How do you integrate a central island into your kitchen ?
The central island has become an essential element in open-plan kitchens. Not only does it offer additional storage space, it also provides an aesthetic focal point that enhances the functionality of your kitchen.
Here are our essential tips for integrating a central island into your kitchen.
1. The size of the kitchen space
Don't underestimate the importance of room assessment when planning the central island in your kitchen. This step may seem insignificant, but it's actually essential!
Not all kitchens are suited to the installation of an island, especially those under 15 m². In such cases, the addition of an island may make circulation difficult and reduce the space available.
Tips: If you have a small kitchen, opt for a semi-island. This option allows you to benefit from the advantages of a central island while optimizing space.
To ensure an optimal layout, we recommend that you leave 90 to 120 cm of circulation space between the island and the other kitchen units. This allows for a smoother flow of traffic and facilitates the full opening of drawers without the risk of colliding with the fronts of other kitchen units.
Tips: For a more harmonious look, we recommend that you keep your carcases and kitchen units at the same height.
It's also important to note that the central island integrates harmoniously into different kitchen configurations (U-shaped, L-shaped, I-shaped, etc.). Of these, the U-shaped layout is considered the most favorable for the installation of a central island, offering better accessibility to the island.
A little extra: Don't forget the golden triangle when designing your island!
2. The central island delimits spaces
When your kitchen is open to living areas such as the lounge, the central island can act as a "buffer". It creates a visual separation between the kitchen and the living room, offering a dissociation between the two spaces. This feature of the central island allows you to easily change the decor, whether in terms of flooring, colors or other elements, without having to modify the entire room.
3. A multifunctional space in the kitchen
The central island offers many possibilities in terms of functionality. It can accommodate a hob, a washing-up area or even a hood, either integrated or recessed into the worktop.
Tips: To conceal the hood, you can opt for a Novy cooker hood integrated into the hob.
When positioning your appliancesWhen positioning your appliances, it's important to take into account water and power supply requirements. If you're planning to install a sink and/or hob on your island, it's essential to leave a space of at least 20 cm on either side. This will give you extra space to place elements next to it without being in the way.
Caution: Avoid positioning your dishwasher at the end of the central island.
What's more, the central island provides a convivial space for dining. In fact, you can create a space under your worktop to store your chairs. This saves space and adds a decorative dimension to the room as a whole.
4. Curved sides
To bring roundness and softness to your central island, you can opt for our curved sides. They create a pleasant, less rigid atmosphere in your kitchen. They also tend to take up less visual space than angular furniture.
Caution: Don't forget that a curved side must be installed on the side of an IKEA METOD or LEROY MERLIN DELINIA ID pedestal, and that it takes up 10cm of width!
5. Design and finishes for a central island
When it comes to choosing the material for your worktop, the possibilities are many and varied. You can choose granite, quartz, ceramic and many others. You can also add a jamb to your island for added aesthetic appeal. However, we advise you to opt for materials that are resistant and suitable for your use, especially if you have a family.
In addition, the stone worktop can drop up to 40 cm without the need for a support leg. Beyond this point, a support leg is required.
With regard to fronts of your kitchen, here again you have several options:
-Match the central island with the fronts of your kitchen to create a monochrome look.
-Or opt for a central island with different colors and materials from your fronts, to give it a touch of pizzazz and bring a certain dynamism to your kitchen.
The little extra: Use lights above the worktop to highlight it and illuminate your work area.
You're now armed with all the knowledge you need to integrate a central island into your kitchen. So don't hesitate to put these valuable tips into practice!
