Kitchen with an island - all the features of planning and design. Kitchen Ergonomics: Helpful Space Optimization Tips Kitchen Island Options

Dining area in the kitchen plays important role in the life of any family. Joint meals and gatherings with friends help a person relieve stress and find harmony. Therefore, it is important that the place for eating is convenient and comfortable and clearly delimited from the food preparation area.

One of the ways to organize a dining area is a kitchen island. This is a piece of furniture placed separately from the main set closer to the center of the room.

A kitchen island with a dining area can be either part of a suite or an independent piece of furniture - you can always buy it separately.

Types of designs of a kitchen island with a dining area - what can be represented

Kitchen island with table

The dining area in the island can be represented by both the entire structure and its part. Most often it is a rectangular table of impressive size. There are designs in which the place for a meal is represented by a full-fledged corner with sofas.

What shape can an island with a dining table be

Depending on the shape, kitchen islands with a dining area can be:

• straight - in this case, the dining table is a continuation of the island. This design turns out to be too long, therefore it is suitable for stretched rooms;
• corner - the table joins the island at an angle of 90 degrees and forms with it a small furniture complex in the shape of the letter "L". This option is ideal for square kitchens;
• T-shaped - in them the dining table is perpendicular to the base. It is important that the space in the furniture joint area has a functional purpose. For example, you can embed hob, sink or work surface.

Types of table designs combined with a kitchen island

When choosing an island Special attention placed on the dining table. First of all, you need to decide on its size. The dimensions of the dining area largely depend on the number of people for whom it is designed, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen and its layout.

To choose the right island with a table, follow the following rules:

• the optimal size of the product area for each person is 50x40 cm;
• an area of ​​at least 20 sq.cm should remain in the center of the table. - This is necessary for the placement of common items.

The traditional dimensions of the dining surface are:

• width - from 80 to 120 cm;
• length - from 90 to 120 cm;
• height - from 75 to 80 cm.

According to the method of attachment to the main table, they can be:

• attached - these are stationary structures that are installed close to the island. They are best suited to replace a full-fledged dining area;
• built-in (roll-out) - such a model is hidden in the body of the island and pulled out if necessary. This option is ideal as an additional option if the kitchen already has a table.

Transforming tables are well suited for large families. From small structures designed for 2-4 people, they easily turn into a zone for big family and guests - up to 10 people.

What materials are countertops made from?

Particular attention should be paid to the countertop - that is, the surface dining table. In order for the furniture to last for a long time, it is necessary to give preference to reliable, heat-resistant materials that are not prone to quick failure. After all, a table for food must withstand not only the weight of dishes, but also dishes with hot food, exposure to moisture and coloring products.

The best value for money is a worktop made of artificial stone or MDF.

Products made of laminated chipboard, although they look beautiful and are not expensive, they quickly deform and fail.

Furniture from natural wood or stone with a special coating is suitable for creating luxurious interiors, but the high price makes it not very popular - mostly islands with stone or wooden countertop are made to order.

Island with a dining area in the form of a kitchenette

An island with a kitchenette on the other side is one of the most practical solutions in the organization of the dining area. This design is an island in the form of a long tabletop, on the reverse side of which there is a sofa.

Thus, on one side of the island, a space for relaxation is obtained, and chairs are installed on the other - and a full-fledged place for a meal is ready.

For one-room studio apartments, there are options even with a sofa designed for sleeping and relaxing.

Shapes and dimensions of a kitchen island with a sofa

Modern furniture manufacturers offer various modifications of the island to the kitchenette. The most popular of them are:

• L-shaped - ideal for large kitchens. This dining area can comfortably accommodate up to 8 people;
• U-shaped - they use a straight tabletop and a corner sofa;
• "restaurant" option - in this case, the sofas are on both sides of the main tabletop, made in the shape of the letter T.

The dimensions of sofas for such designs are:

• length - from 100 to 200 cm;
• depth - from 50 to 70 cm;
• height - 40-50 cm (seats) and 80-95 cm (backs).

Kitchen sofas are usually complemented by niches for storing dishes, food and textiles. The most convenient option is drawers or a rising seat.

Types of sofas built into the kitchen island

Seat comfort and durability kitchen sofas largely depend on its upholstery and internal filling.

For upholstery use:

• leather is the most expensive, but at the same time high-quality option;
• leatherette is a budget option upholstery, not characterized by wear resistance. If you have decided to purchase leatherette furniture, then choose eco-leather - according to operational properties it is almost identical to natural;
• fabrics - jacquard, tapestry, microfiber. The advantage of fabric upholstery is that it is easy to change if necessary.

But the most practical option is velor. It is ideal for daily use, retains an attractive appearance for a long time and is not afraid of wet cleaning with soapy water.

But it is better to refuse upholstery in the form of velvet or artificial suede - these materials are quickly wiped and there is a risk that after six months the furniture will acquire an untidy “bald” look.

Kitchen sofas can be both soft and hard.

In soft ones, spring filling is used - it does not squeeze through and the furniture retains an attractive appearance for a long time.

And in hard ones, a thin layer of soft material is laid between the seat and the upholstery. It could be:

• foam - polyester foam;
• batting - fleece cotton yarn;
• sintepon - polyester fibers.

Some furniture manufacturers use very expensive and even exotic fillers. For example, seaweed or horse hair. However, in terms of performance, they are identical to their more budgetary counterparts and it makes no sense to overpay.

Additional functional purpose and equipment of the island with a dining area

As a rule, a kitchen island with a dining area also performs additional functions. So, it can be:

• work surface - in this case, the dining tabletop is combined with a more practical table designed for cooking;
• a module for embedding appliances - often a dining table is combined with a hob, sink or other necessary appliances;
• storage system - cabinets are mounted under the tabletop for placement kitchen utensils with hinged, hinged or gas lift doors.

Please note that in order to install an island in which the dining area and household appliances are combined, it must be possible to bring communications to the place of its installation.

Features of placing a kitchen island with a dining area - rules and requirements for the room

The idea of ​​functional comfort and compactness is embedded in the layout of the kitchen with an island - what is needed in this area should be placed at arm's length. Standard sizes island furniture complex: height 900 mm, width - over 1 meter, length - 0.6-1.5 meters or more.

A traditional island in the kitchen should be placed if the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room is more than 20 square meters. For a relatively small room 15-20 sq. m, compact, folding or mobile options are selected, such as in the photo below.

More about dimensions

A kitchen with an island is convenient due to the arrangement of another working area in the room. By installing an island element, up to 25% of the usable working area is added. In addition, you can bring electrical outlets here and install appliances, place an oven or sink.

The total space occupied by the island should not be more than 10% of the total kitchen area, and the passages around it must be at least 1 m wide - otherwise the room will be overloaded and it will be difficult to move around it. Therefore, in small kitchens, the island can be made mobile, and not stationary - on wheels.

So, the main dimensions of the island must comply with the following rules:

• Standard table height - 92 cm;
• If work is often carried out in the kitchen that requires effort (for example, kneading dough), then the countertop is lower - 76 cm;

For housewives who often cook pastries, good option becomes a two-level island.

• If the island will replace the dining table, then the minimum distance between the seat of the chairs and the top of the tabletop is 300-320 mm. The length of the island tabletop can be calculated according to the principle of 600 mm per seater.

And in order to use the island conveniently, you need to follow the rule of the working triangle - the stove, refrigerator and sink should be located at a distance of 1.5 meters, and these points should form a triangle when connected.

kitchen island shapes

The layout of the kitchen with the island may include the central elements of the following forms:

1. Rectangle is the most traditional and common shape for the island, it fits perfectly into small elongated spaces.

1. A square island is placed on, or in case the headset is located in a U-shaped pattern .

1. The semi-circular shape is great for an island with a bar, while the rounded part should be on the side of the bar, as shown in the photo.

1. The most convenient island in the kitchen is a U-shaped or open circle table, as it allows you to place everything you need within walking distance.

1. There are also completely round and oval island tables.

In general, the shape can be any - from a zigzag to a hexagon. But their height is approximately the same - 90-92 cm.

Large kitchen islands can be made visually lighter by equipping them with open shelves and drawers with glass fronts, or even choosing a table without decorations, and of course, White color make it much less cumbersome.

This is the so-called "working triangle". The triangle has three vertices, which indicate the areas of the greatest activity of the housewife.

The main point of the "working triangle" is the washing area, where 40-60% of the time is spent. The second two points are the stove and the refrigerator. The ideal layout is the location of the sink in the center of the triangle, the stove is located no further than 1200-1800 mm from the sink, and the refrigerator is 1200-2100 mm.

What can be placed on the kitchen island, layout options

Consider the main solutions for equipping the island in the kitchen, on which you can place the hob, sink, cutting area in various combinations.

On the working surface of the island there is a hob and a sink, the distance between them is not less than 300 mm.

There is a large sink and cutting area on the island, but, of course, in this case there will be no drying cabinet above the sink.

The fourth option on the island is a hob, a cutting surface and a small sink with a diameter of 380 mm, the main sink is against the wall.

The island has a compact sink and cutting surface.

Problems with plumbing communications to the kitchen island

Sometimes built into the island dishwasher, oven, mini fridge, if the main one is far away, wine cabinet.

Moving kitchen equipment to the island is associated with the transfer of communications, that is, water supply, electricity, gas and sewerage, which will be costly in terms of money.

Water drain and water supply will go over residential apartments on the floor below, you need to get permission for all this, make reliable waterproofing. To hide a sewer drain with a diameter of 50 mm and at the same time make it with a slope of 0.03, you will have to raise the floor level by 10-15 cm.

As far as gas is concerned, gas pipe must be accessible for inspection by gas service specialists, an open channel 80 mm deep must be left in the floor screed, which is closed with a removable grate.

The location of the electric hob, oven, household appliances on the island it will not cause difficulties if you think over the wiring diagram in advance, select the cable section, and plan the placement of sockets.

A hanging decorative shelf above the island looks spectacular, sometimes complete with an extractor hood and lighting.

Ergonomics of the island in the kitchen

The optimal size of the kitchen with an island

Optimal dimensions rooms for a kitchen with an island are at least 4.5 m wide and 15-20 m2 in area.

Minimum distance between the island and the main kitchen worktop and the wall is at least 1 m, in this case it is easy to move around and convenient to use.

The optimal dimensions of the island are 850-950-100 mm high, 1800 mm wide and 900 mm deep. A minimum width of 1200 mm, it is no longer worth making an island in the kitchen less.

island hood

The island hood must be mounted at such a height that it does not touch her head. The wider the island, the wider the hood should be.

The air from the hood should preferably be discharged into the ventilation shaft; operation in the filtration mode will not provide the required air purification efficiency.

But here's what to do with the duct to the island. Solutions include installation multi-level ceiling, false beams, air ducts are hidden in them.

Rice. 12-13. Air ducts to the island hood are hidden in decorative boxes

If the ceiling is high, then for this case there are models of hoods with a long chimney.

The island kitchen is a U-shaped or L-shaped arrangement of your headset with a working area that is small and stands apart, that is, separately. This work area is located in the center of the kitchen room. About how to make an island not only stylish element, but our article will also tell a design find.

The design of the island part, as a rule, has a rectangular shape, but you can also find non-standard options forms:

1. oval;
2. semicircular;
3. Zigzag.

A do-it-yourself kitchen island will be most comfortable only in a fairly large room (at least 16 square meters). The smallest part of the kitchen island should be 3 square meters.

Standard kitchen island dimensions:

• Length - at least 120 centimeters;
• The minimum width is 60 centimeters, the maximum width is 150 centimeters;
• Height - from 85 centimeters to 95.

The space that passes between the main headset and the island should not be less than a meter. The design of the island kitchen, as a rule, includes a single color scheme for all items in the headset. This does not mean that various contrasts are unacceptable in this case, just that you need to be careful with them. Kitchen design should be harmonious.

Island functionality

Do not forget that the island in the kitchen is intended not only for the preparation of products, but also for their preparation. Well-chosen chairs can also form a dining area.

What can be placed on the table top of the island:

• The hob and sink, which are separated by the working area. Width - 30 centimeters;
• Cooking surface and cutting area;
• An area that is designed for food preparation and a large sink with two sections;
• Hob, plus a small sink. This kitchen design includes the following arrangement: the kitchen has two sinks, one of them is the main one and it is placed against the wall;
• Dining area, which is thought out in terms of technology. In this place you can install all the necessary small-sized household appliances.

Most often, a kitchen island can be seen as a dining surface or as a bar counter.

By the way, under the tabletop “islands” you can build:

1. Oven;
2. Refrigeration chamber;
3. dishwasher;
4. Shelves for dishes;
5. Drawers for various cutlery.

Above the surface of the island, you can install a powerful hood, which in turn can be equipped with lighting. You can also install a special shelf with your own hands, a mensol, on which you can hang all the necessary kitchen utensils.

Kitchen design with an island: basic styles

The design of the kitchen island can include any style solutions:

• Classic. This style is dominated by carved facades, stone or marble countertops, and stained glass windows. The island part in this case can be decorated with arched shelves, carved overlays, balusters. If the kitchen island is already built hob, then a chimney hood is installed above it.
• Country. This kitchen island design includes a variety of decorative weaves, chintz curtains, wicker drawers.
• Modern. Kitchen design in this case requires most often metal and glass. The main distinguishing feature is the streamlined countertops, the smooth surface of the walls, the absence of utensils and appliances outside.
• Minimalism. The main quality of a do-it-yourself kitchen island is maximum functionality, ergonomics and simplicity. A hallmark of minimalism is the most functional cavities for storing food, utensils, built-in household appliances, sliding cabinet doors, and probably options for sets that do not have handles or they are disguised in them.
• High tech. Kitchen design includes metal surfaces, which have a special reflection or patination. A kitchen of this style has a lot in common with the classics. Rounded shapes create a slight hint of futurism.

small kitchen layout with island

Many people ask: how are things with the island in small apartment? There is a way out and it will be a redevelopment, that is, a combination of a living room and a kitchen. It is worth remembering that the layout of the kitchen with the island should include certain points:

• The island table should be distinguished by maximum functionality. In other words: it can be both dining and cutting. In the event that the layout of an apartment or your house implies a kitchen studio, then the surface of the island will be a cooking, washing or working area on the one hand, and a dining area on the other. It is worth noting that such a table must be installed so that the working, cooking or washing area is located exactly in the kitchen part of the room. At the same time, the dining area is an element of the room, which will be the border with the kitchen.
• In a kitchen that has an island, it is worth planning the location of cabinets, appliances, and all this with a sequence of use. And, besides, do not forget about the ergonomics of cabinets, work surfaces and various shelves.

For a small kitchen with a do-it-yourself island, built-in wardrobes and household appliances are most suitable.

• To save space, you can use folding furniture. Let's say your island's table surface can be made foldable, and the washing area can be adapted for cutting. Luckily, modern technologies create an excellent opportunity to create a multifunctional hob.
• All household appliances can be placed on top of each other. Much in this case depends on how often you use a particular device. A refrigerator for a small kitchen with an island is best to buy narrow and slightly elongated upwards.
• Particular attention should be paid to the windowsill. For a small kitchen, this element, which has sufficient dimensions, can serve as an additional work area. The window sill can include the functions of a dining table, as well as the functions of a cutting surface.

Kitchen island (video)

In this video you will find photos of 30 kitchen island options:

We can conclude that the design of the “kitchen-island” project can be appropriate not only in large, but also in small rooms. And, by the way, you can make the layout so that the kitchen will look much larger and, at the same time, it will be as functional as possible.

Which kitchen island to choose (photo gallery)

30 kitchen island ideas

Things to Consider Before Buying an Island

Its advantages and disadvantages:

Island for large and small kitchens

The shape and area of ​​the kitchen island depends on the size of the kitchen.

A large rectangular island, stretched along the entire set, is suitable for a large kitchen.

Also, a large island has impressive storage capacity and will be a useful addition to a compact kitchen set.

And if the kitchen and dining room are in different rooms, behind such an island you can have a quick bite or a cup of coffee.

A smaller kitchen will fit a square small island. If desired, you can still take it out working area and organize storage.

Or use as a work surface and dining area.

Work island functions

If finding a free place for the island is problematic, then finding a use for it is easy.

Island as an additional countertop

Zoning

With the help of a kitchen island, it is convenient to separate the kitchen, combined with the living room, as we did in.

decorative function

The kitchen island stands out in the kitchen and draws attention.

The photo shows a kitchen island made of artificial stone by German designers LEICHT Küchen. It sets the tone for the entire interior.

In order not to overload the space, you can make part of the kitchen island through.

An island of rich color looks great in a bright kitchen.

Kitchen islands of an unusual shape

In addition to the classic rectangular and square islands, manufacturers offer unusual shapes.

It is convenient to approach the round island from any side and there is no risk of hitting a corner.

You can find a curved kitchen island. It takes up a lot of space, but is more comfortable and looks more original.

A more compact option is a corner island. In the island in the photo, the dining area and stove were smashed.

Some kitchen islands are made multi-level. The countertop is a little higher, and the sink or stove is a little lower. Convenient for work and protects the kitchen from splashes, and guests from the sight of dirty dishes.

Kitchen island materials

The main materials for the islands are:

• wood;
• fake diamond;
• stainless steel.

The chipboard option is the cheapest. Due protective coating it is quite durable and can be made in any color.

Wooden kitchen island suitable for classical cuisine or .

The artificial stone option is much more expensive than the previous two. It is important not to forget that the stone is stained and damaged.

A stainless steel kitchen island is a solution for a modern or high-tech kitchen. Most importantly, do not forget to stock up on glossy surface care products.

Kitchen island for a small kitchen

For those who really want an island to appear in their small kitchen, we also picked up a couple of ideas.

Manufacturers Home Styles, SEGAwe and Best choice offer miniature kitchen islands on wheels. You can put a hot baking sheet on them, store glasses and a couple of bottles of wine or cutlery.

The kitchen island on wheels slides under the countertop and is removed when an additional work surface is needed.

So, let's combine the basic rules for kitchen islands:

• a large kitchen - an island stretched along the headset;
• a small kitchen - a modest square or on wheels;
• the distance from the island to other furniture is at least a meter;
• in the first place - the useful functionality of the island;
• we trust the communication wire to professionals.

If you don’t want to run pipes, wires and a hood to the island, consider the option of a dining island, as in ours.

More ideas for inspiration - in our portfolio. And ours will give more understanding of how you see the future house.