“ Kitchen islands: what’s next for this popular design feature?”
HOMEinsider THE P
As an aspirational, multi-functional unit, Georgina Townshend looks at how it’s become central to many redesigned spaces
aint an idealistic scene of your dream kitchen – what does it include? I’m going to guess there’s an island, with children sat peacefully doing their homework by day, friends gathered
around at night, and a built-in wine cabinet conveniently close to hand. And while it’s certainly not the perfect set-up for absolutely everyone – because, let’s face it, you need ample space – nearly all of the homeowners I interview for KBB have an island on their wishlist. However, what I am noticing is a shiſt : instead of asking for a simple, large unit in the middle of an open-plan kitchen, multi-purpose and multi-layered designs are becoming more popular. What do I mean by that? I asked Tony McCarthy, commercial director at Crown Imperial, for his input. “The island is now evolving into a statement piece off ering storage plus cooking and preparation areas at the heart of the action,” he explained. “It has been transformed into a social and entertaining zone, as well an integral link between living spaces.” If you look at our kitchen layouts feature (p61), you’ll see lots of designers are on the same page. I’ve learnt that there are several more ways to create a social
left Eggersmann’s The Wall system with E3.0 island cabinetry in Chablis Vintage Oak and Unique 5mm hot rolled steel work surface. Eggersmann kitchens start from £40,000.
below Kitchen Architecture used Bulthaup’s b3 base units in Graphite with Carrara marble worktop; the tall unit and bar are in black brown oak. Images and interior design by Roselind Wilson. Prices start from £50,000.
Modern metro
I love how Walls & Floors has taken the metro tile and given it a modern twist. The Picket beveled tiles, £33.95 per sq m are shown in Mint,
but are also available in fi ve other colourways.
above Modulnova’s Blade collection features this island in Smoked Oak, tall units in a metallic fi nish called Iron Dust, and Unlimited unit with metal uprights and stone shelves. Designspace London kitchens start from £25,000.
island than simply adding barstools under a worktop. Richard Atkins, Designspace London’s design director, told me that he is “regularly integrating a table into the island, for two reasons: when a living space is more compact and there is no room for a separate dining table or when you want to eat close to the cooking zone”. You could also include banquette seating instead – even a small, two-seat fi tted bench makes a diff erence. This is ideal for participating in guests’ conversations when you’re entertaining, but ensures the working area is kept separate. Including a comfortable place to sit helps create a welcoming space – something I believe we are all increasingly looking for. Plus, this evolution could open up opportunities for smaller spaces as you’ll no longer need to choose between an island or dining table – you can creatively achieve a nice mix of both. If you have a sizeable room and would like your
island to be more of a barrier to break it up, why not alter its shape, size, and dimension? You could integrate tall shelving, which acts as a decorative screen but can also help if you’d like to introduce the trend of having a design that looks more like living furniture than kitchen cabinetry. How about creating an L-shaped design at a lower or higher level than the main worktop? Or a U-shape, with each side dedicated to a diff erent function, from washing up to socialising. Make sure there’s enough fl oor area to do this, so the space doesn’t feel too squashed in and so your layout allows for good ergonomic fl ow. Kitchen designers will help you come up with your ideal scheme, but remember to visit at least three to see how they interpret your ideas. The possibilities are endless, but how will you have yours?
42 KITCHENS BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS l APRIL 20 Down to the woods
French Connection’s new Sustainable Forest collection celebrates natural textures and fi bres. Round wooden dining table, £545; natural driftwood medium stool, £95; Sundown wooden stool, £150; eucalyptus wood table, £120; Radiate wooden bowl, £35; Cloud white platter £25; Luxe clear
trumpet vase in small, £22, and large, £45; and Wire ceiling light £150.
Recycling goals As the weather begins to turn and we start sitting outside again, why not help the planet too and invest in furniture made from salvaged ocean plastics? Available from Heal’s, Mater’s Ocean chair is priced £234.
Shapes and sizes KBB
It seems my rug obsession is still as prevalent as ever, and I love this abstract design from Habitat. Symbols rug, £250.
On my RADAR
For stockists turn to p156
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