4 Island Design Tips to Spruce up Your Kitchen Space
The kitchen island naturally combines both high functionality and a strong visual appeal, and with the changing habits of family dining and cooking, it is increasingly becoming a popular feature in homes. In modern residential design, whether in villas or large apartments, homeowners who have the option to create an open kitchen or Western-style cooking space often desire a beautiful kitchen island. So, what makes those aesthetically pleasing islands so special? Keep scrolling to see 4 design tips we've shared below.
Island Style
When we think of a kitchen island, we often picture it as square or the more traditional rectangular shape. However, the shape of an island can be as imaginative as the space allows. Based on the homeowner’s preferences and the general style of the space, islands can be designed in oval, curved, or even asymmetrical shapes to enhance the visual volume and add elegance to the room.
Island Countertop
Since the island countertop is used frequently, material selection can be based on factors such as frequency of use, cooking habits, cleaning preferences, and budget. Popular materials for island countertops include engineered stone (quartz, acrylic), natural stone (marble, granite, jade), wood, stainless steel, ultra-thin slabs, and terrazzo, which has gained popularity in recent years. With the right combination of materials and design creativity, both beauty and practicality are seamlessly achieved.
While larger islands are often preferable when space allows, it's important to keep in mind the dimensions of the countertop material. A larger island may require joining pieces together, which calls for higher craftsmanship to ensure the seams are perfectly smooth. Improper handling can lead to visible imperfections that detract from the overall aesthetic, making it harder to clean and maintain.
For a sleek, minimalist look, consider a waterfall edge—a design where the countertop flows seamlessly down the sides.
Island Seating
While a purely aesthetic island is beautiful, one with seating is more practical as it offers a space where family interactions can flourish. The island with seating can serve as an open bar area for light meals, or even function as a coffee corner, breakfast bar or a station for work and study.
Seating can be arranged on one side, opposite, or even wrap around the three sides of the island. You can also design it with a built-in bench or combine the dining table and island into one, with one side dedicated to dining and the other to the island. This design allows the dining area to double as a bar, while extending the work surface of the island, serving two purposes at once. These options can be customized based on actual needs.
Island Storage
An kitchen island also increases kitchen storage capacity. It can be used to house a wine cabinet, dishwasher, or extra drawers for storing tableware, kitchen tools, and utensils. The side facing the dining room or living room can be designed with open shelves or glass-fronted cabinets, providing space for casual reading materials or decorative items.
