A Guide to Bespoke Kitchen Island Design
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, we reckon an island is the pulse!
A kitchen island is where the day begins with coffee and ends with wine (or a herbal tea!). It’s where conversations take place and plans are hatched.
The island is where meals are prepared and dinner is enjoyed. It’s the spot where guests gravitate during a party.
The island is the central meeting point of the kitchen, drawing people in – just as the heartbeat keeps life coursing through the body.
In this article, we’ll look at kitchen island design ideas and emerging trends for this constantly evolving feature.
Image: Likasi, featuring an elongated oval pill-shaped, charcoal-stained oak island with a Terrazzo top, inspired by a Slinky spring toy!
The Key Role of Kitchen Islands – and Why We LOVE Them!
We’re huge fans of island units and often incorporate them into our bespoke kitchen designs.
Islands can enhance your kitchen by adding:
- Functionality
Kitchen islands are practical and provide extra worktop space, as well as additional storage, seating options and even accommodating integrated appliances. - Aesthetics
An island unit is a visual anchor of the kitchen – it defines the central style of your space and its form creates a flow. - A focal point
The island is where cooking, dining and socialising converge.
As a bespoke kitchen company, we offer tailored solutions to meet your needs and preferences. We can design islands to fit any space, layout and requirement. We also offer total flexibility in design, from modern and minimalist islands to traditional styles.
Image: Kumba with freestanding functional island unit in rustic oak with Terrazzo
Bespoke Kitchen Island Design Inspiration
At the end of 2023, we made some kitchen trend predictions, including the evolution of island units. Our trends were defined as:
- table-style islands
- sleek and streamlined islands
- freestanding elevated islands with legs that expose the floor beneath
- dedicated kitchen workspaces that don’t require seating
It seems we weren’t too far off with our trend forecast! However, since we create entirely bespoke kitchens, there is no end to the possibilities, and we’re not tied to interior fashions.
This past year, we have designed and crafted the following unique kitchens with islands:
Gulu – a curved, fluted maple island on legs with white quartz tops
Giza – an island unit where clinical stainless steel meets mellow vintage oak
Lundazi is a sleek, contemporary kitchen with a substantial industrial-style concrete island
How To Design A Kitchen Island – FAQs
As designers, we’re often asked how to design a kitchen island. The truth is, there are few rules, and there isn’t one single solution that serves all:
How big should a kitchen island be?
The size of your kitchen island depends on the size of your space and how you intend to use the island. Some general guidelines:
Width: A typical kitchen island is at least 60cm deep
Length: an ideal length is usually around 120–210cm, depending on space
How much space do you need around a kitchen island?
As a rule of thumb, for clearance, the minimum space around the island should be 90-120 cm.
If you plan to use the island for seating, allocate at least 60cm of width per person for comfortable seating. This means a 6-foot island (180 cm) can comfortably seat three people.
How high should kitchen island lights be?
Depends on what your intended use is… Are you looking for atmospheric illuminations or serious task lighting?
The bottom of a pendant or other hanging light should hang about 75 to 90cm above the island countertop. This provides adequate task lighting without obstructing views or headspace.
For kitchens with taller ceilings, you may want to hang your lights a bit higher, adjusting for proportions to maintain visual balance.
How to design a kitchen island?
Just pick up the phone and call us! Seriously, though, these are some considerations:
• Your lifestyle…
Do you need a family-centric design? Do you love to entertain friends and family? Or are you a passionate home chef?
• Space optimisation…
Are we designing for a small space? Do you need a compact, mobile island or can you have a larger island in an open-plan kitchen?
• Customisations for your island…
Perhaps more concealed storage is needed? Or are wine racks top of your list? Would you like built-in appliances or open shelving for displaying cookware?
When you work with us collaboratively, we’ll create a kitchen island that blends seamlessly with your home’s aesthetic.
We can adapt island designs to suit individual spaces, lifestyle needs and aesthetic preferences.
Image: Zaria is a mid-century inspired kitchen with a freestanding island
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?
In short: we LOVE a kitchen island. Around the island is where life happens. Meals are savoured, toasts are raised, conversation flows and memories are made.
Our bespoke design service acknowledges the importance of the kitchen island. We can create a personalised, functional zone that perfectly suits your needs.
To book a free initial design consultation, please contact us today.
