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Read all you wanted to know about the different types of kitchen islands and which one you should get for your home.
If you keep yourself updated with the latest kitchen trends, you probably know that kitchen islands are a hot commodity these days. A kitchen island can be a great addition to an open floor design. There are different types of kitchen islands that you can choose from to maximise the workspace in your kitchen, add more storage space or make room for an informal seating area.
Kitchen islands allow homeowners to add some style to their space as they present an opportunity to include bold colours, diverse countertops, accent stools and show-stopping pendant lighting. However, with the various types of kitchen islands available, finding the right design for your home can be daunting. So, we have brought you five incredible modular kitchen island designs that are the most popular with our clients. The best part, they are entirely customisable.
5 Most Popular Types Of Kitchen Islands
Kitchen Island With Plumbing
Affixing plumbing to your kitchen island is a sensible choice if your kitchen space is limited. Instead of cramping your hob and sink on the same countertop, leaving little to no workspace, why not add the plumbing to the island? It doubles up your surface area for meal prep and chopping and you can also use it as a breakfast counter.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large work surface | Limit movement in an already small space |
| No splashing of water and leftover food particles while washing dishes | Expensive to install |
| Doubles up as an informal dining space | Requires professional plumbing work |
| Use the bottom area for storage |
Kitchen Island With Hob
The variant with hob affixed is one of the most popular types of kitchen island shapes among urban homeowners. Similar to the kitchen island with a sink, this is another way to separate the work areas. It simply flips the position of the hob and the sink. By affixing the hob on the island, you get a much wider space to comfortably set up all your ingredients, cooking tools and cookbooks to whip up a Masterchef-worthy dish. Add some open shelves to display your envious spice collection.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large work surface | Must be designed beforehand |
| Adds value to your home | Expensive to install |
| Ideal for open concept kitchen | Requires professional masonry/electrical work |
Kitchen Island With An Elevated Breakfast Bar
If it’s your dream to set up an informal dining space or a breakfast bar in your kitchen like you have seen in the movies, you need this kind of island. Kitchen islands with an elevated breakfast bar are one of the most common types of kitchen islands with seating. This island combines the two tasks while yet separating them such that cooking takes place on the lower level and dining on the higher. Place some high bar stools and there you have it. The optimal height for the countertop should be 36 inches and the bar top should be 42 inches.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ergonomic | Blocks the view of the kitchen from the other part of the home |
| Highly functional | Very pricey to install |
| Ideal for open concept kitchen | Requires professional help |
Kitchen Island With Pull-Out Chopping Board
A chopping board pull-out on a kitchen island is a smart way to keep your workstation clean at all times. They are easy to pull out and push back when not in use. You can attach a bin holder on the cabinet door below the chopping board to easily slide off the waste. To guarantee durability, go for scratch-resistant materials like marble, ceramic or Corian.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multipurpose | Not readily available, must be customised |
| Highly functional | Moderately pricey |
| Ideal for kitchen with limited space | Requires professional help |
Rolling Kitchen Island Cart
Rolling carts are the most versatile types of kitchen islands available in the market. While other types of kitchen islands are permanent, rolling carts offer a breath of fresh air thanks to their portability. It can be easily moved away when not in use. As a result, it is a great option for rented houses and small kitchens.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multipurpose | Workspace usually small |
| Highly portable | Can be heavy to move |
| Ideal for kitchen with limited space and rented homes | |
| Affordable | |
| Available with many types of kitchen island countertops i.e. marble, butcher block, stainless steel, etc. | |
| Can be DIYed based on need |
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Islands
Are kitchen islands a new trend?
The idea of kitchen islands started in European households back in the 1800s. At the time, the kitchen had a workbench in front of the hearth or stove. The modern kitchen island was first designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1938 for a Minneapolis couple who frequently entertained guests.
How much space is required to install a kitchen island?
Kitchen islands do not have a standard size. There is no one-size-fits-all feature. However, a kitchen island should not occupy more than 10% of the total area in your kitchen. This corresponds to a maximum width x length of 3.5 feet x 4 feet. A bigger island would eat up floor space and make it difficult to walk freely.
What kind of kitchen is best suited for a kitchen island?
Ideally, kitchen islands are most useful in L-shaped and straight kitchens. A kitchen island can serve as a breakfast counter or dining area in a straight kitchen with open walls. Similarly, if your kitchen is L-shaped and large enough to include an island, you will have significantly more storage space to keep things organised.
We enjoyed putting together this collection of different types of kitchen islands. Each one combines clever planning, excellent aesthetics, ideal practicality and comfort for hosts, and a welcoming warmth for visitors. If you want a design that combines elements from here and there, our design team would love to hear more. So, book a free consultation today!
