Island benches can transform a kitchen from a space solely meant for cooking, into a social hub where friends and family can gather to prepare a meal without disrupting their time together. But there’s a lot to consider before you start designing – so here’s a quick rundown on all your kitchen island basics.
SHAPES AND SIZES
There are no real limitations to the shape and size of your kitchen island. Most often, people opt for a galley design which is more-or-less rectangular and sits parallel to the kitchen. But the shape should ultimately be chosen according to what will be most practical in your space and can be L-shaped, U-shaped, circular or anything in between. Take our Alfred Road project, for example, where we custom-made an angular island to complement the design of the rest of the home.
When it comes to size, choose an island so large that it’s difficult to move around your kitchen, or so small that there’s barely any usable bench space, and you’re probably better off without one at all. Aim to have 900-1200mm of space around the island for easy movement and access to appliances and other storage. Depths tend to range between 600-1200mm, and should be influenced by whether you want the island to include appliances (such as a hotplate, sink or dishwasher) or an overhang for seating. If opting for an overhang, this should extend past the base by about 300-400mm to ensure there’s enough legroom. Consult your designer or benchtop supplier about how large your overhang can be before it needs additional structural support.
FUNCTIONALITY FIRST
Ultimately, a kitchen island needs to be functional. So, to prioritise usability without detracting from the design, there are a few things to consider.
Storage
Before we look at the different types of storage options, let’s first consider a lack of it. Table-style islands with no storage can be a good choice where you only need the extra bench space, or for smaller kitchens where a solid island will make the room look cramped.
If you are opting for the extra storage, take the time to consider how much storage you need and where cupboards, drawers or even open shelves will be the most practical. For example, if you include a sink on the island, it’s a good idea to make sure there’s space for a dishwasher and the bins nearby.
A good balance of extra storage and seating at Maldon Way.
Benchtop appliances
One of the more difficult decisions for many of our clients is whether to include hotplates or sinks on their island bench. Nowadays, it’s becoming more common to leave it completely empty for the extra bench space. This is ideal if you cook a lot or want another space to sit and eat.
Utilising this space for a sink or stove, though, can make it easier to maintain the kitchen work triangle. This is the idea that there should be three main work zones in a kitchen that loosely resemble a triangle for ease of use: the sink (with bench space for preparation), the fridge and the stove. While it’s not uncommon to see a sink on a kitchen island, hotplates can be a bit more difficult as you’ll either need a downdraft system or will face the challenge of choosing a rangehood that doesn’t dominate the space.
The length and an innovative downdraft extraction system allowed us to include both a sink and hotplate on this kitchen island at our Amherst St project.
Fixed or moveable
Typically, kitchen islands are built-in, but after seeing moveable options in a few projects now, we expect these will become more popular. In any home, they offer more flexibility, but it’s in those where space is a concern where they become particularly beneficial. In our Swansea Street project, we repurposed a beautiful old butcher’s table that’s used as a kitchen island but can be moved to extend the dining table when entertaining.
BENCHTOP MATERIALS
There are countless benchtop materials to choose from, but so this blog isn’t triple the length, let’s take a look at the four most popular:
Concrete
Concrete benchtops are a great way to add a raw or industrial element to your kitchen. They’re naturally heat-resistance and, with proper maintenance, can last decades. They’re also very customisable, making them a great choice for anyone wanting a creative shape or design. They are, however, very heavy and may need extra reinforcement. They’re also highly susceptible to staining without a high-quality sealer.
Natural stone
As in its name, natural stone is stone taken from a quarry, cut to size and polished to result in a one-of-a-kind benchtop. This, along with the possibility of costly installation due to weight and size, also makes it the most expensive option in this list. Typically, natural stone is long-lasting and durable and many people like the fact that it’s had less exposure to harmful chemicals during production. Different types of natural stone will have different risks, benefits and maintenance requirements, so research these carefully before choosing one.
Kitchen island with a natural stone benchtop at Vivaldi Drive.
Stainless steel
There’s a reason these benchtops are most-often seen in commercial kitchens. Stainless steel is incredibly hard-wearing; stain-free; easy to clean; and heat, rust, water and fire resistant. They can, however, be scratched and dented, so some care is still needed. It also isn’t your typical household choice, so good design is important. At Langsford Street, a shadow line, negative detail and polished edge results in a sleek design that beautifully complements the surrounding concrete, timber and dark cabinetry.
Porcelain
While relatively new as a benchtop material, porcelain is quickly becoming a popular option. It comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, and is scratch, stain, heat and fire resistant. It is, however, a brittle material which means it can chip or crack. As it’s a very thin material, there will also be visible seams on mitred edges.
In our Arundel Street project, the porcelain even allows an induction cooktop to sit under the benchtop for a seamless design.
UNIQUE DESIGNS
This turtle tank installed within the kitchen island was certainly a first for us at Arklen, but what a great way to incorporate it into the design!
A bookshelf in the back of the kitchen island was the ideal way to utilise extra storage, and connect the living area and kitchen in an open-plan design.