Before you can decide if a kitchen island is right for your home, you need to consider two things: size and space. A large island might make your kitchen feel cramped, while a small one won’t be as lovely or luxurious as you want it to be. We recommend having at least 1 metre of space around an island so that you can easily open cupboard doors and use appliances. There also needs to be enough space to push back chairs if you want the island to function as a seating area.

The main concern you should have when planning the kitchen island of your dreams is its purpose. Will it be used to cook? To eat? For storage? Depending on what you need, the shape and size will change as well accommodate for appliances, plug points, and seating options. Also keep in mind that islands don’t always have to be square-shaped; they come in all shapes and sizes—you could even want a curved ‘s’ or round one.

If you want extra worktop space for meal prep and serving drinks, then a bespoke kitchen island is the way to go. But before you get too excited about adding an oversized sink or wine fridge, make sure your home can handle the plumbing and electrical requirements.

When designing your kitchen island, don’t overcrowd it, and make sure to leave enough space for more than one person to work comfortably. This is essential for busy occasions like Christmas.

Keep the hob and other appliances on the same side of the kitchen island as your dining area to avoid any cooks getting in guests’ way. And if you’re going to have seating on the other side of the island, go for an induction cooker rather than a gas one. Not only is it safer (since there’s no naked flame), but it’ll also give your kitchen a more streamlined look.

A kitchen island can provide the perfect opportunity to socialise with loved ones. You might be picturing a warm space to share meals and drinks with friends, or perhaps a place where your children can do their homework or help you cook dinner.

If you’re looking for a comfortable place to eat informal meals, think about getting an island base that is smaller with a work surface hanging over one or more of the sides. Then people can sit down without any trouble. Another option is to attach a lower dining table, which works well in small kitchens because then you don’t need a massive dining set including table and chairs. Though no matter what seating option you go with in your kitchen, always make sure there is enough space around the perimeter of the room so people can freely walk by.

Nowadays, people are using their kitchens for more than just cooking and dining; they’re working in them, too. If you want your island to serve as a desk for your home office, be sure to design it with technology in mind. This way, whether you’re using your phone, tablet or laptop while stationed there, you’ll have what need at an arm’s reach.

Incorporate accessible plug sockets with built-in USB chargers to keep devices charged without the unsightly wires. If you’re concerned about hiding cords, consider adding drawers or cupboards specifically designed to hold tablets and phones while they are charging. Alternatively, opt for integrated wireless charging points. Take your work needs into consideration when selecting seating and lighting near your kitchen island workspace – a stool may not be as comfortable as a chair with lumbar support, for example.

By adding a kitchen island to your home, you are not only increasing its resale value but also making it more functional. With the ability to storage appliances, pots and pans, or drawer inserts for stationery and shelves for books; the options are limitless. You could even use run-end storage for spices and condiments or include a built-in drinks cupboard or wine fridge – perfect for entertaining guests.

If you’re planning on updating your kitchen any time soon and would like some advice and/or inspiration then do take a look at our website information or advice then contact us here at London Kitchen Designer where you will find images of recent and past projects. You can also call us Mon to Sat from 9am to 5pm, tel: 0208 504 8850.