How to plan a kitchen island

Would you like to discover the charm of a masonry kitchen? Then today’s article will interest you. In recent years, the heart of Czech kitchens has been the kitchen island. Its advantage is that it brings stylish design that is surprisingly functional and, above all, an open space for getting together and cooking. Whether you have a spacious house or a smaller home, it definitely should not be missing from your household.

Where should you put it?

When it is well designed, a kitchen island greatly improves the ergonomics of the whole space. It extends your worktop, so you will even find a use for an electric grill that otherwise sits forgotten in a cupboard. It also adds storage space and so becomes the centre of household life. It serves as a place for cooking, washing up, serving food and sitting with family or friends. When planning, ask yourself this question: “What do I actually expect from it?” Do you want to cook on it, or will it serve as a bar or dining table?

According to the magazine betterhomes&garden, a kitchen island should be part of a kitchen of at least 20 square metres. For comfortable movement around it, it is ideal to leave a gap of at least 100 to 120 cm between the island and other furniture. This distance allows doors to open easily, appliances to be used comfortably and several people to pass at once. However, smaller islands on wheels are also a good option, and you can easily find them in the form of serving trolleys or modular carts.

Islands come in many forms

An island can take many forms. It can be solid, built-in and “forever” connected to the kitchen, or, on the contrary, light and mobile. It depends on the style of your kitchen and the character you want to give the space.

If you love natural materials, go for a wooden island. It adds warmth and cosiness. Metal frames with black or grey details will appeal to fans of industrial style. A combination of metal and light wood is modern and timeless at the same time. A great benefit of an island is, for example, the option of connecting the kitchen with the living room. Especially in open-plan layouts, it becomes a natural boundary between zones. It separates them but does not close them off. If you add bar stools, you get an informal dining nook or a place to sit with friends while you cook.

And when you add pendant lights, you create a small design moment that gives the kitchen character. Take inspiration from the Swedish approach to kitchens, for example. There, island lighting is considered one of the most important design features of the whole room.

And what should you not forget?

• Utility connections – Think about whether you want the island to include a sink or a hob. If so, you will need a water, electricity or gas supply. Plan for this during construction or renovation.

• Do not skimp on the cooker hood – If you are going to cook, invest in an island extractor. Otherwise, you will smell the cooking absolutely everywhere.

• Secure anchoring – this is important not only for safety but also for stability during use.

• Focus on storage space – Make use of every shelf, drawer and hook. Smart storage systems inside the island will make everyday life easier.

• Less is more– do not try to put absolutely everything on the kitchen island. It should feel airy, practical and tidy. Nobody wants to see clutter. Let the materials and proportions stand out. A few functional items, such as a vase of flowers, a designer chopping board or a hanging towel rack, are better than chaos.

A kitchen island is about expressing your style

Whether you live in a house with plenty of space or in a city flat, a kitchen island can be the feature that turns everyday cooking into a joyful occasion. A place where you make breakfast and chat over a glass of wine in the evening. A space that has soul and also knows what it is doing.