Designing your dream kitchen when you have limited space can be challenging, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Many people with small kitchens think that they can’t have an island. However, with the right design, you can make it happen, and it can make your kitchen more functional.
Need inspiration for your small kitchen island? We’ve got you covered.
When you have a small kitchen, everything needs to be functional. Your kitchen island should have a variety of uses—don’t limit it to just one. Add a countertop that makes it easy to enjoy meals at your island. Integrate plugs so you can use it while working with small appliances or to create a charging station. Work with your contractor to see if your sink, stovetop, or other appliances could be incorporated into the island.
The bottom of a kitchen island can provide ample storage. Add drawers or cabinets to the island so that storage space can be maximized. You can double your kitchen storage space using this innovative technique. You might even consider adding in a customized wine storage rack or small appliance like a bar fridge or microwave.
A kitchen island can make a space look bigger. Adding one in a bright colour that provides contrast will naturally draw people’s eyes to it and help your space look bigger.
Instead of closed cabinets, opt for open shelves underneath the island. This can create a sense of openness and provide a place to display decorative items or store frequently used items.
This hack makes it easy to customize the amount of space you have in your kitchen. You can pull countertops up or out when you are eating or entertaining. When you are cooking or cleaning, countertops can be folded away to give you extra space.
To make the island stand out, consider adding decorative details such as corbels, decorative panels, or a unique countertop edge, like a waterfall countertop. You can also make decorative details functional, creating an L shape to provide extra seating or incorporating multiple countertop heights to accommodate various activities.
When you have a small kitchen, it’s all about making every space as functional as possible. Use the sides of the island for vertical storage. You can install hooks, shelves, or even a spice rack to make the most of the available space.
Ensure that the design of the island matches the overall style of the kitchen. Cohesive design elements create a harmonious look. Work with your cabinet expert to install an island that flows with your kitchen cabinetry and accessories.
Butcher blocks allow you to replace your countertops with a multi use cutting board surface. This makes your kitchen more functional and adds more space for cooking. It is the perfect upgrade for avid home chefs.
If you don’t need storage, keeping your island on table-style legs will help your space have flow and look more open. This also makes it easy to add seating to your island.
Kitchen islands don’t always have to be large squares. A super slim, rectangular island can still provide you with storage, a cooking surface, and an eating area without taking up valuable space. You can customize your narrow island to have storage or be open underneath.
Proper lighting can enhance the island’s visual appeal. Pendant lights above the island not only provide task lighting but can also be decorative elements that tie the kitchen’s design together.
Seating makes your island more functional and anchors it as a place to gather and socialize. However, you should go for smaller, sleeker seating options that can easily be pushed in and won’t crowd the kitchen.
Your kitchen island doesn’t have to be square or rectangular. Adding curves and enclaves can help you maximize an awkward space. Work with a skilled carpenter who can design a unique shape that maximizes your island’s functionality with ease.
Just because you have a small kitchen, doesn’t mean you can’t have your dream island. With the right planning and interior design, an island can make your small kitchen more functional. It can also help it to look larger. Remember that the key is to balance aesthetics with functionality in a small kitchen.
"