Slim Islands Bring Full Functionality to Kitchens
Never thought you could fit an island in your narrow kitchen? Think again with inspiration from these clever designs!
Islands are workhorses in the kitchen. They offer an additional surface area, apart from the perimeter benchtops, that can be used for food prep, serving or as a place to perch and hang out with family and friends. Those with space-challenged kitchens often think there’s no way they can squeeze in an island, but you’d be surprised at just how compact you can go.
It’s important to think about the function of your island. Do you need additional storage space at the base of the island? Can it be open, such as the island above, or do you need closed storage? If it’s going to be an open shelf, think about what you will store there, as it will take centre stage in your kitchen. Whatever is stored there could become a grease and dust collector unless it gets frequent use.
Tall tables trump traditional islands
Tall tables trump traditional islands
Or perhaps you need an island that serves as an in-kitchen hangout spot. Sure, you’re not going to serve a multi-course meal on an island like the one pictured here, but it’s the right size for a couple of people to sit, visit and enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. If you plan to set a stool or stools around the island, consider placing them so that the person seated doesn’t get in the way of the cook.
Clearly, a narrow island is not going to be able to house a sink or a stovetop, but it can still be useful as a landing area when taking items out of the refrigerator or oven. In fact, for safety’s sake, if your kitchen lacks a surface next to your oven or stovetop, you may want to add a small island nearby so that you have a place to set hot things without having to walk too far.
An island needn’t be a fixed piece of cabinetry. This cool industrial-style kitchen features a free-standing cart as its island. Think about adding wheels so that you can move the island around the space as needed. Just be sure you can lock the wheels to keep your island from wandering off.
Size your island to best fit the geometry of your space. If your kitchen is long and narrow, then you’ll want a long and narrow island. However, if your kitchen is more square-shaped, such as the one shown here, then an island that is similarly shaped will fit and function better.
Key measurements for the perfect kitchen island
Key measurements for the perfect kitchen island
Bigger isn’t always better. If your kitchen is a bustling space, I think giving yourself wider work aisles and a smaller island is preferable to cramming in an oversize island in a way that leaves you with uncomfortably narrow aisles and walkways.
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How have you squeezed a tiny island into your kitchen? Post and share a photo in the Comments.
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See more stunning kitchen islands
TELL US
How have you squeezed a tiny island into your kitchen? Post and share a photo in the Comments.
MORE
See more stunning kitchen islands
But there’s quite a bit of flexibility when it comes to the size and orientation of a kitchen island. It should be designed and placed to provide an additional surface without being in the way of crucial kitchen tasks. Many homeowners actually prefer a compact island because it allows for better flow – it’s easier to get around when moving from one area to another.
Of course, you don’t want to make the island so tiny that it’s no longer useful. The previous two islands are fairly skinny but still offer enough surface area to be useful for various kitchen tasks.