6 Key Things You Should Know Before Designing a Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands are the centrepiece of a stylish layout, but they offer so much more than visual appeal. From additional space to meal prep, and increased storage area, to a streamlined seating solution, they are flexible enough for a variety of needs.

At Archant, we talk with thousands of customers around New Zealand each year. While these clients understand the value of an island, they’re usually a bit unsure of how to best design it.

Questions like, how high should it be, and what size and shape we recommend are quite common. Then there are other factors like the ideal lighting solutions, possible overhangs, storage potential, and appliance layout. Working out these details in advance is quite important to maximise the benefits of your kitchen island.

To help guide you in designing an island that achieves all your essential needs, we have prepared this article. We cover all the questions above and provide the key details to making your island stand out. If you’re ready to dive in, let’s get started!

2) What is the Ideal Size and Shape of a Kitchen Island?

The usefulness of an island is largely driven by its size. If you go too big, the space becomes uncomfortably cramped. Too small, and you’ll still be left with a shortage of functional design. In addition to the size, you must leave enough space around the island for foot traffic.

The consensus from design experts is to have at least one metre of clearance around all sides of the island. Otherwise, it becomes cumbersome to work around. As such, you’ll want to measure your kitchen to see if it will fit a standard-sized island.

Here are some specific figures to help start your design plan:

According to Houzz, “The average size of a kitchen island is about 1,000 by 2,000 millimetres. This would typically have a surrounding clearance zone of about 1,000 millimetres.”

3) What is the Recommended Height for an Island?

To answer this question, consider how you will use it most often. Most commonly, we see islands at 900mm in height. In some cases, clients prefer them even higher, like 950mm and beyond. From this raised level, you create more of a bar-type setting with raised seating and stools.

Alternatively, if you prefer standard dining chairs at your island, you’ll be better suited with a slightly lower height around 750mm from the floor level. Like most aspects of interior design, there are other custom variations to consider, but these two heights are more straightforward to pair with available seating.

4) How Can an Island Enhance My Workflow?

Have you heard of the working triangle? If not, the concept is explained well in this article by Foyr. “The main tasks in a home kitchen are done between the stove or oven, the sink, and the refrigerator. The work triangle is made up of these three spots and the imaginary lines that connect them, according to architects. The concept is that by placing these three points close to one another, the kitchen will be easier and more efficient to use, reducing wasted steps.” When designing your space, you’ll want to think through this workflow as it applies to the appliances.

For example, if you incorporate a sink or empty working space into your island, you can entertain while meal prepping. You could also add a hob, but this would effectively reduce the usable seating space.

The ideal configuration is up to you, but here are a few common recommendations:

Keep the sink close to the dishwasher and leave empty worktop space near the oven. It’s also a good idea not to crowd the island with too many appliances. This will ensure that it’s flexible enough for daily needs while still being comfortable to sit at and use. Keep these items in mind as you envision your specific layout, and the island will be more useful to the overall space.

5) What About Storage Considerations for Your Kitchen Island?

This often comes down to the existing cabinet space. If your kitchen already features plentiful storage, then your island may be better suited for appliances, seating, and counter space. If, however, more cabinets are needed, an island offers excellent potential for expansion. Of course, you’re not limited to standard cabinets with doors, as clients often add drawers, open shelving, and even stylish storage cubes that are flexible enough for a variety of uses. Ultimately, the perfect kitchen island will strike a balance between storage, appliances, seating, and worktop space.

6) Any Recommendations for Lighting Your Island?

We’ve already talked about the wide range of ways your island can be used. In a nutshell, it’s a super versatile component to add value to your kitchen. To make sure it’s an inviting and comfortable place to be, you’ll want to add a functional array of lighting overhead.

Not only will this illuminate the area well, but it brings additional style and adds a touch of sophistication to a kitchen. Many of our customers love the flexibility of pendant lights but feel free to use this element to make a stylish statement. There’s no shortage of gorgeous and unique light fixtures to choose from. Just be sure it offers adequate light for the task at hand.

What’s the Next Step for Your Kitchen Island Project?

We hope this article has offered some ideas and inspiration along with a wealth of information to apply to your kitchen island design. At Archant, we know these are all important decisions, but you don’t need to work out the details on your own. Our Archant showrooms are staffed with leading design experts right here in New Zealand. From Auckland to Christchurch, Wellington, Havelock North, and beyond, we have you covered. Set up a one-on-one appointment to start working out your kitchen island specifications.