Kitchen island
The kitchen is used more and more regularly as a meeting place in modern homes. Often there is no longer a complete wall between the living room and the kitchen. This creates all sorts of different opportunities for family members or roommates to use the space together. This is great if you, as a parent, want to cook while keeping an eye on the kids. In addition, everyone can cozy up to the cook(s) while a delicious meal is being prepared. A kitchen island is often used in such situations because it has many practical advantages.
The difference between an island kitchen and a kitchen island
The word island describes pretty well what an island kitchen or a kitchen island is all about. In both cases, we are talking about a freestanding structure with walking space on all sides. The difference is that with an island kitchen, all the core components of the kitchen are located on the island. A kitchen island, on the other hand, contains portions of the kitchen surface - some contain only workspace while others form a cooking or sink island.
The pros and cons of an island kitchen
Few kitchens strictly follow the definition island kitchen. In fact, in most cases, an island kitchen consists of an island with cooking plates and a sink surrounded by kitchen worktop. This is very convenient because you can reach these places from two or three sides and also have a lot of open space to prepare everything and put it down in a place where people can also sit. The main disadvantage of an island kitchen is the technical difficulty of installation. This is because water, electricity and possibly gas lines must be brought to the island through the floor. In many existing kitchens, this is not possible. This is why island kitchens are most common in new construction homes that specifically plan them.
What to look out for when buying an island kitchen?
If you are considering buying a kitchen island or island kitchen, there are several things you should consider. First, it is important to look at your infrastructure options. Check with a plumber and electrician whether it is possible to bring water, electricity and gas to the middle of the floor (without damaging the underfloor heating, for example). In addition, you should also consider whether you want, for example, a hood in the middle of the room, as this is necessary with a kitchen island. If not, it is better to place your cooktop or gas burners on the wall. You can always opt for a simple work island. That still has many advantages but besides space, it does not require anything special.
A kitchen becomes very practical with a well-placed island
A well-placed island allows you to cook, eat and socialize very efficiently in your kitchen. A cooking, washing or cutting island creates a surface so close to the wall area of the kitchen that you have everything within easy reach. This makes it easy for several cooks to work at once without getting in each other's way. Visitors or children can take a seat on the other side of the island and do their thing there. For example, they eat their breakfast, do their homework or chat socially with you while you prepare the food.
Small kitchen with an island
Not every kitchen has enough space for a kitchen island. You can analyze this by using some guidelines. First, you need to make sure that at least 100 to 120 centimeters of space is left open between the kitchen island and the kitchen worktop on the wall. If there are cabinets or a refrigerator to open, then it is better to go for the wider option so that there is enough space to move past each other. If you also want to use the island as a seating area or dining table, then you should make sure that there is 140 centimeters of free space between the wall arrangement and the island. This will ensure that there is always enough walking space.
The best kitchen island in a small space
You can work just fine in a small kitchen if you organize it properly. People who like to sit on low chairs and yet don't spend much time in the kitchen don't have much use for a kitchen island. They can possibly use their dining and/or work table as a cutting surface if they have a bigger cooking event one day. If you do like to cook then a kitchen island is actually a perfect option to save space. In fact, you can use this as a cutting surface, dining table and work area if you set it up properly. A kitchen island can be quite small if needed and in some cases a peninsula is the perfect solution. This is connected to the rest of the kitchen on one side. This makes it easier to lay pipes and you need less space. You may have to walk around a bit, though.
Large kitchen with an island
Many people immediately think of a kitchen island as a large luxury kitchen. In the early days of kitchen islands, that may have been true, because it cost quite a bit extra to have an island specially customized. Nowadays, there are so many kitchen islands available that it really doesn't have to be expensive. A large kitchen instantly becomes more cozy and practical with a well-placed island. In doing so, you have to think carefully about the organization of different aspects of the kitchen.
Both modern and country kitchens work better with an island
It does not matter much what style you adhere to in your kitchen. A cooking, sink or work island always makes the space more efficient and cozy. The planning and placement of the island is important, though. In doing so, you should pay particular attention to the work triangle in your kitchen. This consists of the essential parts: the cooktop, refrigerator and sink. Always try to set these components up as close together as possible but leave working space around each one. Ideally, you want to have a maximum of two feet between each component and a maximum of one and a half feet between the island and the wall arrangement of the kitchen.
A kitchen island can be made of marble or black material
You can easily match a kitchen island to the style of the rest of the room. There are all sorts of different options in that area. Often, a kitchen island serves as the transition from the kitchen to the living area. In that case, it is nice if the color and material of the island also facilitates this transition. For example, marble is a wonderful material to work from a white kitchen to a living space with a wood floor or light natural tones. Also, a kitchen island that is black or anthracite can add a lot of style to the space without standing out too much.
