Who do you call when you need to revamp your home exteriors? Professional roofing or siding contractors. But what about your home interiors? That’s where we come in. As interior experts, we know what the latest trends are and can tell you exactly what your house needs to look its best.
This time, we’ve got something truly exciting.
Say hello to your new best friend – the kitchen island with seating. It’s the perfect addition to your home if you want to take your socialising and dining experiences to the next level.
Imagine cooking up a storm while your friends visit you, sitting around your kitchen island, chatting and sipping on their favourite drinks. Or picture yourself enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner with your partner, with the island serving as the centrepiece. Whether you are simply cooking for friends or have hired buffet caterers for an extravagant dinner party, your kitchen island only adds to your game!
With a kitchen island with seating, the possibilities are endless! So, pull up a chair, grab a glass of wine, and let the good times roll as you read about different ways you can design your kitchen island.
Get an L-shaped Kitchen Island
The first step in designing a kitchen island is determining the best island type for your specific space. For example, an L-shaped kitchen island is perfect if you have a particularly large kitchen, whereas a rectangular kitchen island would leave you with too much dead space.
The size of your kitchen island depends on your room’s layout. You should leave at least three to four feet of space around the island for ease of movement.
Install a Wine Cooler in your Kitchen Island
Given its convenient height, a wine refrigerator would be at home in your kitchen island. If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, it is only fitting that your treasured bottles of vino have the carefully regulated environment they deserve. Wine coolers come in various sizes, including very narrow designs for smaller islands. You can install the wine cooler on the side of the island or under the sink for easy access.
Add Chairs for Seating
Ask yourself if you want a basic perch for sipping your coffee in the morning, or enough comfort to be able to lounge all evening or even a second dining table for social gatherings. Regardless of what you need, there are a wide variety of bar stools available – from attractive industrial style wooden bar stools to more comfortable, padded velvet designs and even dining seats that would necessitate a split level island.
Get a Second Sink on your Island
Although it may appear extravagant, installing a second sink on your kitchen island will completely transform how you work in the space. A sink in the middle of the room will require some creative plumbing solutions, which could add up in price, but it will be well worth it.
A sink installed on the island can be convenient if it has adequate room. You want to maintain the wash basin size for island convenience. Ensure adequate space on either side of the washbasin for stacking used and clean dishes. Emery adds that if your sink has a spray tap, you need also think about what is around it because water will splash out and around it.
Waterfall Countertop
Another great idea is to add a few bar stools with a waterfall countertop and a wooden kitchen island to make a bold statement.
You can add a lot of visual interest and make a bold statement by extending your kitchen worktop down the edge of your kitchen island. Making use of pattern and texture like this keeps a room from appearing cold and clinical, regardless of whether your worktop is made of wood, marble, or a stone-effect material.
Besides, a kitchen with a waterfall countertop is a sight to behold. Board and batten moulding can be purchased for a modest price to add visual appeal instead of more expensive materials like quartz or wood.
Add a Sparkle of Gold to Your Statement
To make a bold statement, you need to think creatively. When you and your guests sit at the dining table in an open floor plan kitchen and dining area, the wall opposite the kitchen island is likely to be a focal point of the room’s design. This is why it is important to make sure it’s a nice view. For example, luxurious metallic gold panels can add a modern touch to the space, and look fantastic next to some deep blue stools.
Install a Raised Worktop
Clear the distinction between cooking and eating on your island by installing two distinct countertops at staggered heights. You can have an elevated countertop, just enough to make for an ideal and convenient place to have breakfast or dinner.
You can use the other worktop as your working desk. During the long meetings and meal prep, you can do both at the same time from the countertops. Planning and installing a raised worktop can be time-consuming, but the payoff is a kitchen that is more functional and comfortable to use for years to come.
Plan Your Kitchen Island’s Location and Size
The best kitchens include islands that are strategically placed to provide easy movement, particularly near the sink and refrigerator.
Be sure to incorporate swinging dishwasher doors and pull-out drawers. Adding a sink or cooker helps concentrate cooking activities, bringing the cook inside you closer to the action. You can get the kitchen island customised according to your requirements and get them placed to have easy movements around the kitchen.
Make a Kitchen Island Out of an Unexpected Item
If you cannot go for a classic kitchen island, you might consider using different items, such as a table, butcher’s block, or other large pieces of furniture. You can even use a chest of drawers as it is incredibly useful for storing smaller supplies and adds a beautiful and rustic touch to the room.
Put in Eye-Catching Hardware and Fixtures
If you want your kitchen island to be functional, you must think about how you can accomodate for everything you need. An island is like a home theatre of cooking. All eyes will be on the ice when it’s time to eat, so it’s important to carefully consider the design of every element – from the breakfast bar to the appliances and hardware, as well as the kitchen island lighting. A good idea is to use aesthetic hardware and fixtures to make your island look more appealing.
Go Long
If you have a lot of space in your kitchen, your kitchen island can be as large as you want. One way to make it stand out is to make the island extra long with ample sittings. This can be beneficial for socialising and would look more like a cocktail bar, even though it is not.
Long islands are beneficial when you have a lot of people around or merely a team meeting. Utilise your open and long space to its fullest.
Put in a desk
People have started using their kitchen islands as working tables and have converted their kitchens into working kitchens. It is evidence of the shift from traditional kitchens and towards more flexible ones. It is a great space to work, which is why a lot of people set up offices on kitchen islands.
Worktables provide extra room, and they can be outfitted with ingenious kitchen storage ideas that allow you to conceal cooking and office supplies. High stools are frequently incorporated into the design, creating a multipurpose area that can be used for eating, socialising, or working.
Use a Butcher’s Block as an Island in a Small Kitchen
Although incorporating a full island into a compact kitchen layout isn’t the most practical option, a butcher’s block can be a functional and aesthetically pleasing substitute.
They are more manageable in size than an island and may still serve as a focal point in the area while providing extra work space and storage.
You can also choose a kitchen trolley instead that suits your needs and proves to be just as useful. Alternatively, you might purchase a beautiful vintage or repurposed model on eBay. Our suggestion? Colours should be kept muted to avoid making the space feel oppressive.
To Sum Up
Incorporating a kitchen island with seating is an excellent way to create a social and inviting atmosphere in your home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a casual meal with family, or catching up with friends over drinks, the kitchen island is the perfect hub for your gatherings.
From choosing a complementary siding material to experimenting with different textures and patterns, there are plenty of creative ways to make your kitchen island with seating truly stand out.
So, don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild and make your kitchen the heart of your home. Cheers to good food, great company, and a fabulous kitchen island with seating!
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