Island Life

Metaform Architects

The kitchen truly is the heart of the home- a place where families and friend gather, and where meals are prepared and shared. If you are like me, there is never enough storage, and counter space is prime real estate. The kitchen island is a design element that can serve as both a beautiful and utilitartian purpose.

One of the benefits of having a kitchen island is that it provides another eating surface. I like how counter or bar stools at an island bridge the gap between eating and cooking in the kitchen. The bench seating is a trendy take on stools that I find different and neat. Make sure you don't go wider than a two seat bench, or else the middle person gets stuck on the seat.

The Cross Design

Living in a tight space presents its own set of challenges, especially if you are an avid cook. Sometimes, I almost believe that smaller kitchens are easier to navigate, because all you have to do is make a few turns and dinner is ready. I think the mini kitchen below is quite successful. Rather than an island, a peninsula extends from the wall and is used as countertop space as well as to set the adjacent spaces apart from one another.

Apartment Therapy

The wood construction and legs give this farmhouse island a furniture feel. The wood brings a warmth, hominess, and casual air to the gathering place.

Pinterest

I'm pretty certain the image below is from a boutique, but I thought it interesting to share. In a larger space, a series of legged islands could work well.

Rue Magazine

A more industrial and modern approach, this island is wrapped in gray brickwork. The stone tile backsplash that stretches to the ceiling adds an earthy quality, and the light that streams through the three skylights highlights the space with natural warmth.

Passeoner.com

Don't forget how much storage you have the potential to squeeze into this design element. Whether it is with open or closed shelving, think about what needs to be stored. Is it serveware, cookbooks, or wine? - to name a few.

Houzz

Something I have been seeing a lot of lately are waterfall style countertops. This means that the countertop stone wraps down from the surface of the counter to the floor and acts as support for a countertop ledge like in the picture below. It is clean and streamlined. I like the way the design tucks a wine cooler and shelving underneath the lip, and the wood ceiling that mimics the flooring.

Zero Energy Design

What homes have you visited or pictures you have seen that have a successful island design?