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Proper organization of living space is one of the main tasks when choosing a suitable room design. Each item must be functional, which must be taken into account when creating a layout. For example, a practical kitchen island with dining table provides comfortable cooking conditions. Such designs are successfully used in restaurants, country houses, and with proper selection and placement they are also suitable for small apartments.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of a kitchen island include:
- compactness and ergonomics. Such a room is convenient to use, since people will have everything at hand. Thanks to the number of working surfaces, cooking will become much more convenient;
- the ability to divide the room into different zones. This option is perfect for a studio apartment or a kitchen combined with a living room;
- ease of use. At a separate table located in the middle of the room, it is convenient to chat with friends over a cup of coffee and eat food. This allows you to simultaneously prepare food and receive guests;
- functionality. On a separate island there is placed: a cooking surface, an oven, a dishwasher, a wine rack, a bar counter;
- availability of additional space for storing kitchen utensils;
- stylish and modern appearance.
As for the disadvantages, these include the following:
- difficulties will arise in connecting communications if it was decided to install a hob and sink in the middle of the room;
- not in every kitchen you can steal an extra 3 meters to build a work surface in the middle of the room;
- An island table cannot completely replace a dining table. Bar stools look quite stylish and modern, but they are not entirely comfortable for everyday use.
Island kitchen in the interior
For a successful arrangement of such non-standard furniture, there is an ideal option - a kitchen in a house with an island.
When creating a design project for a house, you need to consider where it would be more appropriate to place such an interior object in order to please all family members, in a separate kitchen or combined with a living room.
Even if the area of the apartment is small, within reasonable limits, you do not need to give up your dream of installing an island.
You just need to take into account a few tips on the layout and placement of cabinets so that the island looks like a full-fledged design segment.
Work island functions
If finding free space for an island is problematic, then finding a use for it is easy.
Island as additional storage space
A kitchen island will help if you need a large storage area for food and utensils in the kitchen.
Some islands have open shelves. Place beautiful tableware and stylish accessories on them.
You can use a kitchen island to store wine. Comfortable and stylish.
Island as a dining area
The kitchen island will become a full-fledged dining area for several people.
Or it will turn into a place for a quick snack.
Island as an additional countertop
In the article “Kitchen Ergonomics: About the Working Triangle, Heights and Latitudes,” we said that the optimal height of the working surface is 15 cm below the elbow. The height of the countertop for most kitchen set manufacturers is 85-90 cm. It is not suitable for everyone, and the price of a non-standard set increases sharply.
Therefore, you can buy a regular set and complement it with a high kitchen island.
Top of the work triangle
We have already mentioned the work triangle with a kitchen island at one of the vertices.
This is what it looks like in practice.
Here you can find several different versions of the work triangle:
- refrigerator - sink and work surface on the island - oven built into the set;
- stove - work surface on the island - oven;
- sink - work surface next to the stove - oven.
Place for built-in equipment
A small refrigerator or freezer can be built into the kitchen island.
The photo shows an oven built into the island. In order to get the baking sheet, you will have to bend over, but you can immediately lower it onto the countertop.
Island with hob
According to technical parameters, there must be free access to gas communications. Therefore, the pipe supply points are equipped with removable inspection windows. You need to install a hood above the hob. Its power is calculated based on the cubic capacity of the room, this is especially true for studios. The appearance is selected to match the stylistic design of the kitchen.
Types of exhaust devices for island kitchens:
- Aspiration type of hood. Removes air from the room and replaces it with new air. The intake and output is carried out through a laid air duct. To do this, it needs to be hidden in the ceiling structures. It is not recommended to connect to general ventilation; a separate channel is installed.
- Recirculating type with filters. It draws in air masses, cleans them through filters, and returns them back to the room. Advantage - no need for a separate air duct, disadvantages - limited power, filters need to be replaced.
- The combined type combines the two described types.
Big blue kitchen
The market offers a wide range of household appliances: from simple, inexpensive models to exclusive designer ones. The stylistic diversity of the model range is noteworthy, from classic, fireplace type, to ultra-modern models in the form of pipes, glass products, and composites.
Hoods have been developed specifically for kitchen islands, which are mounted on the table and are raised only during cooking.
Island with sink
This is quite convenient from a functional point of view. For example, when the kitchen island is connected to the dining area, or the area of the wall area of the kitchen unit is limited.
The main thing you need to pay attention to is the slope of the sewer drain (3 cm per 1 meter). The floors in the kitchen area will have to be raised slightly. But this disadvantage can be transformed into an advantage. A small podium will serve as an additional zoning technique for space.
Wooden kitchen-dining room with living room
Bar counter
You can purchase an island with an additional raised countertop and add a couple of bar stools to it. It won’t fit a large family for dinner, but it can be used for get-togethers with friends.
For more ideas for bar counters in the kitchen, see our article “Kitchen interior with a bar counter.”
Zoning
With the help of a kitchen island it is convenient to separate the kitchen combined with the living room, as we did in one of our projects.
Decorative function
A kitchen island stands out in the kitchen and attracts attention.
The photo shows a kitchen island made of artificial stone by German designers LEICHT Küchen. It sets the tone for the entire interior.
In order not to overload the space, you can make part of the kitchen island through.
A richly colored island looks great in a bright kitchen.
Choosing a form
- It is desirable that the shape of the island follows the shape of the kitchen: in a square one, a square table is appropriate, in an elongated one, a rectangular one.
- A half-moon-shaped semicircular island is convenient, but takes up the most space, so it is suitable for a large apartment or country house.
- Oval or round tables are much less common.
Straight single level island
This is usually a rectangular-shaped table that functions as storage, a food preparation area, and a direct path from it to the main food preparation area. Below is an option where part of it acts as a dining table. This ensures comfortable sitting, and the tabletop rests on the legs. For a comfortable arrangement of chairs, the free width of the island in the kitchen (its countertop) should be at least 38-46 cm.
Kitchen island shapes
A kitchen layout with an island can include central elements of the following shapes:
- A rectangle is the most traditional and common shape for an island; it fits perfectly into small elongated spaces.
- A square island is placed in square-shaped kitchens, or if the set is located in a U-shape.
- The semicircular shape is perfect for an island with a bar counter, while the rounded part should be on the side of the bar counter, as shown in the photo.
- The most convenient island in the kitchen is a U-shaped or open circle table, since it allows you to place everything you need within walking distance.
- There are also completely round and oval island tables.
In general, the shape can be any - from zig-zag to hexagon. But their height is approximately the same - 90-92 cm.
Large kitchen islands can be made visually lighter by equipping them with open shelves and drawers with glass fronts, or even choosing a table without decorations, and of course, the white color will make it much less bulky.
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Materials
The first thing to consider when arranging is the material from which it will be made. Its durability, practicality, how it will look, and minor pitfalls depend on it.
Choose quality materials
Chipboard
The sawdust is mixed with resin and pressed into a single layer. A kitchen made from chipboard is not particularly elegant, since the material simply crumbles during processing. It is no different in durability. But at the same time it looks good, is inexpensive and copes well with temperature changes, high humidity and the prospect of being covered in spilled sauce, typical of the kitchen. At least until the protective layer peels off.
Chipboard is a reliable and practical material
MDF
The same sawdust is ground, mixed with resin until smooth and cast into slabs. The result is more reliable than chipboard, it is easier to process, and it lasts longer. It also looks good, abounding in possible colors and patterns. Copes with all possible adversities.
Natural wood
If you take carefully crafted furniture - or furniture made from solid, durable wood - it can last for decades. It looks beautiful, is great for classic styles, is well processed - only it can be decorated with carvings. However, it needs to be refinished from time to time, and if the tabletop is made from it, it is easy to accidentally cut it.
Natural wood lasts for decades
A natural stone
Used for table tops and table bases. It looks chic, is expensive, and does not offer much variety of colors. But it can serve for decades, is not afraid of anything at all, does not fade, does not crumble. However, it is heavy. No matter where you live, you'll have to calculate whether the floors will support a nice new stone countertop.
Metal
This is an excellent material because it not only does not suffer from humidity, temperature changes and other possible troubles, but is also very easy to clean, without fear of any strong chemicals. It looks, however, quite specific - the kitchen with it will resemble either a restaurant kitchen or a surgeon’s operating room. Therefore, it needs dilution with other materials.
Stone and wood go well together
Glass
It is used mainly for making table tops and for small beautiful inserts. Sometimes you can find glass shelves in cabinets or shelving. Modern glass is durable, lasts a long time, and if it breaks, it is in large pieces that are difficult to cut yourself on. It looks beautiful, offers many possibilities: it can be matte, colored, tinted, with stained glass, engraved, in fusion technique, with color printing.
Often materials are combined with each other - wood looks good with metal or glass, and chipboard with MDF can be decorated with simple plastic inserts.
Design and decoration options for a kitchen with an island
Despite the different design options for the kitchen space, it is important to remember that the island countertop should be presented:
- washing;
- hob;
- zoned working part with a minimum width of 30-35 cm;
- cutting area or food preparation area;
- hob.
The dining area must also be technologically thought out, where it is possible to install all the necessary small-sized household appliances in the form of a coffee machine, microwave and toaster.
When designing a kitchen with an island, the dining area must be technologically thought out
Decorating a white kitchen with an island
Modern kitchens have recently been increasingly designed in light colors. A white kitchen has an attractive appearance and allows you to visually make the space more spacious. Among other things, white furniture, the island itself, the washbasin, as well as light aprons and facades look very voluminous in this design. The classic combination of a white kitchen with an island made in black or maroon, as well as coffee, is also considered successful. This design can be complemented by domino-style flooring.
Island kitchen in classic style
The classic style of the organization is characterized by the predominance of carved facades, stone or marble countertops, and stained glass. The main part of such models is most often decorated with stylish arched shelves, carved overlays and balusters. If the kitchen island already has a built-in hob, then a fireplace-type hood must be installed above this part.
Provence style
Unlike modern styles, Provence is a “soft” home style. Comfort, coziness, peace and tranquility are the main mood of this design direction. Therefore, a lot of attention is paid to decor and textile decoration of windows. It is appropriate to use covers on chairs.
The color scheme is light colors combined with pastel shades of green and blue. Volumetric decor is allowed on facades, but without pretentiousness. The textures of artificially aged wood are welcome. To do this, they use the technique of patination and craquelure (applying cracks to paint).
Materials, details: wood; wicker baskets instead of drawers; ceramic tiles in the Gzhel style; copper cabinet handles; chandeliers with lampshades.
Kitchen with island in Provence style
Kitchen decorated in Provence style
Provence style for a beautiful kitchen
Modern style
High-tech, minimalism, fusion are design styles that are distinguished by the simplicity of geometric shapes, the absence of unnecessary details, and laconic content.
The main materials used for decoration: chrome-plated, metallized surfaces, glass, plastic, composites. They are equipped with kitchen facades of various textures, without decorations. The island is decorated in a similar style.
A common technique for the interior of a modern kitchen is the “technical wall”, where most of the household appliances are concentrated, excluding the hob.
Details about dimensions
A kitchen with an island is convenient due to the creation of another work area in the room. By installing an island element, up to 25% of the usable working area is added. In addition, you can bring out electrical outlets here and install appliances, place an oven or sink.
The total space occupied by the island should not be more than 10% of the total area of the kitchen, and the passages around it must be at least 1 m wide - otherwise the room will be overloaded and it will be difficult to move around it. Therefore, in small kitchens the island can be made mobile rather than stationary - on wheels.
So, the main dimensions of the island must comply with the following rules:
- Standard table height is 92 cm;
- If work that requires effort is often carried out in the kitchen (for example, kneading dough), then the countertop is made lower - 76 cm;
For housewives who often bake, a two-level island would be a good option.
- If the island will replace the dining table, then the minimum distance between the seat of the chairs and the top of the tabletop is 300-320 mm. The length of the island table top can be calculated according to the principle of 600 mm per seated person.
And in order to use the island conveniently, you need to follow the rule of the working triangle - the stove, refrigerator and sink should be located at a distance of 1.5 meters, and these points should form a triangle when connected.
Product height
- 36 inches
- 34 inches
- 35 inches
- 60 inches
- 30 inches
- 37 inches
- 33 inches
- 32 inch
Distance between kitchen and island
The optimal width of the passage between the island and the kitchen unit or wall is 120 cm
. Minimum - 100 centimeters. If you do less, it will be difficult to pull out drawers or open cabinets, let alone use the dishwasher.
Minimum dimensions for U-shape
Kitchen Layout with Island: Open U-Shaped Configuration
Many people associate the kitchen with pleasure and quality of life. That is why it is quite natural to strive for an optimally convenient model of this room.
The design philosophy of the kitchen space is based on a rule defined back in the 50s at Cornell University in the USA. This is the work triangle.
The principle of its operation is based on three elements at its vertices. And these elements are the refrigerator, sink and stove. That is why the installation of a new object should not interrupt the existing triangle and upset the important balance.
The open U-shaped kitchen with island in which you want to install a new element must be at least 360 cm wide . This result is obtained by adding the reasonable distances:
- Island length. The tabletop should not have a functional meaning and its width should be from 80 cm;
- Distance from the kitchen to the island (cabinets). This distance should be from 80 cm, because the person preparing the food comfortably occupies 50-60 cm of space, but behind him there must be the possibility of movement and the ability to open the cabinet. (we multiply this distance by two and get 160 cm);
- Depth of cabinets located on each side. Standard depth. as a rule, it is 60 cm (we also multiply this distance by two and get 120 cm).
Dimensions and functionality of the island
The area and configuration of the kitchen island depend on the size of the room:
- For large rooms, large rectangular models stretched along the entire set are suitable. The multifunctional product will provide an impressive storage system and will be a useful addition to a small furniture set.
- Medium-sized kitchens can be complemented with a small square-shaped island. It is important that the optimal distance is maintained between it and other objects.
- Another suitable option would be products with sliding elements, with which you can expand the dining table when guests arrive. The models are functional, but inferior to large tables.
- The smallest options on wheels are created especially for small kitchens. If necessary, they can be moved around the room. The products have minimal functionality and are complemented by storage cabinets.
If the island plays the role of a dining table, it is necessary that the width of the tabletop be at least 90 cm, the height from the floor is 92 cm. The minimum distance between chairs is 30 cm. The length of the surface is calculated according to the principle: 60 cm per person.
Kitchen layouts with island
The layout of an island kitchen can be varied.
Corner
It saves space significantly. It is assumed that the island will be placed in the room where food is prepared. The corner option allows you to place work surfaces, storage systems and household appliances even in a small room. Corner layout is recommended for a small kitchen, the size of which does not exceed 9 sq.m.
Straight
The linear layout of the furniture allows you to place an island and install a dining table. In this case, the rules of the triangle must be observed. That is, the sink is placed away from the island, and the tile and refrigerator are built into the set near the wall.
This approach ensures the safe operation of the devices and the ergonomics of the room. The direct layout is in demand among housewives, as it makes it comfortable and pleasant to prepare delicious dishes.
U-shaped
For this layout, a rectangular island shape is selected, which is located at a distance of 120 centimeters from the main furniture. With a U-shaped layout, the kitchen will take on a completely updated look.
Kitchen-living room
The room is divided into zones. Zoning is done using a long island, which turns into a bar counter. This option will give the room exclusivity and will be convenient to use. The dining table can be arranged on the protruding edge of the tabletop. It is recommended to make the working surface in such interiors from natural materials, such as wood or stone.
Kitchen-dining room
This option is distinguished by the presence of numerous drawers and cabinets built into the base. The tabletop on such models is made of durable materials that are resistant to negative factors and mechanical stress. This layout involves installing a large island, with a height higher than the dining table. Consequently, bar stools are placed next to it.
Additional functionality and equipment of the island with dining area
As a rule, a kitchen island with a dining area also performs additional functions. So, it could be:
- work surface - in this case, the dining table top is combined with a more practical table intended for cooking;
- a module for embedding appliances - often the dining table is combined with a hob, sink or other necessary appliances;
- storage system - cabinets are installed under the countertop to accommodate kitchen utensils with folding, hinged or gas lift doors.
Please note that to install an island, which combines a dining area and household appliances, it must be possible to connect communications to the place of its installation.
How to make an island for the kitchen with your own hands from chipboard
The design feature of the island in the kitchen is the absence of “wrong” sides. Unlike any cabinet cabinet, a kitchen island does not have a back wall. It is often designed in such a way that on two or more sides there are niches and drawers that are open and closed with doors.
Determining the overall dimensions of the kitchen island
The overall dimensions of the kitchen island are determined by the desired size of the work surface above it. And, of course, the size of the free space in the kitchen - the passages between the kitchen unit itself and the island should be at least 1-1.2 m. The level of the working surface coincides with the level of the kitchen countertop. The dining table is built on a lower level, at a height of 730-750mm from the floor level. The bar counter is higher, at a height of 1000-1200mm.
Sometimes you can see photos of kitchen islands that are combined with the dining table without crossing the tabletop level. In fact, this is not the most successful option in terms of ergonomics. After all, according to its functional purpose, the island is designed for standing work. And this level is too high for sitting comfortably on chairs of normal seat height.
How to make a drawing of a kitchen island with your own hands
The island in the kitchen can be made into a hollow, shelving structure. This is the easiest option to implement.
On the same frame you can build drawers, close some shelves with doors - in the end you will get a combined kitchen island with your own hands. Typically, functional shelves and drawers are located on the side of the kitchen unit, and the opposite side is covered with a blank wall or a niche (overhang of the countertop) is left to make it more comfortable to sit.
There are plenty of options. But at the core there will always be a cabinet frame with shelves, complemented by the necessary storage systems. The island body itself can be mobile (mounted on wheels) or stationary (on adjustable legs, like all lower kitchen cabinets).
Often, household appliances are built into the island - an oven, a dishwasher, and a sink is also located. In this case, you need to take care of the supply of communications in advance so that they do not get in the way “under your feet.” It will be convenient to place household appliances (coffee machine, mixer, microwave, etc.) that kitchen owners use constantly on the shelves of the island.
