A kitchen with an island has long proven its aesthetics and versatility in America and Europe. In our country, such a solution began to be used not so long ago, but has already found its fans. What is the secret of the popularity of this layout, how to properly organize the space and what style to choose for the kitchen? Answers to these and other important questions can be found in our article.
First of all, it is important to understand what the island is. An island is a type of layout where a so-called “island” is placed in the center of the room, which serves as a work or hob surface, plays the role of a dining area or sink. The essence of the concept is simple and clear, which means you can consider the distinctive features and characteristics of the island and the kitchen with its presence.
What is an island design in the kitchen?
The photo of a kitchen with an island on our website shows different types of furniture, how it can be used, how it fits into the interior with its dimensions, and also determine the required dimensions of the island in the kitchen.
At its core, it is a table that is placed in the center of the room separately from the rest of the furniture, in various modifications with a hob, sink, in various combinations with other furniture: a sofa, a bar counter, a dining table.
A kitchen with an island in the house is always extraordinary, beautiful, elegant and pompous, it makes you interested in the installation method, design and has novelty and convenience.
Which flooring to choose?
Tile or parquet.
Combine these two types of coverings, leaving functional tiles only near the kitchen work areas, and warm and cozy parquet throughout the rest of the kitchen.
Island sizes
Island designs can be quite varied. The standard height is 80-100 cm, which is very convenient when working while standing (cutting, stirring, etc.). The optimal passage, that is, the gap between the island and the kitchen unit, is calculated to be at least 100-120 cm.
For convenience and saving space, hanging mensols for kitchen utensils are installed above the island, the size of which is individually adjustable. Tabletop sizes vary from 1 m to 2.5 m in length depending on the size of the room and design.
Choosing curtains for a loft-style kitchen and wall decor
Initially, the loft style did not involve the use of window decor; it was necessary to have good lighting. Modern designers have added this innovation.
The most suitable for loft-style kitchen design will be curtains made of natural fabrics, which transmit light to the greatest extent.
The style does not allow the use of folds and draperies; curtains should be as smooth as possible.
Stylish shelving with living plants Source house-biz.com.ua
Loft kitchen design option for a small apartment Source www.pinterest.com Kitchen set in dark blue Source www.forrest.od.ua/
Advantages and disadvantages of designs
The positive aspects of using island areas in the kitchen include:
- Availability of additional workplace;
- Cooking takes place in a favorable environment, when the hostess can not be distracted from what is happening in the living room (children playing, talking with guests without turning her back to them);
- An island is a convenient, spacious place for storing food and kitchen items;
- Additional furniture makes it possible to reduce the “work triangle”: stove, sink, refrigerator. And because of this, the number of steps in the kitchen is reduced, human energy for doing work is saved;
- Island structures have a large selection of types, designs, and selected materials;
- A kitchen design with an island can optimally solve the problems of partitions, furniture arrangement and zoning;
- Possibility of placing a large number of functional devices in a small area.
But among all the positive aspects of island structures, there are negative aspects that you may encounter:
- A small kitchen with an island is ineffective. Lack of free space prevents free movement and normal work;
- It is problematic to carry out communications in multi-storey buildings;
- For normal movement around the cabinet, a distance of 1 m around the perimeter from the wall or furniture is required.
As you can see from the above, the advantages of using such furniture are much greater. This is due to fashionable design solutions, ergonomic space, and the emergence of new finishing materials.
Backlight
For comfortable cooking, lighting should be located above the kitchen island. Exception: unit installed close to the window. To make cooking convenient, pendant lamps, spotlights or built-in lighting fixtures are placed above the countertop.
You can also hang a special shelf above the island. It is designed to accommodate ladles, ladles and decorations in the form of bunches of garlic or onions.
For lunches
Dinner Zone. The option when the island is used as a dining or table table is the most common. Its design has been optimized, including space under the countertop.
This category includes designs with a bar counter and hanging fittings for wine glasses and glasses, which look very intriguing.
What material is suitable for the countertop?
Dark or red wood, possibly granite. In rare cases, it is worth using marble - such an exquisite and expensive material will stand out unnaturally against the backdrop of an industrial loft.
To find out which materials are best for countertops and why, see our special infographic.
Universal compact tables
Transformer. The small size of the room is not a reason to abandon island structures. Compact furniture, which can be expanded in size if necessary, is an excellent solution for small kitchens.
Such a table cannot accommodate a sink or stove, but it can be combined with a sofa and used as a partition between rooms.
Peninsula
An alternative option for small apartments is a peninsula. It is similar to an ordinary kitchen island, but the difference is that one side of it is placed against a wall or furniture.
Islands in the interior
The shape of the modules can be square, rectangular, oval, round or shaped. For finishing and the main rack, water-repellent, strong, durable materials are chosen.
A classic kitchen with an island assumes a pastel color scheme in soothing tones using MDF panels, glass and laminated coverings. Such an environment will be conducive to conversation and pleasant moments behind the stove.
Kitchen breakfast bar
If the dining room seems unnecessary and uncomfortable to you, install a small bar table for breakfast. Just don't forget to pay attention to the chairs.
A breakfast bar not only allows you to grab a quick bite before heading to work, but can also welcome guests with the utmost hospitality. If you plan to use it to entertain friends and family, perhaps a longer, more spacious peninsula will suit you. Otherwise, this is the perfect place to bond with your child or spouse.
