fbpx

Why Choose A Kitchen Island Layout

In recent years, many have favoured an open-plan layout complete with a kitchen island. It is easy to see why, due to the many benefits this type of layout offers. Whether you are wanting extra seating, increased storage space, or a more integrative layout, a kitchen island may be the right choice for your kitchen.

What is a Kitchen Island?

A kitchen island refers to a freestanding work surface which is typically in the centre of a kitchen. These islands work to maximise your surface area, which can be especially useful for those needing more space for chopping or food preparation. Additionally, kitchen islands can act as an additional dining area with extra seating, or a key storage unit to make the most of your kitchen space.

Benefits of a Kitchen with an Island

There are many advantages to designing a kitchen with an open-plan layout and island. Here we explore the key benefits:

kitchen with an island

More Space

Having a kitchen with an island facilitates more counter space. This, in turn, makes all food preparation far easier and can help to maintain a clean kitchen. With more space, there is more room for chopping, rolling or mixing. The additional space can prove especially beneficial for those frequent cooks or those who like to try new recipes with multiple elements.

 

Additional Storage

A kitchen island enables you to store more things in your kitchen. Whether you opt for an island with classic cabinets or cupboards, or prefer a more bespoke model with designated drawers, fridges or wine coolers, a kitchen island can open a whole world of possibility for creative storage solutions. This can be useful for those with a small kitchen or with few cabinets who want to maximise their storage space.

 

Dining Area

One of the key functions of a kitchen island is as an extra seating and dining area. This can act as a key social hub in the home. Rather than having the kitchen and dining room as two totally independent spaces, the kitchen island allows those using the kitchen, and those looking to eat or work at a surface, to exist simultaneously. As such, kitchen islands can be a great option for families, co-living spaces or those who frequently host guests.

 

Change Shape

Kitchen islands can add a great deal of flexibility for your kitchen. Not only do they add the option of additional seating or storage, they also help you convert the shape of your kitchen For example, if you have an L-shaped kitchen, by adding an island, you can easily change this into a U-shaped kitchen.

Comfortable kitchen with Marble cabinets
Comfortable kitchen with Marble cabinets

 

Factors to Consider

Space

Experts, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) suggest that an open kitchen with an island design should have enough space for a minimum of 42 inches of clearance on each side of the island. When building a new kitchen, you should take into account the dimensions of your kitchen, how much space you have and how big the island should be.

Affordability

Another factor to take into consideration is your budget. The costs incurred from building a kitchen island can soon add up, both for the countertop itself, any cabinetry and any additional features such as sinks, refrigerators or fixtures. Of course, the price will depend on the design and any features you choose for your kitchen island.

 

To discuss a kitchen island and bespoke kitchen for you, speak to one of our dedicated staff members today on 0208 806 5166 or email us at [email protected]

 

Related Posts

Customer Reviews

The Wood Works

Customer Reviews

Honor

HOUZZ
What a wonderful experience from beginning to end. We certainly weren’t the easiest customers , we weren’t sure what we wanted or when ! However Donna, Richard, Rich and their amazing team guided us through the process with utter professionalism as well as warmth and patience. The results exceeded our expectations, particularly the attention to every detail. They wouldn’t rest until they knew we were happy with everything. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them or use them again.

Leighton Home Style

HOUZZ
Thanks to all the team at The Woodworks for working with me on yet another great project.
Beautiful design managed and delivered on time and VERY happy clients

Look forward to our future projects together!

Alan Burton

HOUZZ
Woodworks provided us with excellent service, from planning and design to finished kitchen

Build quality is excellent and it really does give the house the WOW factor

Our kitchen was part of a new build process for house we have built from scratch. Deadlines constantly moved, and Woodworks worked around everybody to get the job done on time and in full

After sales is very good, with tweaks to doors and cupboards all part of the service!

Sarah Innes

HOUZZ
It has been an absolute pleasure to deal with The Wood Works. Our existing kitchen was 20 years old, and the layout of the room did not make use of the available space. Josh produced inspired ideas for re-designing the whole area, and really listened to what we wanted to achieve, patiently fine-tuning the plans to our particular requirements. We are now the proud owners of a stunning and practical new kitchen which has completely exceeded our expectations. When my sister visited for the first time, she said "it looks like the kitchen of a celebrity chef!" (which I am not). What a transformation. The Wood Works is a family-run business, and that really shows in terms of their professional service, quality of fittings, attention to detail, reliability and easy communication. Nothing was too much trouble. At the start of the project, Josh promised we would have our kitchen by Christmas. I was sceptical as we were in the midst of the pandemic, but they delivered as promised, with no hitches. Thoroughly recommend.

John

HOUZZ
Brilliant Service!
They designed, built, and fitted my new kitchen.
Extremely happy and will be recommending to my friends and family.

Sian Baker

HOUZZ
Over the moon with our new kitchen!
The design is exactly what we wanted, the fitters were excellent, and the craftsmanship is fantastic.
Everyone at The Wood Works helped to make the process as smooth and as easy as possible.
I would recommend them to anyone looking at getting a new kitchen.

Ruhel 4 November, 2021

HOUZZ
We are delighted with the kitchen supplied and fitted by The Woodworks. The design, look and quality is brilliant. The designer (Tom Dodd), the project manager (Andy Neville) and the fitters were all brilliant. Always helpful and responsive. A really pleasing experience with Woodworks and a brilliant finished kitchen.

The design collated by Tom was brilliant and tailored brilliantly to our exact requirements.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

Sue Finegold 22 December 2021

HOUZZ
We have a beautiful kitchen of the highest quality The company are efficient friendly and nothing is too much trouble.
Richard and Donna designed everything for us to perfection. All their staff are really great.