How to choose the right kitchen island: buying guide

Kitchens island are a trendy solution that can give a touch of design to the room

A kitchen island that suits your environment: How to choose it? This model, located in the centre of the room, is able to merge with the living area and at the same time act as a divider between the corner reserved for preparing dinner and the relaxation area. Here is a complete buying guide to understand whether a kitchen with an island is the most suitable type of kitchen for your needs.

Kitchen with island: an increasingly popular model

When choosing a new kitchen, first of all we consider the styles and shapes available on the market. The kitchen with an island is a trendy model. In fact, in recent times it is increasingly in demand for furnishing one’s living area. This is because, thanks to its configuration, it creates a warm and cosy environment that encourages conviviality. Although it is suitable for large open spaces, the kitchen with island can also stand out in smaller homes and in spaces dedicated exclusively to the kitchen.

kitchen island

How to choose the right kitchen island: buying guide – aaron huber unsplash

The characteristics of the kitchen island

This kitchen is suitable for large rooms, as it is particularly spacious and roomy. In addition to being made up of the units lined up against the walls, it is distinguished by an additional central element, the island. The top of the island can be used as a worktop or can accommodate the hob, sink and oven, so while cooking there is no risk of soiling walls and tiles. The beauty of this type of kitchen is having more space available. This not only encourages conviviality but also allows several people to cook together at the same time.

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The right furniture arrangement

It is good to know that every kitchen island is characterised by the island block, which is usually placed in the centre of the room. In fact, for the rest of the kitchen there is no fixed configuration of the other furniture. It all depends on the space available and your personal taste. In fact, the standard compositions are the same as those of a traditional kitchen, namely:

  • Horseshoe,
  • Linear,
  • Corner

The kitchen with an island in an open space

The kitchen with an island is the ideal solution for furnishing an open space. This creates a large space in which different rooms coexist, divided by functionality. However, to fully enjoy this type of kitchen, you need the right amount of space. In fact, one must be able to move around easily, and cook comfortably. In fact, the distances between one module and another must be at least 100 cm, preferably 120 cm. Only in this way will it be possible to cook and open the various appliances such as oven, refrigerator and dishwasher, without any problems.

kitchen island

How to choose the right kitchen island: buying guide – simona sergi unsplash

The island in small kitchens

It is also possible to install a kitchen island in small kitchens. In fact, there are models with reduced dimensions and the possibility of requesting made-to-measure models, which also fit into smaller spaces. In these cases, the island often acts as a simple counter or extra work surface while cooking.

However, even in smaller spaces, kitchen islands retain their unique charm and allow the functionality of different rooms to be defined effectively.

kitchen island

How to choose the right kitchen island: buying guide – laurence katz unsplash

Choosing a kitchen island for your home

Choosing a kitchen island for your home requires careful consideration. If you have doubts and want to study several solutions, it is a good idea to contact the kitchen experts for detailed advice. In any case, a kitchen with an island is the ideal choice if you have enough space and want to furnish your home with a touch of design and modern style that will leave even the most demanding guests speechless. Moreover, since it leaves an open view of the living room, it is also perfect for those who cook. Indeed, this is usually an alienating task if the hob is located in another room. Instead, you can prepare tasty dishes without losing sight of your guests, and perhaps invite them to sit on comfortable stools.

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When to avoid choosing it?

There are certain cases in which it is preferable to avoid installing such a kitchen in your home. In fact, in addition to serious design problems, this would also lead to problems in the use of the kitchen itself that would affect functionality, the main characteristic of this model. Therefore, you should avoid installing a kitchen with an island if:

  • There is not enough space available.
  • You do not have the possibility of lighting the island.
  • Electricity, gas, water and drainage connections are missing.
  • You do not have the possibility of installing a hood for odour management.

Furthermore, it must be considered that the island does not replace the kitchen table, as it is primarily a useful work surface.  And, in using it as a support for lunches and dinners, it cannot be set with the usual tablecloths, but only with placemats and runners.

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