It’s a universal truth: everyone gathers in the kitchen. It’s the place where we always try to find the right balance between space to linger and nibble and space to prepare and cook.
The solution is often a kitchen island. They can create a buffer between the cook and the crowd while also providing storage space and a large surface area for slicing and dicing, laying out a range of starters, or stretching out homework.
But you can’t just throw some island in the middle of your kitchen and think it’s going to work. Careful considerations must be made as to size, spacing, and use. Together with IKEA, we set out some basic rules and recommendations to get you on the right track.
Proportion is the key
Channel your inner goldilocks as you design your island: it shouldn’t be too big or too small. The ratio of the piece to the rest of the kitchen determines the comfort and flow of the entire space. To get the best size possible (and meet your city’s building codes), refer to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s guidelines for island space requirements to determine the best size:
- Walkways should be at least 36 inches wide, but…
- If it is a work pass (i.e. there is a sink or stove on one side) it must be 42 inches for one cook or 48 inches for several.
- If there is seating along a sidewalk, you need 36 to 44 inches to accommodate guests.
Knowing the size of your island can also help you determine the features that you can fit around and in the island.
Walkways should be at least 36 inches wide and taller if there is a work aisle or if there is seating on the island.
When you use the island for cooking, functionality comes first
The extra counter on an island is a chef’s best friend. Consider adding these features to optimize your island for cooking:
- Workplace lighting, directed over the area where you cut vegetables, prepare food and / or cook. This can be done in the form of directional spotlights such as the NYMÅNE or the brass BAROMETER or in the form of pendants. Some we like are OVANBY and GOTHEM.
- A sink, for easy cleaning. Keep in mind that to do this you will need to hook up your island to the plumbing and an island sink to put dirty dishes in the center of the room.
- A hob is a popular option if you want to meet your guests or guests while they are cooking.
The countertop material should be chosen based on the type of cooking you do most often. Bakers tend to like marble or quartz countertops like KASKER, as both can stand rolling, cutting, and direct heat. Butcher’s block is better for chopping, but requires regular grinding and resealing. A laminate countertop like CORNER JACKS is an inexpensive option that is easy to clean but can warp if it gets wet or too hot.
NORRSJÖN washbasin made of stainless steel
If the island doubles as a dining area, prioritize seating
Your island will be a meeting place whether or not it has seating. However, if you want to accommodate guests, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you have adequate seat spacing based on the height of your counter. View the National Kitchen and Bath Association guidelines here. Know that you will also need a walkway of at least 36 inches on the seat side.
- Create a work area outside of the seating. This provides an area for people to gather, be it for homework or a cocktail party, that doesn’t get in the way of the cooking space (maybe on the other side of the island). You may also want to consider a place to chop and measure elsewhere in the kitchen.
- Differentiate the seating area making it a different height than the rest of the island. The kitchen counters are 36 inches tall. So raise the seating area to a bar height of 42 inches. This works well when you have a larger, open layout, e.g. the raised part acts as a room divider and creates a separation between the cooking area and the meeting point area.
- Keep the counter height even if your kitchen is smaller;; it makes the room look bigger.
Optimize the storage space
Knowing whether you want to use your island more for cooking or gathering will help you plan the storage space below. Here are some tips to get the most out of these lower cabinets:
Simon Fritzell
- Opt for deep drawers over doors. They’re easy to pull out to give you an inside look at everything so you don’t have to crouch to shoot back through dark cabinets.
- Use partitions to keep everything in place. Yes, inserts are required in flat drawers for utensils and cutlery, but with a few plate holders, deep drawers can also conveniently store dishes. Crates or containers easily organize smaller items like condiments and condiments.
- Add slots To hold things like baking trays, cutting boards, and pot lids.
- Allow open shelf within an island in a smaller kitchen; This makes the room feel more spacious. Most freestanding islands have open shelves below the work area for this reason.
When installing a kitchen island, everything revolves around the dimensioning and use. Whether you need help visualizing what is possible or you are looking for a partner to make your dream kitchen come true, IKEA Kitchen Services is happy to help. Make an appointment to get started.
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