Why Are Kitchen Island Bench Designs So Popular?
Versatile and oh so functional, it’s easy to see why kitchen islands are a must-have feature in open plan kitchens. The advantages to installing a kitchen island are many. It can be used for extra cooking and storage space, another workspace for homework/study; an eating space and more. Find out more about kitchen island bench designs so you can choose the best one for your kitchen remodel.
Kitchen Islands Add Extra Functionality
Do you like to spread out when you cook? A kitchen island adds extra functionality to your kitchen by providing more countertop space for food prep and allows you to have all your ingredients to hand.
Even more functionality can be incorporated into your island by adding fixtures such as an extra sink, a microwave or a cooktop. Refrigerator drawers can also be integrated into your kitchen island, so you always have a place to chill your wine!
Storage space, such as pull out drawers, shelving or cabinets can be a lifesaver, especially in a smaller kitchen. Additional pull out drawers, shelving or cabinets give you extra space to store spices, utensils, appliances or cookware.
Kitchen Islands Are Great for Families
Kitchen island bench designs allow you to interact with your family while you’re cooking. Set up some trendy bar stools and your kids have a study or homework space, or they can help you with food prep while keeping out from underfoot. They can also prepare their after school snacks, with cubby holes in the island for microwaves and toasters at kid-height.
Kitchen Islands Create Conversation
A kitchen island with seating naturally invites a social atmosphere and is a great place for your guests to hang out and have a glass of wine, or even help you prepare the meal. It’s far less formal than sitting at a dining room table and if you have a large enough kitchen island bench design you may not even need a dining table!
Designing a Kitchen Island Bench
What kitchen island bench design you choose will ultimately depend on the overall layout of your kitchen design, how big it is and your personal taste.
Kitchen Island Bench Dimensions
Kitchen islands can work in multiple types of kitchen layouts, both large and small. They’re typically placed in the centre of a kitchen to create a U-shape or a L-shape formation. When planning your kitchen island bench dimensions you should allow for a workable aisle of 90 cm, or 80 cm if the area is not high traffic. You’ll need at least a 100 cm aisle if it’s facing an appliance door.
Kitchen Island Materials
As kitchen remodel experts we can safely say that there are endless choices in materials and aesthetic options for your kitchen island, here are some to consider:
- Natural stone
- Engineered stone
- Acrylic solid surface
- Concrete
- Tiles
- Solid timber
- Timber veneer
- Laminate
- Stainless steel
Kitchen Island Ideas for Small Kitchens
If your kitchen is too small for a permanent island, then there are other options. Why not a kitchen island design with lockable wheels that can tucked away under a counter or moved to another spot as needed? This type of kitchen island won’t interrupt the flow of your kitchen but still provides an extra workspace, eating space or storage if required.
Here are some kitchen island ideas for small kitchens:
- Cart-island on wheels
- Tuck one side against a wall
- Narrow island with a balcony eating area
- A small butchers block
- Add a kitchen-friendly surface to a console table
Kitchen Island Ideas for Large Kitchens
If you have a larger kitchen, the more design space you’ll have to work with for a multi-functional, permanent island. For the ultimate in kitchen island bench designs you’ll want to consider adding interior appliances like:
A sink for washing produce or draining food,
A dishwasher, and a
Microwave.
While the exterior could contain:
Drawers for utensils and baking supplies,
Shelves for spices and,
Cabinets for less frequently used appliances.
If you also want to incorporate a breakfast bar or study space, then you might want to add a lower level with a clear space on one side for storing seating underneath. With so many options possible with a large kitchen island design, it’s a good idea to think carefully about your needs and how you might want to use it before going ahead.
We hope this article has given you some ideas for how kitchen island bench designs can add both interest and functionality to your space, no matter what size kitchen you have.
Kitchen Cabinet Makers Melbourne
Exact Cabinet Makers design and build high quality, affordable kitchens. Find out more about our kitchen cabinet makers Melbourne. If you are planning a kitchen remodel and would like talk about your project, contact us or visit our showroom at 4/91 Canterbury Road in Kilsyth. Read more about our kitchen designs Melbourne.
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