What is the point of a kitchen island?

With many lifestyle habits changing in how we work and spend our leisure time, the modern kitchen has adapted and evolved to meet our everyday demands. There are no limits to kitchen design, and our philosophy and unrivalled strengths in kitchen planning allow us to create a space and zone where you can work, rest and play with no restrictions. One of the most popular features, continually sought after, starts with kitchen island ideas, especially for open plan areas. The kitchen islands are practical but also aesthetically inviting. They can transform a kitchen into a multi-use space for work and play and are great for socialising - especially a kitchen island with seating.

The first and most crucial step in the process is identifying what you want your island to be. It's good to discuss your options, develop new ideas and explore the many possibilities on offer, which are on display in our Redditch kitchen showroom.

Do you want it to be a prominent space?

Most people will assemble around the central island, ideal for the family during the day but perfect for guests in the evening. You will want to include comfortable seating within this social hub of activity.

Suppose you combine the island as a work area and entertainment place. In that case, a wine cooler/under-counter fridge, half-depth cupboard for glassware and easily accessible utensils for cooking are ideal.

Do you want it to be your prep and serve zone?

The kitchen central island offers additional space and an open-plan contemporary kitchen; it will work brilliantly as a cooking and prepping zone. You could consider incorporating a drawer system giving storage for cutlery, crockery and serving dishes. Allow space for an under-counter waste bin perfect when prepping food - to name a few!

Do you want it to be your performance area?

If you love entertaining and are passionate about cooking, having your hob on the island is a superb way to show off your culinary skills whilst keeping the party going! There are many ideas for storage, and for a luxury kitchen space, you can also consider integrated shelving and cupboard space, offering a seamless and contemporary finish. Think deep pan drawers, an inner drawer for utensils, or perhaps a pull-out rack for oils and on-the-go ingredients such as herbs, spices and seasoning - essential items that should always be close to your fingertips.

Will a kitchen island work for you?

It's about personal preference, finding the right balance between practicality and functionality blended with stunning aesthetics, the most prominent feature of any modern-day kitchen.

Not only does a central island area deliver the ultimate socialising experience, but it's a desirable place to spend time with the family, bringing you closer together, whether that's work, rest or play!

Is it reasonable to have an island in the kitchen?

A central island adds to the design and functionality of any kitchen style, be it modern, traditional country kitchen or a timeless classic, such as the shaker kitchen fashion. They are multi-faceted, possessing features that will fit your daily lifestyle, whether that's for work or pleasure. A kitchen island is also an astute financial investment, not only as an addition to the overall kitchen zone but

kitchen islands are continually in demand and are always high on the wish list as a desirable feature. When considering a new kitchen plan and layout, especially an open-plan design, it's the right time to explore the colour pallets and theme ideas that will balance your new space.

Suppose you are looking for a kitchen space that hosts guests and is more of a socialising hub than a work area. In that case, a clean, clutter-free worktop within an island offers a more contemporary feel and is perfect for dinner guests and entertaining. You can express your personality and character by choosing a colour in keeping with the seating in an open plan area or a wall treatment within the central zone. Suitable lighting to accent and emphasise your kitchen island will ensure your hub of activity offers a radiant, versatile and welcoming ambience for every occasion.

Does a kitchen island add value?

If it has a purpose, is designed professionally by a team of experienced kitchen planners and designers and seamlessly integrates into the functional aspect of the kitchen space, then yes. A kitchen island can be a priceless addition to any style of kitchen, from classic, traditional or modern.

What is the disadvantage of an island kitchen?

If an island is poorly designed and becomes an obstacle rather than a welcomed extra space, it is worth rethinking the design plan. A kitchen island should be a benefit, not a hindrance, where a feature should be inviting and not avoided! You do not want to find yourself navigating around an island with little room in between the rest of the kitchen area.

When should you not have a kitchen island?

If your kitchen's functionality isn't going to benefit from a central kitchen island proportionally, then maybe it's worth considering an alternative seating plan. A good idea is a peninsula-style design built outwards from an existing wall. The peninsula seating is an excellent idea when you want to accommodate some or all of the functions/tasks you wish an island to have.

Is it better to have a stove or sink on a kitchen island?

It all comes down to personal preference; if you view yourself as a culinary expert and enjoy entertaining, taking centre stage, then yes, absolutely, you should embrace a stove on your central island. There is also the option of having two stoves - on the island and one in the primary kitchen quarter. Suppose you socialise regularly and enjoy dinner parties. In that case, an extra stove is always a valuable tool, especially if there are many guests and great for Christmas, where oven space is often compromised! A sink is excellent too, but again it's all down to preference, and why not just have both? It's your kitchen and vision - we are here to make it happen, exactly how you want it!

Why put a sink on a kitchen island?

A sink is always handy if you have a worktop and food preparation area on a central island. A strategically placed sink enables you to carry out the usual worktop duties without having to manoeuvre back to the main work surfaces for a water supply, ideal for washing vegetables and cleaning your preparation area in one central place.

Do you need a dining table if you have an island?

You can integrate a bespoke dining table with your island. Still, an island is ideal for informal dining and breakfasts and a great space to sit with high seating to socialise with friends and family whilst dinner is being prepared and showcased, taking centre stage!

Can you have an island in a small kitchen?

If you want to prepare your food whilst socialising with family or friends, think of a preparation island, similar to a butcher's block with lockable wheels, as an excellent portable preparation solution. Or you may want to try a half-depth cupboard with an overhang from the worktop, ideal for a compact seating area, as long as you have enough room to open cabinets and drawers. A smaller kitchen can adorn a central island; it just takes a little extra thought, creative planning, and the will to explore new possibilities where restrictions are a positive challenge, not a setback.

Come visit kitchen island displays at our Worcestershire Kitchen Showroom

Come and visit us at the Plum kitchen showroom when you next consider your new kitchen and need inspiration on how best to make the kitchen island work for you. Our design team of experienced and professional kitchen engineers, interior designers and kitchen planners are always on hand to talk you through the range of options we offer. When it comes to a kitchen island, we have a wealth of experience and an array of possibilities on display to show how a kitchen island could work for you, your family and friends.

We can be easily reached from the M42, and the surrounding areas of South Birmingham, Redditch, Bromsgrove, Studley, Alcester, Droitwhich and Barnt Green.