Planning for an Island Kitchen
Many London homes are incorporating a Islands and like the projects below and when the space is not always available we remove the walls between the kitchen and living room to create an open-plan space.
Among the various types of kitchens, the Island Kitchen is characterised by the presence of an island – hence the name – at the centre of the room, separate from the other cabinetry. It is the most contemporary choice and very popular in London homes, both for its aesthetics and for the opportunities to manage space and find a place for every utensil and appliance.
Types of kitchen Islands
Island Kitchens offer a range of possible configurations:
Island Kitchen with a work area and cabinetry for food preparation and storage in open cabinetry, with cupboard doors and deep or regular drawers
Island with a cooktop and sinks: the island can be transformed into a functional workstation for washing and cooking food
Island Kitchen with snack counter, raised or at table height for breakfast or a quick snack
Wall mounted island: the island can be set against one of the short walls of the kitchen to create an unusual arrangement
A mix of functional solutions when furnishing an Island Kitchen creates a space that meets anyone’s needs.
Of the many kitchen types available, an Island Kitchen is one of the most popular among those who love cooking because it facilitates movement and defines a really pleasant place to spend time. The Island Kitchen, offers a wide range of solutions that combine aesthetics with function.
Benefits of having an Island
An Island Kitchen ensures freedom of movement because it simplifies cooking time by providing space and freeing up movements. Generally, this type of kitchen requires a large amount of floor space.
The cook is never alone. By adding snack counters or tables to entertain and prepare food at the same time, guest space can be created: cooks will never miss another appetizer. Also, a counter and stools are an ideal solution for breakfast, a quick snack or kitchen homework help.
Instead of looking at a wall, the cook has a view of the room and can participate in domestic life for the benefit of all.
A Kitchen with an Island can be opened planned in the direction of the living room, making it a practical solution for modern homes where a single open living area is now quite common.
Also ideal for cooking and keeping an eye on small kids playing on the couch is this type of kitchen.
Workflow ergonomics
Working flows–the movements involved in cooking–are fluid, easy and unburdened in an island kitchen. A fair amount of space makes organising a rational set of operations easy. The refrigerator is close to the sinks, allowing the cook to grab fresh produce, wash it immediately, and move on to the preparation or cooking phase, thanks to the cooker and ovens being ideally placed. Deep and regular drawers, work tops and low cabinets are arranged to respond to the different kitchen activities to ensure that when you need them, things are where you need them.
Minimal Dimensions
The suggested minimum distance between the island and wall cabinets is
90 cm for one cabinet to open each side at a time
90 cm for a single person
120 cm for opening facing cupboard doors at the same time
120 cm to allow two people to work in the kitchen
Practical Suggestions
We have a few simple and effective suggestions to follow for those thinking of buying an Island Kitchen and, if possible, incorporate them into the design of a home.
When designing a home, think about the kitchen. In addition to the need for a centrally located exhaust hood, the island is at the center of the room, which means the house has to be designed to ensure the necessary electrical and plumbing connections.
Plumbing and electrical power: the floors may have to be demolished if the house has already been built to make the necessary connections. Consider using the island only as a working surface and storage to avoid these invasive works.
Exhaust hood. When the island requires a ceiling mounted exhaust hood, consider a model with a steel structure. This practical solution can also be used to store utensils, expanding the available space; in general, the space of the kitchen should be easy to ventilate to help control humidity. Pop up electrical outlets: an invaluable detail for a wide range of small appliances. Pay attention to lighting: use suspended or recessed lighting to illuminate work surfaces.
Different types of kitchen Layouts