Well-designed islands can be transformed into an integral part of kitchens. Usually, they are placed in the center of the room and provide extra space for cooking and eating. They can also become the focal point of the kitchen. Here we will show you some ideas and designs of kitchens with island very functional and current.
Island kitchen design trends 2021
Measure the available space on the floor and make a paper sketch. Play with different sizes of islands in the center of the space, or by forming an L or U with the countertop. You must make sure you have enough space to move around comfortably.
It is also important that the island does not block the entrance or exit of the kitchen, so this is another important point to consider.
Central kitchen island ideas
If you have enough space, the island can be located in the center of the kitchen, that is to say in parallel with the countertop.
U-shaped kitchen island
You can form a U with the existing countertop, creating an excellent place to meet and entertain. The design provides a lot of surface to prepare food, eat or do other tasks. It is ideal for large families, or for people who enjoy culinary art.
In L- shaped kitchen island trends
It can also be located forming an L with the countertop. This design is more appropriate for smaller kitchens.
Kitchen islands with wheels
The islands do not have to be fixed to the ground, they can have wheels on the legs. This is an ingenious idea that provides a lot of flexibility and helps to maximize space.
The island can be moved and used to prepare food or as a place to eat. Or, like the portable island shown here, it can be placed under the countertop when not in use.
A steel leg table with wheels that can be locked is a great option for industrial style kitchens.
Kitchen island with stools
You can also incorporate a breakfast bar on the island. This idea works very well in apartments with little space. You don’t need a dining room if you can eat in the kitchen.
This creative idea of a removable seat provides an orderly kitchen island and a seat when necessary. And of course, it also saves a lot of space.
Kitchen island with storage
The kitchen island is perfect to take advantage of as storage and organizer. For those who want to have a place for everything and hate rummaging in messy and stuffy drawers, using the ample space under the island as a cutlery organizer can be an excellent idea.
It can also be used to store wines and other beverages neatly, or heavy and delicate dishes. It is safer to store and retrieve heavy objects from lower shelves or drawers than from an upper cabinet.
Small appliances can also be stored under the counter. This swinging garbage container is well located, hidden and accessible.
It can also be ideal for storing bowls of pet food.
We spend a lot of time in the kitchen, not only cooking or eating, but also other things like talking, studying, working or planning a meal. Therefore, book shelves can be very useful.
You can store the spices neatly near the cooking area and the dining room. The kitchen island is perfect for a removable spice organizer, a very comfortable and easily accessible place.
Cooking island for kitchen trends 2021
More storage, more work space and an additional place to sit and have a coffee are just some of the benefits they can offer us.
The key to choosing a perfect island for your kitchen is to understand what your needs are and then find a piece that meets several at once. If you want a square island, it is recommended that you have no less than 1 meter per side. If you want an elongated island, it will reach you with a 60 centimeters wide and 1 meter and a half long to have enough work surface.
This island, for example, adds an important area to prepare food and provides a place for an extra person to help you with food.
The general rule of design is to leave a space of approximately 1 meter between the fixed island and the other surfaces for greater comfort, safety and ease of use. But in the case of movable islands, this is not so important, since space can be adjusted as necessary.
Even in smaller spaces, an island with wheels can be accommodated. While it is not a traditional island, it works the same way, since it adds a very valuable work surface and extra storage space. When not in use, it can be pushed towards a window or wall and adorned with a vase of flowers.
The golden rule for the design of the kitchen is to respect the working triangle, between the sink, the refrigerator and the cooking zone, but this does not mean that you cannot add a small stop between the endpoints. This small island creates a large work surface in the middle of all the action. It is a great place to store dishes and pots, kitchen utensils, aluminum foil, tea towels and oven mitts.
Small kitchens with island ideas
Adding an island may seem contradictory in a small kitchen, because it will take up space, but in many cases, the positive aspects outweigh the negative ones.
Do you want an island but your kitchen is too small? One of the solutions is a narrow and long island.
But there are other options for those who have small kitchens. We gather some images to help you make the most of the space.
When the space is very small, a removable work table will provide additional work area only when necessary. Simply store it under the counter when not in use.
This small kitchen island with wheels is perfect when you want flexibility in your space.
Modern kitchens with island
Minimalism is one of the current trends in interior design. It is a very functional, efficient and very beautiful style. This Zen kitchen has almost no ornaments, but offers a lot of functionality and efficiency.
This piece is island on one side and dining table on the other. The unlimited design offers flexibility of use.
Among the best ideas is this modern style of bright white island. A simple, modern and striking design.
Another very modern idea is the curved islands. Keep the rest simple to get a balance in design and decoration.
Give your kitchen some character with reclaimed wood planks. Let the natural veins of the boards add a rustic and warm touch to the modern room.
The rough and bare wood, with its warm tones, contrasts with the cold white, black and gray of the room.
You can also use pallets. The intermediate space is ideal for additional storage and kitchen organization.
This design is unique and very beautiful. The patterns of eroded wood combine with the chic and elegant carpet.
The Scandinavian rustic style is also booming. The island is equipped with a solid wood countertop and eclectic Boho-style seats.
Modern and simple. This kitchen design in gray and wood is a favorite today.
Isn’t there a lot of space in the upstairs closet? No problem, you have the kitchen island. Use a part of the space under the countertop to install some open shelves.
You should also pay attention to lighting. This kitchen clearly wants to highlight your island through the lights. It’s simple construction highlights sophistication and refined style.
The vintage style is also in fashion. A vintage sideboard turned into a kitchen island can be an excellent idea.
Give your kitchen a pinch of Moroccan style. Moroccan tiles with drawings on the island work well with subway tile walls and the simplicity of kitchen design.
This contemporary unadorned kitchen design features basic colors, minimalism and a fascinating dose of rustic style. The black kitchen island of simple shapes is complemented with stools of lighter tones.
You can add many metallic ornaments. Use sparkling shades like gold, chrome, copper and silver as much as you dare.
This unique kitchen island has floating shelves in the front and a dining area at one end.
Kitchen island table
Stainless steel tables can be found in restaurant supply stores, and can be an excellent option as an island for small kitchens. Work tables can also be equipped with a wooden countertop for a less industrial look.
Wooden tables are ideal for avid chefs who constantly cut and cut. You can find them in different sizes, including compact square versions that can be introduced in tight spaces.
Make the most of the island by choosing a table with shelves, cabinets or drawers at the base.
If you don’t have room for an island in the center of the kitchen, place it perpendicular to the countertop or a wall. This will create an extension that can have bar seats and provide extra space for cooking.
For narrow kitchens, a narrow and long table can work perfectly. Whether you choose a modern Parsons style table or a more traditional version with marble countertop, the piece will add style and an extra surface for preparing meals.
A kitchen island can be useful when you’re cooking, but it also takes up space the rest of the time. Find a version with wheels, to be able to place it in a corner and keep the kitchen clear when it is not in use.
If you only have room for a dining table or a kitchen island, why not add a piece that can serve as both? A table with folding sheets can be a perfect solution, since the sides can be lowered when not in use.
The fact that the island is small does not mean that it cannot be the centerpiece. Hang a striking pendant light on it to illuminate the surface and add style.
IKEA cooking island for kitchen trends 2021
The islands do not need to be custom made. In Ikea there is an incredible variety of options available for all shapes and sizes of kitchens and for all budgets.
If your main concern is to have more countertop space, you can find a relatively cheap table and ask a carpenter to make a quality countertop in any size, shape or design. You will get an affordable custom piece that will add interest to your space.
