Small kitchen islands: 10 ideas for cooking, dining and more
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Known for their two parallel counters, there is a range of practical options to help make it a workable layout, from smart storage solutions to lighting tricks and fun flooring ideas. With the rise in open-plan kitchen-living spaces, kitchens have become smaller in favor of larger entertaining spaces. If your kitchen is part of an open-plan layout, then tidiness is key. Unlike with traditional kitchen ideas, where the door can be closed after cooking, in open plan kitchen ideas everything is permanently on display, meaning that storage is essential. Creating a light and bright space as part of your small kitchen ideas can feel like an impossible task.
Upcycled Materials
You can paint the island different color than the rest of your cabinets or use colored countertops to make it stand out. If you're not sure what color to choose, try light natural wood or white kitchen cabinets! A peninsula or breakfast bar is an architectural alternative to a traditional island unit if your kitchen is compact and narrow. You still get the plus points of extra countertop space for preparing dinner and room for seating, but three-sided peninsulas generally take up less room. Kitchen peninsula ideas are considered an extension of the kitchen, with one end connected to a wall or cabinet, while an island is freestanding, open on all four sides. Choose a perpendicular peninsula that is built straight out from the wall – rather than a standard U-shaped design – as this will offer the look of an island but require less space to install.
Candelabra Lighting
Based on the size of your kitchen you may want to opt for different styles of islands such as an L-shaped island or a small center island which wouldn’t take up a lot of floor space. Waterfall-edge counters look so at home in modern kitchens like this one. The cube shape looks great with other geometric furnishings, like the globe lights and grid tile layout in this mid-century kitchen.
Paint in one color palette
'Narrow, yet long, these islands are purely for cooking, storage or food preparation rather than an area for seating,' says Darren Watts, Design Director, Wren Kitchens. Did you know that something as simple as removing bulky handles from cabinets can make your small kitchen appear larger? By using modern kitchen ideas such as push/click catches instead, the room will be more streamline and will look smoother.
Installing one in your island saves space elsewhere, like your fridge, while keeping your best Riesling within close reach. The blue chair by Jean-Louis Bonnant combines with Roger Tallon folding stools. Look for one you can customise with colours, worktops and handles of your choice to give it a bespoke feel that's unique to you and your home.
Go beyond basic surfaces
Instead of using it as a footrest, put it to work as a storage space for cutting boards, which you reach for often and are pretty enough to display. Simply organize them in a wire basket to keep them contained, then get chopping. Instead of one large island, this space is broken up by two smaller back-to-back islands. The symmetry is aesthetically pleasing, and they also add so much functional value. Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors loves the versatility of a kitchen island to prep, dine, or host. Balance modern living with classic French country style by installing new light fixtures above an efficient and simple layout.
Cocktail accoutrement can take up quite a bit of valuable real estate in an already tight kitchen. Consider creating a nearby space for all your bar-related goods, including glasses, shakers, decanters, and the alcohol itself. This creates a new focal point in your space and is an opportunity to infuse some of your own style. Cutting boards can take up precious drawer space, so consider keeping them on display instead. Choose designs that are beautiful and heighten the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
How to make a small kitchen island?
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Turned wood legs, bead board, and an antique paint finish combine to give this new island a vintage French country look. This island setup shows how important the choice of stools can be in your decor scheme. The warm leather of the stools echoes the red oven, which makes both items look intentional and part of a color palette rather than a random accent.
If an island simply won’t fit in your kitchen, maybe a butcher block will. This kitchen, captured by Rikki Synder, tucks a butcher block in just so between the stove and cabinets to add a valuable prep area without taking up too much space. If storage is a major priority to you, consider moving your bar stools to the short end of your island, like designer Michelle Lisac did here.
If you're concerned that a built-in island could take up too much floor space in your kitchen, opt for modular small kitchen island ideas that can be moved to another room if or when necessary. A deep console or a tall sideboard can double up as a kitchen island, providing extra cupboard, drawer and surface space, while also working with budget kitchen ideas. A kitchen island is a really multipurpose addition, and even if you have a small kitchen, you might be surprised at how well it can work.
'The ideal clearance space between the island and the opposing kitchen counter is around 1m. This still allows it to look like it is part of the actual kitchen as well as giving you ample space to move around,' says Darren from Wren. An island unit is perhaps the most popular feature in a kitchen, and is one that can work well in a small kitchen.
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Small kitchens can be in dark, dramatic shades but they will benefit from an element of the cabinetry being in a contrasting pale color. Pale pretty shades like blush pink combine well with gray countertops and backsplash and they will expand your small kitchen visually. ‘We heated things up with brass sconces, brass cabinet pulls, and warm wood accents through the custom range and accessories,’ continues Shawna. Using black on your island, whilst contrasting with white or colored tableware stored in open drawers can create a beautifully dramatic, bold look. Add matching decorative touches, such as the black Smeg Kettle available from Saks Fifth Avenue elsewhere in the kitchen to tie it all together. Green is a happy and rejuvenating color and if you pick the right shade, you can paint both your cabinetry and small kitchen island in the same tone for a cohesive look.
The vintage table's weathered surface adds cottage character to this sunny kitchen. The original tabletop was replaced with a new slab of black soapstone to transform the piece into a stunning focal point. In a newly updated kitchen, rustic elements such as this wood-topped island establish a farmhouse feel. The reclaimed boards, which were stained and screwed into the small island's top, boost character and surface area. A built-in plate rack, shelf, and set of hooks provide handy storage below.
“This approach ensures that the island doesn't obstruct traffic flow in the kitchen while offering essential workspace." For those with teeny tiny rooms, finding kitchen island ideas suited for the shape of their space will help bring this design feature in. One of the most utilitarian ways to make the most of your small kitchen is installing an island with a butcher block countertop. These wooden slabs are basically built-in cutting boards, meaning you can chop, cut, and prepare food directly on your countertop.
Even the smallest island can pack in plenty of storage with creative solutions. This slender, furniture-style island is outfitted with three narrow cabinets, providing convenient storage for items such as cake pans and cookie sheets. A large drawer on one side of the island offers a handy stowaway space for a recycling bin. This one features two drawers and a cabinet that can easily stash kitchen utensils, cookware, and more. A butcher-block top provides a handy spot to chop veggies and prepare other ingredients. Visually expand the look of your small kitchen with an island that features open storage.
In this small kitchen design by Rodeheaver, the shelves provide the perfect place for olive oil, vinegar, and other cooking essentials. Kristin Marina of KozyKasa got creative with storage solutions in this small kitchen design. The island features a built-in wine rack on the right side along with storage underneath, and a tall and narrow pantry provides lots of space for food. If space doesn't allow for a full size kitchen island or bar, that doesn't necessarily mean you must eliminate one from your design plans.
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