the Best Before and After Kitchen Transformations on Houzz.
Too many kitchens have enormous islands that might provide a lot of worktop space, but effectively take over the room and look like a big lump in the middle. Using different materials can break down the scale of an island. However, balance is key – too many materials and details start to look messy and fussy.
When you’re choosing materials and colours for your island, make sure they harmonise with any hues in the adjoining rooms.
You might also like 5 of the Best Before and After Kitchen Transformations on Houzz.
Do make the island as long as possible without a join
Blake Riley, director at Blakes Of Sydney says:
Slabs of stone come in a range of lengths, but if your kitchen is big enough for one measuring around 300cm x 90cm, you’ll have the perfect-size island for preparing food and entertaining.
The maximum length of some brands and materials is 300cm, so if you choose such a brand/material, keep the length at 300cm or less, so the worktop can be made in one piece without a join. Joins on islands are not aesthetically pleasing, so avoid this if you can.
A minimum width of 90cm will enable you to have bar stools at the back of the island, so your family and friends can perch there to eat or marvel at your cooking!
Blake Riley, director at Blakes Of Sydney says:
Slabs of stone come in a range of lengths, but if your kitchen is big enough for one measuring around 300cm x 90cm, you’ll have the perfect-size island for preparing food and entertaining.
The maximum length of some brands and materials is 300cm, so if you choose such a brand/material, keep the length at 300cm or less, so the worktop can be made in one piece without a join. Joins on islands are not aesthetically pleasing, so avoid this if you can.
A minimum width of 90cm will enable you to have bar stools at the back of the island, so your family and friends can perch there to eat or marvel at your cooking!
Do integrate generous drawers…
For functionality purposes, it’s a good idea to have your cutlery drawer on the island and potentially your bowls and plates, too. This gives easy access to the important everyday items you usually use an island for, such as serving up food.
For functionality purposes, it’s a good idea to have your cutlery drawer on the island and potentially your bowls and plates, too. This gives easy access to the important everyday items you usually use an island for, such as serving up food.
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…and a pull-out bin
Having your bin integrated into the island just below your work surface is another important functional element, as it allows you to scrape the scraps straight into the rubbish.
It also helps you stay part of the action with family or friends when cleaning up the kitchen, as you’re facing them, and helps keep your floor mess-free.
Having your bin integrated into the island just below your work surface is another important functional element, as it allows you to scrape the scraps straight into the rubbish.
It also helps you stay part of the action with family or friends when cleaning up the kitchen, as you’re facing them, and helps keep your floor mess-free.
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Let Houzz find the best pros for you
Do prioritise functionality
Jenefer Gordon, principal designer at eat.bathe.live says:
Think about how you’ll be working in the space and include functional fittings and storage to suit. If this is going to be your main preparation area, include a minimum of 1m of clear worktop space and easy access to knives and chopping boards. Also ensure your bin and sink are close by.
Jenefer Gordon, principal designer at eat.bathe.live says:
Think about how you’ll be working in the space and include functional fittings and storage to suit. If this is going to be your main preparation area, include a minimum of 1m of clear worktop space and easy access to knives and chopping boards. Also ensure your bin and sink are close by.
Do consider alternatives if you don’t have the room
An island that’s too small will result in a cramped workspace, rendering it useless, so ensure you have enough room for it.
If you’re working with a smaller space, a better option may be a peninsula unit, which has one short end butted up against a wall.
An island that’s too small will result in a cramped workspace, rendering it useless, so ensure you have enough room for it.
If you’re working with a smaller space, a better option may be a peninsula unit, which has one short end butted up against a wall.
Don’t be afraid to be bold
An island can be a great place to make a statement, so if you’re eyeing some feature cladding or a bold worktop, then consider this your place to use it.
Tell us…
What are your must-haves for a kitchen island? Share your ideas in the Comments.
An island can be a great place to make a statement, so if you’re eyeing some feature cladding or a bold worktop, then consider this your place to use it.
Tell us…
What are your must-haves for a kitchen island? Share your ideas in the Comments.
Katherine Wallis, interior designer and director at Wallis Design, says:
Kitchens are places of heavy traffic flow and productivity, so a good, durable natural or reconstituted stone for the worktop is crucial. You’ll also want it to be scratch-resistant and easy to clean – and the same goes for your joinery and skirting board materials.
Choosing good-quality fixtures such as sinks, tapware and handles is always a preference of ours as they get so much use and need to last.