The distance in the kitchen between the island and the countertop. Kitchen with island - what is its feature? Rules for ideal layout and design (90 photos). Island with hob

Not so long ago, a kitchen island was exotic for our compatriots. Foreign design projects were overflowing with options for the location, modification, color and texture palette of the kitchen island. Unfortunately, most kitchen spaces apartment buildings standard layouts cannot boast of sufficient space to accommodate not only a minimum set of kitchen storage systems and household appliances, but also such a practical, functional and visually attractive module as an island. But over time, the situation has changed, more and more apartments with improved layouts and studio apartments can offer owners more spacious premises, not to mention private houses of urban and suburban type. An increasing number of Russians, when ordering the production of a kitchen set, are considering the option of installing an island as part of storage systems, work surfaces and a place to integrate household appliances or a sink.

Let's take a closer look at the options for modifying kitchen islands, their appropriate participation in the interior of kitchen spaces of various layouts, the occupancy of this module, color, texture and design solutions.

Kitchen island with different layouts of furniture ensembles

An island in a kitchen is a free-standing furniture module into which both storage systems and household appliances. The top of the island is typically a countertop that can be used as a cutting table or dining area for short meals. Also, the upper part can be a system of integration of a sink, hob or gas stove. In addition to storage systems for dishes and kitchen accessories, household appliances such as a microwave oven, oven, dishwasher or wine refrigerator can be integrated into the base of the kitchen island. Depending on the size of the kitchen island, which directly depends on the size of the room and the needs of the family, the “filling” of the base and working surfaces of the module is compiled.

An L-shaped or corner layout of a kitchen unit most often accompanies the placement of a kitchen island in a food preparation room. The fact is that with such an arrangement of storage systems, work surfaces and household appliances, there is enough space left even in medium-sized rooms. Ergonomic experts recommend installing an island as a separate furniture module in kitchen spaces with an area of at least 9 square meters.

By extending the top of a kitchen island and leaving legroom at the base, you can achieve very convenient place for short meals such as breakfast. For houses or apartments where there are no small children or elderly people. Such counters with bar stools can serve as dining areas if there is no separate room for a dining room and all household members do not mind spending time eating while sitting on high bar stools or stools. If you plan to spend not only breakfasts at the countertop of the kitchen island, but also meals at other times of the day, you can consider installing mini-chairs or bar stools with backs and soft upholstery.

With a single-row (linear) layout of the kitchen set, there is even more free space for installing not only an island, but also a dining group within the kitchen-dining room. With this arrangement of work surfaces, storage systems and household appliances The easiest way is to follow the rule of the work triangle by placing, for example, a sink at a distance, within the kitchen island, and building the stove and refrigerator into a set against the wall. Thus, both safety measures and ergonomic rules will be observed. The housewife will not have to “wind” kilometers around the kitchen space in order to carry out the entire cycle of cooking and cleaning, while she will be provided with high level comfort and convenience.

In modern kitchen spaces, the installation of a hood plays an important role. The fact is that often the kitchen area has a direct connection with the space of the dining room, living room or both areas at once. Very often there are open layouts of apartments and households, in which all three life segments are located in one spacious room. In this case, a powerful modern hood is needed, the installation of which will protect household members relaxing in the living room from cooking odors. If the hob or gas stove is located within a kitchen unit located against the wall, then there are no difficulties with installing the hood. If the stove is integrated into the kitchen island, then the hood must be installed above it and the structure must be secured to the ceiling. Before deciding to place a hob or stove in the island frame, it is necessary to clarify the possibility of installation and hood.

Even a small kitchen island can become an indispensable part of the functionality of the kitchen space. Surprisingly, a hob, sink and storage systems can be built into such a modest module. Of course, for this it will be necessary to extend all communication systems to the center of the room and do it under the floor. In private houses of urban or suburban type, this process will not cause problems, except for financial and time costs. But within apartments, such movements of electrical household appliances, sewerage, gas and water pipes may be impossible.

In order to install an island in a kitchen with a U-shaped layout of furniture and household appliances, you need either a fairly spacious room or a small central module. Ergonomics experts recommend placing the island at a distance of at least 120 cm from the structures of the main furniture ensemble. This is necessary not only for unimpeded traffic in the kitchen space, but also for the safe opening of doors and drawers of storage systems.

Color and stylistic solutions for the design of a kitchen island as part of the interior

Obviously, the kitchen island is an integral part of the interior and should act in harmony and balance with the rest of the furniture, decoration and decor of the room. But there are many options in following this simple rule - the island can be made in the same color palette and stylistic direction as the rest of the kitchen set, or it can act as an accent and focal point of the kitchen space.

Rainbow colors

The bright crimson glossy finish of the base of the island and the snow-white countertop exactly repeat the color scheme of the kitchen set. In combination with the white decoration of the room and bright flooring, the kitchen looks festive, positive and attractive. In such an environment, appetite, mood and positive attitude rise.

In a snow-white kitchen, an island made entirely of wood looks very organic. And it’s not just that the shade of the island’s countertop matches the color flooring, but also in the fact that wood, in principle, fits organically into almost any kitchen setting, and even more so into a traditional one.

The opposite contrast was achieved in the kitchen space with a wenge-colored set with matte surfaces and a snow-white island in a glossy design. Not only the play of contrasts, but also the difference in textures bring variety and attractiveness to the image of a spacious kitchen, equipped with last word technology and made in accordance with the rules of ergonomics.

The dark gray kitchen island has become not just an accent in the spacious kitchen-dining room, but its focal point and focal point. The impressive scale of the island for a large kitchen made it possible to integrate not only the sink, but also the hob into the work surface. In this case, it is necessary to install a powerful hood above the food preparation area. Sometimes such designs are equipped with built-in lighting. In this case, the dining area located next door received local lighting, and the rest of the room was provided with lighting by a built-in lighting system on the ceiling.

The bright design of the base of the island, in comparison with the main color of the kitchen set, matches the decor of the space around the working area of the gas stove. Such an emphasis allows us not only to focus our attention in the center of the room and its functionality, but also diversify color palette kitchens are soft and relaxed.

Snow-white kitchens will be relevant at all times. Regardless of the style of the facades kitchen cabinets, white gives the room a feeling of freshness, cleanliness, spaciousness and lightness. And the white kitchen island in this case is no exception to the rule.

The blue-gray tint of the facades of the kitchen unit and the base of the island looks simply stunning against the background of snow-white wall decoration. Even simple, traditional facades look impressive in combination with the shine of stainless steel household appliances, fittings and kitchen accessories.

In a kitchen space with bright finishes and lots of intriguing decorative elements, the kitchen set and the island need to be neutral so as not to create “conflicts” when focusing attention. Gray tone is perhaps the most dim and neutral of the possible options.

Stylistic and design solutions

Kitchen spaces in the loft style are most often decorated with a set of single-row layouts in strict and laconic forms, without decoration or frills. A kitchen island in such a room is necessary not only as an additional work surface and storage systems (which is also important), but also to create an emphasis on the nearby dining area.

The minimalist design of the kitchen leaves its mark on the design of the island - strict forms, neutral colors, complete absence decor, only functionality, practicality and rationalism.

In a snow-white kitchen with quite traditional cabinet fronts, it is the island with its glass surfaces, the original design of the countertop and plastic chairs standing around.

Another example of how appearance kitchen island changes concept stylistic design space. In a kitchen with traditional cabinet fronts, an island made with country-style elements brings the charm of rural life, warming with the warmth of natural materials.

Often stationary or mobile (on wheels) modules are attached to a small island, which, as a rule, are storage systems. Such designs can serve as a continuation of work surfaces, for example, as a cutting table. Mobile “islands” are convenient to use at parties and any other receptions - loading the tabletop with snacks, and inner part clean dishes, you can roll out the module into right place living room, veranda or other room with the largest number guests.

If mainly sinks or hobs are integrated into the working surfaces of the islands, then at the base of these central modules you can place anything you want - storage systems for dishes, large and small kitchen attributes, cells for wine bottles and racks for spices. At the end of kitchen islands you can often see the placement of open shelves for cookbooks and other important little things that we do not use every day, but their presence in the kitchen space is justified.

Similar design solutions rarely found - two kitchen islands within one kitchen area. Such delights, of course, are only available to spacious kitchens. Both islands are equipped with work surfaces and storage systems, and one of them is equipped with a bar counter for convenient seating for short meals.

In some kitchen spaces, the island becomes not just a central element, but is almost the only representative of the furniture with integrated household appliances, stove and sink. In the narrow and long kitchen space, located near the stairs, most of the functional load fell on the island.

Thanks to the original design of the base of the kitchen island in the form of mirror surfaces, it seems to dissolve in space. It’s a pity that such interesting design finds also have disadvantages - mirror surfaces in the kitchen always lead to an increase in time and physical costs for putting things in order and caring for all surfaces of the kitchen segments.

Kitchen island needs special attention from the point of view of organizing a sufficient level of illumination of its working surfaces. Sometimes lamps are built into the hood located above hob or a stove. If there is no hood, then the lighting issue can be easily solved with the help of one large pendant chandeliers or a whole composition of small lamps.

Original shapes of kitchen islands

As a rule, a kitchen island is made in accordance with the shape of the kitchen itself. If the kitchen space is square, then so is the island. IN rectangular kitchens Most often you can find an identical furniture module standing in the center. But there are exceptions; there are many design projects with round, semicircular, wavy sides, asymmetrical bevels and other original shapes of kitchen islands.

The oval-shaped kitchen island follows the rounded sides of the upper tier of hanging cabinets. The kitchen does not need color brightness or original decor, because the very shape of the furniture ensemble brings uniqueness and creativity to the kitchen interior.

Making a kitchen island of an original shape will cost you a little more than standard options, but everything will be paid off by the unique design of the kitchen set and the interior of the kitchen as a whole.

In this kitchen, the island has become not just a central element of furniture, but also a focal point of attention, all thanks to the original shapes of its parts, as if added to it over time. Contrasting color combinations, marble surfaces, rounded and rigid shapes - everything in this kitchen island works to attract attention, without forgetting functionality and practicality.

1029 Dix https://www..pngDix 2015-06-25 09:30:01 2018-11-30 11:20:24 Kitchen with island - elegant and practical

30 Kitchen Island Ideas

Things to think about before buying an island

Its advantages and disadvantages:

Island for large and small kitchens

The shape and area of the kitchen island depends on the size of the kitchen.

A large rectangular island, stretched along the entire set, will suit a large kitchen.

The large island also has impressive storage capabilities and will be a useful addition to a compact kitchen unit.

And if the kitchen and dining room are in different rooms, you can quickly have a snack or drink a cup of coffee behind such an island.

For a smaller kitchen, a small square island would be ideal. If desired, you can still place the work area on it and organize storage.

Or use it as a work surface and dining area.

Work island functions

If found free space If it's problematic for an island, it's easy to find a use for it.

Island as an additional countertop

Zoning

With the help of a kitchen island it is convenient to separate the kitchen combined with the living room, as we did in.

Decorative function

A kitchen island stands out in the kitchen and attracts attention.

The photo shows a kitchen island by German designers LEICHT Küchen from artificial stone. It sets the tone for the entire interior.

In order not to overload the space, you can make part of the kitchen island through.

A richly colored island looks great in a bright kitchen.

Kitchen islands with unusual shapes

In addition to classic rectangular and square islands, manufacturers offer unusual shapes.

It is convenient to approach the round island from any side and there is no risk of hitting the corner.

You can find a kitchen island with a curved shape. It takes up a lot of space, but is more convenient and looks more original.

A more compact option is a corner island. The island in the photo was smashed dining area and a stove.

Some kitchen islands are multi-level. The countertop is slightly higher, and the sink or stove is slightly lower. Convenient for work and protects the kitchen from splashes, and guests from the sight of dirty dishes.

Kitchen island materials

The main materials for the islands are:

tree;
artificial stone;
stainless steel.

The chipboard option is the cheapest. Due to the protective coating, it is quite durable and can be made in any color.

Wooden kitchen island is suitable for classic cuisine or .

The artificial stone option is much more expensive than the previous two. It is important not to forget that the stone is stained and damaged.

A stainless steel kitchen island is a solution for a modern or high-tech kitchen. Most importantly, don’t forget to stock up on glossy surface care products.

Kitchen island for a small kitchen

For those who really want an island to appear in their small kitchen, we have also selected a couple of ideas.

Manufacturers Home Styles, SEGAwe and Best choice offer miniature versions of kitchen islands on wheels. You can put a hot baking sheet on them, store glasses and a couple of bottles of wine or cutlery.

The kitchen island on wheels slides under the countertop and is pulled out when additional work surface is needed.

So, let's put together the basic rules for kitchen islands:

in a large kitchen - an island stretched along the unit;
small kitchen - modest square or on wheels;
the distance from the island to other furniture is at least a meter;
in the first place - the useful functionality of the island;
We trust communication wiring to professionals.

If you don’t want to run pipes, wires and hood to the island, consider the option of a dining island, like in ours.

More ideas for inspiration are in our portfolio. And ours will give you a better understanding of how you see your future home.

A kitchen island is a U-shaped or L-shaped arrangement of your set with work area, which has small sizes and stands apart, that is, separately. This work area is located in the center of the kitchen room. Our article will tell you how to make an island not only a stylish element, but also a design find.

The design of the island part, as a rule, has a rectangular shape, but you can also find non-standard shape options:

Oval;
Semicircular;
Zigzag.

A DIY kitchen island will be most comfortable only in a fairly large room (an area of at least 16 square meters). The smallest part of the kitchen island should be 3 square meters.

Standard kitchen island sizes:

Length – at least 120 centimeters;
Minimum width – 60 centimeters, maximum width – 150 centimeters;
Height – from 85 centimeters to 95.

The space that passes between the main set and the island should be at least a meter. The design of a kitchen island, as a rule, includes a single color scheme for all furniture items. This does not mean that various contrasts are unacceptable in this case, you just need to be careful with them. Kitchen design must be harmonious.

Island functionality

Do not forget that the island in the kitchen is intended not only for preparing food, but also for cooking it. Well-chosen chairs can also form a dining area.

What can be placed on the island countertop:

Hob and sink, which are separated by a working area. Width – 30 centimeters;
Cooking surface and cutting area;
An area designed for preparing food and a large sink with two sections;
Hob, plus a small sink. This kitchen design includes the following arrangement: there are two sinks in the kitchen, one of them is the main one and it is placed against the wall;
A dining area that is thought out technologically. In this place you can install all the necessary small-sized household appliances.

Most often, a kitchen island can be seen as a dining surface or as a bar counter.

By the way, you can build “islands” under the countertop:

Oven;
Refrigerator;
Dishwasher;
Shelves for dishes;
Drawers for various cutlery.

Above the surface of the island you can install a powerful hood, which in turn can be equipped with lighting. You can also install a special shelf with your own hands, a mensola, on which you can hang all the necessary kitchen utensils.

Kitchen design with island: basic styles

The design of a kitchen island can include any style solutions:

Classic. IN this style prevail carved facades, countertops made of stone or marble, stained glass. In this case, the island part can be decorated with arched shelves, carved overlays, and balusters. If the kitchen island already has a built-in hob, then a fireplace-type hood is installed above it.
Country. This kitchen island design includes a variety of decorative wickerwork, chintz curtains, and wicker drawer pullouts.
Modern. Kitchen design in this case most often requires metal and glass. The main distinguishing feature is streamlined countertops, smooth surfaces of the walls, and the absence of utensils and appliances from the outside.
Minimalism. The main quality of a DIY kitchen island is maximum functionality, ergonomics and simplicity. Distinctive feature minimalism - the most functional cavities for storing food, dishes, built-in household appliances, sliding cabinet doors, probably versions of sets that do not have handles or are hidden in them.
Hi-tech. Kitchen design includes metal surfaces, which have a special sheen or patination. A kitchen of this style has much in common with the classics. Rounded shapes create a slight hint of futurism.

Small kitchen layout with island

Many people ask: what is the situation with the island in small apartment? There is a way out and it will be redevelopment, that is, combining the living room and kitchen. It is worth remembering that the layout of a kitchen with an island should include certain points:

An island table should have maximum functionality. In other words: it can be both a dinner and a cutting dish. If the layout of your apartment or home involves a kitchen studio, then the surface of the island will be a cooking, washing or work area on one side, and a dining area on the other. It is worth noting that such a table must be installed so that the working, cooking or washing area is located in the kitchen part of the room. At the same time, the dining area is an element of the room, which will be the border with the kitchen.
In a kitchen that has an island, it is worth planning the location of cabinets, household appliances and all this with the sequence of use. And, in addition, do not forget about the ergonomics of cabinets, work surfaces and various shelves.

For a small kitchen with a DIY island, built-in cabinets and appliances are most suitable.

To save space, you can use folding furniture. Let's say the table surface of your island can be made folding, and the washing area can be converted into a cutting area. Fortunately, modern technologies create an excellent opportunity to create a multifunctional hob.
All household appliances can be placed on top of each other. Much in this case depends on how often you use a particular device. It is best to buy a refrigerator for a small kitchen with an island that is narrow and slightly elongated at the top.
Particular attention should be paid to the window sill. For a small kitchen, this element, which is of sufficient size, can serve as an additional work area. The window sill may include functions dining table, as well as the functions of the cutting surface.

Kitchen island (video)

In this video you will find photos of 30 kitchen island options:

We can conclude: the design of the “kitchen-island” project can be appropriate not only in large, but also in small rooms. And, by the way, you can plan it in such a way that the kitchen will look much larger and, at the same time, it will be as functional as possible.

Which kitchen island to choose (photo gallery)

A modern kitchen island is an interesting and functional solution that works well in large spaces. The island creates a work area separated from the walls, often also including a dining area, providing a common space for all household members and giving the kitchen an original appearance. However, this complex structure requires appropriate planning for its placement even at the stage of building a house. This will allow us to save a lot of costs, since in this case it is much easier and cheaper to organize the necessary communications.

It makes no sense to build an island in a small, enclosed kitchen. This solution will reduce the already insufficient space in a small room, in addition, it will reduce decorative qualities the whole room.

Kitchen sets with an island is a solution for a large kitchen open to the living room. Minimum distance between an island and another kitchen furniture should be 90 cm. However, it is preferable to place it at a distance of 110-120 cm. It will not be possible to maintain such distances in small rooms. Therefore, kitchen islands are only suitable for rooms with an area of at least 20 m².

In the best possible way This solution manifests itself in combined rooms, for example, in a kitchen combined with a dining room and living room. In this case, the island will visually separate the cooking area from the relaxation area. Such zoning will have a positive effect on the attractiveness of the interior. Remember, however, that between the island and other furniture elements there must be at least 80 cm for passage. Thanks to this, you can move freely in the kitchen.

Kitchen island dimensions

When creating a kitchen island design, you should first think about hardware and functionality. These are the factors that most influence the size of the island. Depending on what equipment we want to include in the design and what functions to provide it, the size changes. Let's consider the main equipment options and their corresponding sizes.

The island that only has a countertop takes up the least space, however, it is the least practical. To diversify the interior you will need a small island with a bar function where you can sit and have tea or coffee.

An island with a stove will occupy a slightly larger space. The stove itself is at least 60 cm wide, and there should be at least 40 cm of countertop on its sides. This means that the minimum width of a kitchen island with a stove is 140 cm, and the minimum kitchen width for it must be 3 meters, provided that there is no furniture near the wall.

The multifunctional island is the largest and is endowed with many useful functions. This design, of course, takes up the most space.

It may include:

dining area,
bar counter,
stove,
sink.

We must add to the width of the countertop the width of the sink or bar counter or dining area. The bar counter may be located at some elevation. Thus, this type of structure can only fit in a kitchen whose area is larger than the standard one; such a structure requires a large space. A device of this design in a kitchen that is too small does not meet practical and aesthetic requirements and will be inconvenient and unsightly.

special furniture with all household appliances,
installation of furniture and equipment,
supplying pipes and drains, as well as electricity.

All these operations can increase your kitchen budget by 50%.

It all depends on the intended usefulness of the structure. The simplest islands, as noted above, are equipped only with a countertop. The only required equipment in this case is lighting.

However, homes usually have a multifunctional island equipped with a sink, stove and other built-in small appliances. household appliances. In this case, it is necessary to plan plumbing, electrical wiring, possible gas installation and a ventilation system.

What needs to be done at the stage of building a house or renovating an apartment?

At the stage of building a house, you must provide all communications that your equipment will require.

Especially important have:

Gas pipeline . The gas pipeline must be provided in construction project, since it requires approval from the gas service. Remember that gas supply hoses cannot be covered. This means running cables along the ceiling, which gives questionable decorative effect, of course, unless you are creating a loft-style design, where all the pipes and cables are the decoration and highlight of the interior. You will also need to install a ventilation duct. This installation requires good planning during the design phase of the project. In practice, it turns out that supplying gas to such a system is quite expensive, so many people opt for electric stove.
Water supply and sewerage . The multifunctional island can be equipped with a sink and dishwasher. This option requires the installation of a water supply and sewerage system. During the construction phase of a house, it is necessary to determine the exact location of the plumbing. This will allow us to carry out water pipes and drainage in the floor. It should be remembered that the drain pipe must be made with a slight slope (from 4 to 5%). Sometimes it turns out that laying pipes in the floor is impossible, since it is low and does not allow the necessary slope.
Ventilation . If you are planning to install a kitchen stove, then you will need good system ventilation. It's worth thinking about this during the construction phase. There should be above the stove efficient hood, with the help of which polluted air must be absorbed and removed by ventilation ducts. The ventilation system will run along the ceiling. However, it will not spoil the interior, since we can easily disguise the pipes in suspended ceiling.
Electricity shouldn't cause much of a problem, but we should also plan for its failure in advance. Kitchen islands with a stove must have two points. The first will run along the ceiling and supply electricity to the hood, the second should run under the floor in a special groove and provide all electrical equipment. Before installation, it is necessary to determine the power of all devices. In some cases, you will need three-phase wiring that provides sufficient power.

What else should you keep in mind?

Every kitchen island can be an elegant and functional interior element. However, it must also be designed taking into account basic ergonomic principles and individual needs.

In some cases, a large, multi-purpose island with a minibar will be appropriate. In others, there is a regular simple island with a countertop and a work area. Therefore, before making a final decision, you should analyze your real needs, evaluate your lifestyle, and choose the most suitable option.

It is also worth considering the interior style of the apartment or house and choosing the appropriate materials. Kitchen islands are the focal point of the kitchen, attract attention and have a great impact on the interior of the room. Therefore it is worth choosing optimal solution, which suits both our practical needs and the style of the room.

Below are the different options in different styles How to arrange a kitchen island with photos.

The island is fashionable and functional solution for owners of a large kitchen. It is accessible from either side of the countertop and provides additional space for cabinets and, in open spaces, can visually separate the kitchen from the living area.

Modern finishing materials allow you to make the structure a real decoration of the living room, wood and natural stone on the countertop.

An island with a dining area is very convenient, the purpose of which is emphasized by elegant pendant lamps.

In a large kitchen used by a large family, the island provides additional, much-needed cabinet and countertop space.

When planning, you should also think about what to use for the floor around the structure. It is advisable to trim the area in front of the workspace ceramic tiles, and in front of the dining area - laminate or wood panels.

For a kitchen to perform its tasks well, it must be well lit. Both traditional lamps and LED lighting in the form of light bulbs and LED strips that are mounted on pedestals, cornices or along the edges of furniture.

Lacquered furniture fronts and multi-level shelves will make the design unique and very decorative.

Good decision there will be such a design not only in modern interior, but also in the classical one.

Organizing the kitchen space is one of the basic tasks when choosing a design for this room. In particular, great attention must be paid to the layout. Convenient arrangement of furniture and equipment will provide comfortable conditions cooking, eating and just spending time at home. From an ergonomic point of view, the best option for spacious rooms is a kitchen with an island, that is, a high cabinet-tabletop, which is most often installed in the center and can perform many functions. This pattern is found everywhere in country houses, luxury studios, restaurants, but if desired, it can be adapted and applied even in ordinary small apartments.

Functions of an island in the kitchen

Depending on the design, a kitchen island can have many purposes. Sometimes it even acts as one of the vertices of the so-called “work triangle”, which includes the stove, sink and refrigerator. However, installing these elements in the center of the room requires special communications, which is not always possible, especially in multi-story buildings.

As a rule, an island is used as a tabletop - due to its height, it is easy to work while standing. In addition, it can completely or partially replace the dining area. In order for chairs to fit next to each other, the cabinet must have no side panels. Often the island interior detail is designed in the form of a bar counter, which allows for maximum savings square meters kitchens and visually delimit the space.

Many housewives use the free space under the island table to store dishes, small household appliances, and food. If necessary, an oven can be built into the cabinet, dishwasher, freezer.

Pros and Cons of an Island Kitchen Layout

A high table in the central part of the kitchen is undoubtedly very convenient. This layout is ideal for communal cooking, as the work surface is accessible from all sides. While performing the processes, the hostess can communicate with household members or guests without turning her back to them. In addition, compared to other types of layout, the trajectory of movements is significantly reduced, which in turn reduces the physical effort required to prepare dishes.

The presence of an island allows you to fill the space of a large kitchen, but in small rooms it can be difficult to fit this piece of furniture. In any case, at least one meter on each side should be left around a separate cabinet so that it is comfortable to move around. For a compact cooking area, instead of monumental tables, it is better to choose narrow mobile or folding structures.

When mentioning an island, most people imagine heavy and bulky cabinets in the middle of a luxurious 20-meter kitchen in a private home. Of course, this is a classic option for cottages, but modern design provides for other types of similar furniture. Thus, an island table does not necessarily have to be rectangular or square - oval, semicircular, smoothly curved, zigzag, triangular shapes are quite possible.

Currently, multi-level structures, also called archipelagos, are at the height of fashion. Different height table tops allow you to work comfortably while standing on the one hand, and to have breakfast or dinner while sitting on familiar chairs on the other. Sometimes the low part of the archipelago can be adapted for a sink or hob, and the high part in this case is used as a working kitchen table or a bar counter.

Another type of island layout is the peninsula. This table is distinguished by the fact that one of the sides is adjacent to the set, wall or window sill. This is a good way to save space on small kitchen, in which the protruding part remains a harmonious part of the entire ensemble without losing its functionality.

Stylistic interior design

In most cases, they try to match the island to the furniture and the design of the kitchen as a whole. Repeating colors, materials and decor look thoughtful and appropriate, which is especially important for small spaces. If the cooking area is spacious, this element of furniture can be made an accent due to a brighter color or original texture. One way or another, the island cabinet, as one of the most noticeable details in the kitchen interior, should correspond to the chosen design direction.

Kitchen with island in classic style

Successful examples of a kitchen with an island classic style can be found in the collections of Italian furniture stores. As a rule, these are exquisite combinations of polished wood of expensive species and light ivory enamel with decorative gilding, panels, columns, and baroque carved decorations. Black and white, black and gray, olive, pinkish options with silver fittings are also possible.

The tabletop of an island in a classic style can be wooden or marble, with a noble glossy pattern. The cabinet is suitable exclusively for stationary, large and stable, rectangular shape with symmetrically rounded corners. Above it you can hang either a hood (for the hob) or a beautiful crystal chandelier.

Modern style kitchen with island

The distinctive features of the 21st century kitchen are laconicism, functionality and high technology designed to speed up the cooking process as much as possible. The island in such an interior is an integral part of the set, almost completely repeating its design.

The smooth, plain tabletop is made of durable composite material - artificial stone, tempered tinted glass, stainless steel. An induction cooker and sink can be built into it, and the body of the cabinet can be used for household appliances or spacious storage systems.

Kitchen with island in Provence style

In a Provence-style kitchen, the island looks just right. Traditionally this is simple wooden structure, painted in pastel colors. The palette is dominated by milky white, mint, turquoise, gray, blue, lavender. The body is without unnecessary frills or decoration, but its functionality is ensured by a large number of cabinets, drawers, shelves, wicker baskets.

Since southeast France is a wine-producing region, local kitchen islands often feature diagonal honeycomb shelves for horizontal storage of bottles of wine. The material of the countertop in the Provence style is light stone, marble or its artificial analogues of a white or grayish tint, but it should not be overly glossy.

Country style kitchen with island

Country style is, first of all, natural materials and natural tones. A stable, somewhat rough solid wood cabinet with large cabinet fronts and drawers for storing dishes will fit well into such an environment. Ideally, the material should be without any coating, except perhaps a protective layer of varnish or beeswax. New furniture products can be artificially aged, giving them a medieval look.

Forged fittings should be used, because they serve as the main decoration and the most important stylistic device in a country interior. As for the countertop, it can be made of the same wood, unpolished stone, or lined with matte ceramic tiles (porcelain stoneware) in terracotta shades.

Kitchen with island in loft style

The deliberate simplicity of the industrial interior does not tolerate pretentiousness in details. In an open kitchen in this style, the island, in addition to its usual functions, often plays the role of the only partition between the cooking area and the living space of the loft.

When compared with other design trends, here a separate table looks in the most unassuming way. Instead of a cabinet, a rough plank, steel or stone tabletop can even be placed on brickwork or welded legs from old metal pipes. Above such an improvised island are open communications with spotlights or “factory” lamps in black sockets.

Small kitchen with island: interior design

It would seem that in a small kitchen you can’t even dream of a convenient island. But this common misconception is only true for bulky classic cabinets. Modern designers We have developed a huge number of mini-format models that allow you to use square meters economically and efficiently.

In addition to smaller stationary tables, there are also a number of movable structures. Thus, a narrow kitchen island (peninsula) can be pulled out completely or partially from the set; attach to the wall and fold out if necessary; hide in a wall niche or under a windowsill. For periodic use, it makes sense to take a closer look at mobile products on wheels that can be freely moved around the apartment.

On narrow kitchens With open plan The island is often presented in the form of a bar counter, which simultaneously serves as a table and a partition. At the same time, on the side of the living room it is equipped with high chairs, and in the cooking area the design can be supplemented with a folding tabletop at a lower level for comfortable work with products.

Kitchen with island - photo

The best way to find an acceptable design option is to look at a photo of what a kitchen with an island might look like. different types premises. To do this, we suggest studying the photo gallery on our website, which contains a large collection of examples of cooking area design. Among the presented solutions there will definitely be good ideas, suitable for both spacious private houses and apartments with small or medium-sized kitchens in different stylistic directions.