Why we love kitchen islands
When we sit down with our clients to start the process of creating their dream kitchens, one of the first things we need to establish is exactly what their new bespoke kitchen is going to be used for.
Over time, a kitchen has transformed from what was once a place of labour and stress to a more communal, friendly space. You don’t just cook there, you also eat, relax and entertain. The kitchen is now widely considered to be the heart of the home.
It takes careful thought and planning to get your kitchen absolutely right. And one of the questions we most often pose is whether to have a kitchen island.
Why we love kitchen islands
Islands suit both classic kitchens and more modern designs. By integrating an island into your new kitchen you can really transform how you use the space, making it much more than simply workspace for the cook.
If there’s enough room, I’m a big fan of an island. The bigger the better!
A well thought out island or peninsular can act as the perfect mediator between the dedicated working space of the kitchen and more informal living or dining areas.
It also creates a handy surface for the final ‘plating up’ of dishes before they are served, or to keep the champagne bucket close at hand for your guests perched around the edge on stools.
The origins of kitchen islands
So, where did the kitchen island come from? It’s a development of the traditional, central farmhouse table. The table had a multi-functional role, being used for food preparation and also as a place where people sat and relaxed.
An island, if we think about it, is really a classic kitchen design. But it also showcases how styles continuously evolve to suit the changing lifestyles of homeowners.
How to design with kitchen islands
Kitchen islands are versatile in both appearance and use.
They can stand alone in the centre of the kitchen or be a peninsular coming off other cabinetry.
You can be really creative with their shape, choosing curves or straight lines to enhance the overall kitchen design.
Kitchen islands can blend in with, or be in contrast to, your main kitchen theme, introducing different colours or textures.
Islands can be an ideal solution to house some of your key kitchen appliances. The incredible BORA hob is the perfect option for kitchen island cooking. With its patented downdraft technology, it allows you to keep the space clean, open and uncompromised – and it’s super-quiet too. If you enjoy the theatre of cooking and entertaining, position one on your kitchen island to create the perfect stage for your performance!
You might also want to consider installing your wine conditioner or glassware in cabinets below your island – keeping the essentials in easy reach of your guests while you’re busy preparing the meal.
Our designs with kitchen islands
As you can tell, we think an island makes a fantastic addition to almost any kitchen. Here are a few more examples of how we’ve used islands in our kitchen designs:
If you’re looking for the perfect paradise island for your kitchen, call us on 01959 53 22 33 to discuss your project or pop along to our Sevenoaks showroom to see lots of our island designs in the flesh.
