Classic kitchen island designs to transform your kitchen

Picture your ideal kitchen: it’s likely a functional but attractive space for cooking, dining, and socialising; recipes are cooked to perfection, items are stored neatly, and the flow lets everyone get their job done from food prep to washing up. 

The kitchen island is the anchor when it comes to success in your culinary hub. While some kitchen trends go in and out of style, this has remained a constant throughout the years. Because islands come in all shapes and sizes, here are some design ideas to make this part of your kitchen as practical and pretty as possible. 

Your property inspiration

From its lush green exterior to the spacious interiors, this four-bedroom house in Bryanston truly rolls out the welcome mat. The inviting atmosphere extends to the kitchen area which is bound to delight both the avid cook and eager gourmand. Warm wooden cupboards and colourful floral blinds conjure up a friendly atmosphere. The open-plan design scheme feels airy and effortless. Being a luxurious cluster home in Millionaire’s Row, it typically features the latest fittings a top chef would appreciate.

Taking pride of place in the centre of the kitchen is a wonderful island. It is made with the same wood as the surrounding cupboards to blend seamlessly within the space. There’s plenty of storage for odds and ends; the mix of closed and open shelves offers options to organise your kitchen as you please. A marble surface is visually arresting and also fantastic for spreading out plates and ingredients. The owner has also installed their sink here to maximise space in the kitchen. A bowl of lemons has been added as a wholesome decor accent but is also conveniently located to flavour fish dishes or cocktails.

Make your kitchen island a culinary oasis

With so many benefits, islands are a great idea for any kitchen scheme. Whether you’re planning a refresh or makeover, here’s how you can make it an elegant, multifunctional feature in your home:

1. Research design styles: The sky’s the limit with options for your kitchen island design. From floating islands, wrap-around counters, L-shaped to T-shaped layouts, there’s much you can do to make your island the envy of family and friends. 

2. Consider your size and layout: Depending on how large your kitchen is, you may need either one big island or two small islands to create balance. Your island should be in proportion to the rest of your kitchen and should have at least a metre of walkway space between it and the rest of your kitchen. 

3. Make room for storage: Your kitchen island can help keep your kitchen in order with extra cupboards, drawers, cubbies, and shelves installed. For a sleek look, go with handleless cupboards. A large island can also have space for chairs or stools. 

4. Integrate your appliances: A smart space saver is to include your hob, dishwasher, microwave, and other appliances into your island. This can free up some counter space and boost productivity when cooking as members of your family can crowd around a central point. 

5. Use height to your advantage: A tiered island not only looks striking but has a practical purpose. You can use standard chairs when eating at the island or have space for a high chair so Baby will be at eye level with the rest of the family. 

6. Extend your island space: Who says your island has to be a basic block? You can choose a design with an extended worktop that can be a dining space or extra prep area. Some islands even boast a pull-out table. Alternatively, you can place a table next to the island that matches its aesthetic.

7. Blend in or stand out: Depending on your personal style, your island can have the same materials as your kitchen cupboards or finishes. This creates a seamless look, especially appropriate for a minimalist kitchen. However, there’s nothing stopping you from painting island cupboards a different colour or using tiles to make them pop in your space. 

8. Opt for rounded angles: The rectangular island is a textbook shape that is common in kitchens. You can be different by curving the edges of islands. It will give your kitchen a much softer and more inviting feel. 

9. Light up your island: For both aesthetic and safety reasons, your island should be well-lit, usually by multiple sources of light. Pendant lights above, LED strips along island cupboards, and some strategically placed standing lamps will ensure your island shines from every angle.

Your home should inspire you

No one can deny the appeal of having an island in the kitchen. As the centrepiece of your kitchen, it provides both function and style to your space. The team at Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty know it's the details like a good island that make your home special. We take pride in finding properties that are cut above the rest. Browse our portfolio and get in touch with us today.