Installing a kitchen island is a perfect way to facilitate the cooking process and give additional space to gather around. Besides, an island allows you to store more things, get some additional counter space and even take care of quick breakfasts and lunches.
However, an island that looks perfect in photos may simply become too big for you. As a result, opening cupboards or working inside the kitchen becomes quite hard. This is the reason why designing kitchen islands involves much more than choosing countertops.
Proper measurements will allow you to get more out of kitchen island designs.
Find out how to do it.
Find the Right Place Before Selecting the Style
The optimal island layout depends on the overall design of the kitchen. If you have an L-shaped kitchen, the installation of the island is a great idea since it gives additional space and doesn’t cut the room off. At the same time, an open kitchen can use the island to divide cooking and dining zones. The U-shaped kitchen also allows installing an island as long as there is enough space. In the case of a parallel kitchen, you should measure the space between the counters carefully. After all, an island is intended to help during cooking.
Make Your Island an Ideal Seating Area
The kitchen island can be used for breakfast, having a cup of coffee and family discussions. However, the seating area needs proper planning to be comfortable. In general, you should have around 600 mm of countertop width per person and 300 mm of countertop overhang to sit comfortably. Besides, you should pick stools that match the counter height. In case you prefer to have the elevated breakfast bar, you will need stools that are higher. Finally, there should be enough space behind the chairs to allow moving around.
Measure Carefully from the Beginning
A small difference in the measurements can change the functionality of the kitchen considerably. The standard height of an island is 850–900 mm, while the raised breakfast bar may be 1,050 mm high. For practical reasons, you should have an island of at least 1,200 mm in length and 900–1,000 mm in depth. Besides, the clearance space should be at least 900 mm wide. If two people prepare food together, you will need at least 1,000 mm of clearance space. These measurements can help you to start planning the kitchen island.
Think of What You Want from the Island
Kitchen island designs vary greatly depending on the purpose of the island. An island used for preparation of food can include drawers, cabinets and additional countertop space. However, adding a sink and stove requires extra considerations regarding plumbing, electricity or ventilation needs. Also, check whether appliance doors will open properly. As a test, mark the size of the planned island on the floor.
Conclusion
Effective kitchen island design involves such factors as comfort, storage, seating and accessibility. Montdor Interior provides you with customised kitchen design solutions taking into account your needs and existing space.