IKEA kitchen island: design ideas with a ready-made island table and a module of cabinets and countertops

The fashion for a kitchen island has appeared recently. This is a separate element, standing at a distance from the rest of the furniture. It really looks like an island, which is located in the center of the room and serves as additional storage space for food and kitchen appliances. The island also takes on the functions of a dining table or bar counter.

How functional and practical this piece of furniture will be depends on the size of the room and the taste of its owner. First, let's figure out why you need an island in the kitchen.

What is an "island"

First, let’s look at what it is, a kitchen design with an “island”.
The classic definition is: an “island” is a free-standing piece of furniture, a large cabinet or table, most often located in the center of the room. Thanks to the peculiarity of its location and a thoughtful approach to the issue of functionality, the kitchen “island” is included in the so-called working triangle “sink - stove - table”. Either a hob or a sink is mounted in it. In addition, the “island” can be used as the main work area, as a dining table or bar counter - functionality depends on the design project. Initially, a similar layout with a separate work area was used in restaurant kitchens. This convenient design made it possible to solve the most common problem with the ability for several cooks to work simultaneously. Gradually, the island kitchen migrated to ordinary residential buildings. This was especially convenient in large rooms, conventionally divided into zones. This is exactly how we see modern cottages and townhouses, where the first floor is given over to the entrance hall, living room and kitchen, and the second floor houses bedrooms, children's rooms, and offices. Photos of various projects show how successfully the format of a combined space can be played up by dividing it into zones with correctly selected beautiful furniture.

What should an “island” be like?

The most common shape of a kitchen island is a rectangle. The reason is simple: a rectangular table or cabinet can easily fit into the overall style of the room; It is easiest to install a hob, oven or sink into it; It’s easy to use it in the design of a kitchen-living room with an “island.” However, recently, oval or semicircular “islands” with softly rounded corners, with an elongated, even rather complex mixed shape, are beginning to gain more and more popularity. Smooth lines look especially good in modern interiors in the spirit of neoclassics, where the kitchen “island” plays almost the dominant role.

Do you want to place several functional areas in one piece of furniture, for example, a work surface, a sink, a dining room, a bar? Look at the photo of a kitchen design with an “island” on two levels, when the work area is at a height of 70–80 cm, and the dining area or bar counter is at a height of 100–120 cm, sometimes even 150 cm. This two-level table is excellent for kitchens combined with living room. It allows you to smooth the transition from the working part to the rest room - the living room.

What should the kitchen area be?

Unfortunately, not every modern kitchen in standard apartments can be furnished with furniture with a dedicated “island” - the space simply won’t allow it. The minimum room size for such a layout is from 15 square meters. m, optimal – from 25 sq. m. In this case, the rule “the more, the better” is very relevant. At the same time, the distance from the “island” itself to another piece of kitchen furniture should be at least a meter, otherwise it will be inconvenient to move around the room, not to mention the fact that it will be impossible to open drawers and shelves.

The height of the “island” is standard, like other cabinets and cabinets of the first level. As a rule, this is 75–85 cm. However, it is quite acceptable to make it higher than the first section of the kitchen set. In this case, it will look like a bar counter and, if necessary, act as a buffer between the common room and the kitchen itself. If you intend to use the kitchen “island” as a dining table, pay attention to the width of the tabletop - such a table should be comfortable to sit at. There should be no built-in cabinets or drawers on the dining side, as they will be inconvenient to use.

When choosing a design project for an island kitchen, make sure that all possible little details are taken into account: how you will move around the room, which side to approach the “island” most often, how fully to use the available space of this piece of furniture, whether the ordinary chairs placed next to it will get in the way dining rooms or bar areas, does the kitchen “island” look good on the side, etc.

Why is the layout with an “island” the most successful?

The layout of a kitchen with an “island” will certainly require significant effort both when choosing a design and directly during installation, because communications must be connected to the cabinet-table by raising the floor, securing the entire structure, calculating the area and paying attention to many details. But this design option has a lot of advantages.

• Ergonomics
  . The kitchen “island” becomes one of the vertices of the working triangle: either a table, a sink, or a hob. Located in the center of the room, it will allow several people to work in the kitchen at once.
• Functionality.
  Theoretically, there are no boundaries for an island kitchen: a sink, a hob, an oven, and a dishwasher can be installed in the central part. On order, you can buy a kitchen with an “island” and with a built-in wine cabinet, and with a pull-out counter, and with a minibar or refrigerator - it all depends on your wishes, design ideas and technological capabilities of the room. Most importantly, do not forget to mount the hood above the “island” if you intend to install an electric or gas stove in the cabinet.
• Buffer zone
  . A kitchen with an “island” can harmoniously coexist with the living room without merging with the common room. In this case, a free-standing table acts as a buffer, a kind of demarcation line separating the living room area from the food preparation area. “Island” - a bar counter in the kitchen is often arranged on two levels: a directly high bar and a lower chef’s workplace.
• Economical.
  When imagining a kitchen interior with an “island,” first of all we think of something monumental, solid, and wide. In fact, the “island” can be very compact, narrow, sometimes even folding. In this case, it becomes an excellent solution for a dining area with a large number of guests.

Features of kitchen layouts with islands

The minimum size of a kitchen in which it would be practical and convenient to use an island should be 20-25 square meters. A set combined with a dining area is best installed in spacious studio apartments, when combining the kitchen and living room. This option would be optimal for owners of country houses.

When planning a room, care must be taken to ensure that the distance between the island and the furniture does not impede free movement. The minimum parameters are 100 cm; the ideal solution would be to install furniture 120 cm from the wall or other elements of the set. If you reduce the indicators, the process of opening cabinets or pulling out drawers becomes much more difficult.

In a kitchen combined with a living room or dining room, an island table serves to separate areas intended for work and relaxation. To correctly position a kitchen island with a dining table, you must follow the rules established by experts. The refrigerator, sink and stove should form a kind of triangle. The minimum distance between them is 60 cm, the maximum is 3 m.

The island should not be located further than 2 m from the main set. Otherwise, moving around the kitchen will be inconvenient.

In a country house

In the kitchen studio

In confined spaces

Dimensions and functionality of the island

Kitchen islands are sometimes chosen even by owners of rather modest kitchens or spaces combined with living rooms. Then the dimensions will obviously be small, but they can still be different - proportional to the area of ​​the room. The larger it is, the more extensive such an interior element can be. If the space is combined with other functional areas, the island element should be proportional to the area allocated for the kitchen.

Designers suggest using simple advice on organizing space with an island set:

• The dimensions of the island will be the most harmonious, taking into account the comfortable parameters of the desktops . The minimum block is 60 by 60 cm. Accordingly, the length of such a table can be increased to 120, 180, etc. see. The smallest islands and tables can also be on wheels - such a mini-set. Although most often it is a minibar, a refrigerator, just a cabinet for dishes and utensils.
• If desired, you can make the island part also square - 60x60 for a small kitchen, 120x120, 180x180. It all depends on the parameters of the room. The only thing worth considering is the equipment of the lower part of the structure.
• Original island elements may have a completely non-standard shape , and therefore their sizes will be unusual. These include semicircular tabletops, islands in the shape of a ship’s bow, and wing-shaped structures.

A kitchen island table, regardless of size, can vary in content. Most often this is a cabinet - with shelves behind the fronts or drawers. The shelves can also be open. For example, in the Provence style they are covered with light curtains. In the same country, a variety of items can be stored in wicker baskets placed on open shelves.

The larger the island, the more functional it can be. Often its tabletop continues with a dining table or bar counter. Depending on the height of the main structure, the dining area can be a continuation of the island or a separate part of it on another level - usually at a lower level for a dining group or higher for a bar counter.

A luxurious option would be to install a minibar or a small refrigerator for drinks, or a wine cabinet under the island countertop.

Basic Configurations

The island design can have various modifications:

1. Corner option. It saves space, so even in small rooms there is quite a lot of space left for the dining table. A kitchen with an area of ​​at least 9 m² will be optimal for placing furniture.
2. P and T-shaped variations. Such headsets are installed in large rooms. To save space, it is recommended to place the island at a distance of at least 1.2 m from the main structure. This will ensure safe work in the kitchen and convenient opening of doors.
3. Direct kits. Convenient for location, leaving the maximum amount of free space. All structural elements, household appliances, and storage systems are aligned in one line, which is necessary to ensure efficient, convenient and safe operation.

The choice depends on individual preferences and the shape of the room. With this furniture you can make your space more harmonious and attractive. Straight designs are quite long, so they are only suitable for rectangular elongated rooms. Corner sets are located at right angles, resembling the letter L, ideal for square-shaped rooms. The T-shaped configuration implies a perpendicular connection of the island to the base. To give the set greater functionality, a sink, work surface or stove are located at the junction of the furniture. This technique provides comfort while cooking.

If the dimensions of the kitchen island table are quite large, you can visually make the structure lighter. For this, glass facades and shelves are used - white color will make the model less bulky.

Angular

T-shaped

Straight

Round

Dimensions and functionality of the island

The area and configuration of the kitchen island depend on the size of the room:

1. For large rooms, large rectangular models stretched along the entire set are suitable. The multifunctional product will provide an impressive storage system and will be a useful addition to a small furniture set.
2. Medium-sized kitchens can be complemented with a small square-shaped island. It is important that the optimal distance is maintained between it and other objects.
3. Another suitable option would be products with sliding elements, with which you can expand the dining table when guests arrive. The models are functional, but inferior to large tables.
4. The smallest options on wheels are created especially for small kitchens. If necessary, they can be moved around the room. The products have minimal functionality and are complemented by storage cabinets.

If the island plays the role of a dining table, it is necessary that the width of the tabletop be at least 90 cm, the height from the floor is 92 cm. The minimum distance between chairs is 30 cm. The length of the surface is calculated according to the principle: 60 cm per person.

Features of the dining table

A kitchen with an island table is a place where a variety of dishes are prepared and eaten. In order for the whole family to enjoy the comfort and coziness of home, it is necessary to choose this furniture wisely. The main criteria are dimensions, design features, and the material from which the countertop is made.

Layout

This design requires a sufficient amount of free space, so the kitchen is often combined with the living room. It is especially convenient to use an island in a kitchen with dimensions of at least 16 square meters. For a large kitchen of 20 square meters in an apartment in an elite building, choose volumetric models more than 2 meters in length.

The photo shows the layout of the kitchen-living room with a rectangular island.

In a small space, it is possible to install a compact island, taking into account not only aesthetic, but also practical and safe components. With proper planning of a 12 square meter kitchen, the island element should be located at a distance of 1 meter from the walls, and 1.4 meters from the dining area. This scheme will allow for easy and free movement in space and build the correct working triangle.

The photo shows a small island with a white glossy countertop in the interior of a small kitchen.

Kitchen island equipment

A kitchen with an island will always be more functional and convenient, because it is easier to place the work triangle in the most comfortable accessibility. Using it instead of a table, instead of a bar counter, and as the main work surface, you can combine several things at once - watch TV with your family in the living room, communicate with friends who have dropped in for a cup of coffee, feed children who have returned from school, lunch while dinner is being prepared.

But the benefits of an island set don’t end there. There can be a ton of storage space under the countertop. If the dimensions of such a structure exceed standard parameters, the cabinets can be placed around the perimeter or only on two sides. And even with unusual parameters, you can always equip the furniture with different drawers, retractable cargo, shelves, etc.

In a compact room, you can complement the island part with a retractable table on wheels: the dining table top rises on legs that can be easily moved and folded out to the desired height.

Which set is harmonious with an island table?

Often the island part is chosen for a straight-linear set, considering the rest to be self-sufficient and convenient. In fact, any furniture can be complemented with an island.

• Of course, a linear kitchen set with such a detail will become more comfortable and functional . Here, thanks to the island, you can organize a more accessible work triangle. As a rule, straight sets of furniture are chosen for a spacious - long, perhaps narrow room. Moreover, an island with a dining table, work surface or sink would be appropriate here.
• With a corner set up to the ceiling, the island will also serve as an additional functional detail , which can be made into a place to store utensils, a bar counter, etc. This is a more interesting solution for such a kitchen, because the housewife does most of the work in the kitchen at the work table - cutting, serving, mixing, etc. Here you can relax and have a cup of coffee.
• A U-shaped set with an island detail will become a complete composition - a separate territory that does not require zoning. The island is placed on the free side, because there are no other options here, and this is what determines the boundaries of the kitchen block.

Use furniture of a different functional load

An inexpensive and effective way to organize an island table in the kitchen is to use other furniture elements in its role. There are the following options that may serve your purpose:

Coffee table

Stylish narrow table adds simple sophistication to the room

Such tables are designed to make various notes on them, place small objects or put newspapers. Therefore, they are usually made quite compact and narrow. Available in a variety of sizes, they fit perfectly into even the smallest of kitchens.

Closet

Vintage display cabinet as a table. The main thing is to maintain internal order!

An unexpected idea to use... a low cabinet as an island table! Convenience is at its best, as you can fit a huge number of different items into it, from towels to antique cast iron frying pans.

High table stand

The table creates a great combination with the main style of the kitchen

A high dining table of the correct shape, reminiscent of a bar counter, looks great. At such a table you can comfortably sit at dinner, prepare dishes, and store small things on its lower shelf.

Island as a zoning tool

In spacious rooms, for example, in the living room of a private house, as well as when combining rooms, the island serves as an effective zoning tool, especially when arranging a bar counter in addition to the desktop.

The location of the island part marks the boundary of the working area and the beginning of the guest area. If the bar counter and the food preparation surface are at different levels, this helps to divide the space to a greater extent.

A harmonious solution would also be to place pendant lamps above the island, or rather above the tabletop for eating. Although light is needed to a greater extent precisely above the working surface.

The features of using an island as a zoning tool are often determined by the design style. For example, in a classic style, a central lamp is usually used. Here the island is appropriately square, with luxurious finishes and decor. Of course, these are not rules, because you can always find harmonious solutions with other parameters.

In modern design trends, the unusual shapes of the island will be organic, as will the original lamps. Moreover, lamps can be made of non-standard materials - concrete and silicone, wood, metal wire and tubes. In this design, the island will be laconic - without unnecessary details and decor, with smooth facades without fittings. Here you should not make glass or other fragile doors, as there is a risk of catching them and breaking them. But the transparent bases of the island are another interesting modern technique, especially in zoning. True, in this case you will have to abandon large-scale storage areas.

An island is a convenient element of a kitchen interior, which can also become a decoration, especially when combining the living room and kitchen spaces. Even in the most budget version, such a detail will make the room individual and comfortable.

Designer tips for planning an island kitchen

To correctly calculate the size of the kitchen island and equip it inside, you just need to follow the designers’ rules:

1. The easiest way to achieve harmony is to use the working triangle rule. It was designed specifically for comfortable control of three kitchen components: sink, stove and refrigerator. In the classical sense, they should be positioned so as to form a right triangle.
2. If the island is intended only for decoration or as a replacement for the dining table, but the space does not allow it, a through model is needed. That is, without cabinet furniture, which does not visually compress the space.
3. The color of the table may differ radically from the general color scheme. In this case, you can use the complementary method of tone mixing.
4. There should be lighting above the island. If there is a stove there, the hood should have a powerful lamp. Often several hanging lamps are simply placed above it, creating directional light. Spot or track lighting will do.
5. You can win a lot if you install mensol. In traditional country and Provencal style, this is a small hanging shelf. Its purpose is arbitrary: a place to store glasses and mugs, an additional holder for knives, etc. In fact, it does not take up space, it is easy to install, but it is very helpful in the work.
6. Since it is expensive, countertops are often made from cheaper materials, such as MDF, artificial stone, and various types of ceramics.

Kitchen island with bar counter - features and benefits

A kitchen island with a bar counter is a piece of furniture, separate from the main set and located closer to the center of the room.

There is an opinion that a bar counter is unnecessary furniture in the kitchen, needed only for alcohol lovers. In fact, this is not the case, because this design has many undeniable advantages:

• high functionality - depending on the features of the filling, an island with a bar counter can simultaneously be used as a storage system, a work area or a module for building in household appliances. For example, a hob or mini-fridge;
• the opportunity to diversify the interior - bar counters look quite stylish and modern. In addition, you can choose a design to suit any kitchen interior design;
• zoning of space - with the help of such furniture you can isolate different zones in a large kitchen or studio apartment.

Depending on the design features, islands with a bar counter are divided into two main types:

• free-standing - these are separate products that are placed closer to the center of the room;
• peninsulas - represent a continuation of the kitchen unit and are located perpendicular to it.

Types of kitchen island designs with a bar counter

An island with a bar counter consists of two elements:

• main part;
• racks.

At the same time, the rack can be either a continuation of a high tabletop or made in the form of a hill - such designs are called multi-level.

Special attention should be paid to the size of the bar counter. It differs from a regular tabletop in height, which ranges from 90 to 130 cm. The height of a regular table does not exceed 85 cm.

The height of the furniture is adjusted to the height of the owners of the house. For people up to 170 cm tall, stands no higher than 110 cm are well suited. For tall people, it is better to choose a design with a height of 120-130 cm.

The width of the counter must be at least 120 cm. In this case, the rule must be followed - there must be at least 60 cm for each person sitting.

Don’t forget to choose the right chairs for your furniture:

The depth of the bar counter is usually not large - from 50 to 65 cm.

The basic element of this piece of furniture is the tabletop. The external attractiveness and durability of the structure depend on it.

Furniture manufacturers offer countertops for bar counters from the following materials:

• natural stone;
• artificial stone;
• wood;
• laminated chipboard or MDF.

Natural stone - granite or marble, is durable, resistant to moisture, oils and fats. A tabletop made of this material can be easily polished, so it can maintain its ideal appearance for decades. Noble, natural colors will help create an atmosphere of luxury and aristocracy. The only drawback of such a braced stand is the high price.

Artificial stone advantageously combines high performance characteristics and affordable cost. It is cheaper than natural material, does not leave hot spots on it, and does not deform under the influence of moisture. A large selection of textures and colors allows you to choose a tabletop to suit any interior.

Solid wood – ash, oak, pine and beech – is also used for the production of countertops. The practicality of a wooden bar counter will depend entirely on the wood processing technology and the quality of the paint and varnish coatings used. The disadvantage of this material is its high cost.

There are also more budget options - countertops made of laminated chipboard and MDF. If your budget is limited, it is better to choose MDF - it is more durable and reliable. And structures made from chipboard can quickly lose their shape and cannot withstand the load.

The shape of the tabletop can also be different - from a classic rectangle to curved waves and asymmetrical, irregular lines.

What functions can a kitchen island and bar counter combine?

A kitchen island with a bar counter can combine different functions. It can simultaneously be:

• work area - is a tabletop lower (about 75-85 cm) than the counter intended for cutting food;
• food preparation area (part of the work triangle) - usually performed in the form of a built-in hob or sink, or two appliances at once. For convenience, an oven can also be built into the island body;
• a module for embedding appliances - under the bar counter you can place not only an oven, but also a mini-fridge. Popular are designs with coffee machines located in a specially designated area of ​​the countertop;
• storage system - the space under the island allows you to place drawers, cabinets and open shelves for kitchen utensils. So that they do not interfere with the legs, they are mounted on the side opposite the bar stools.

The stand itself can also be supplemented with accessories: rotating shelves for bottles and fruits, hanging holders for utensils, napkin holders and other useful little things.

Features and rules for the location of a kitchen island with a bar counter in the interior

It is important not only to choose the island itself, but also to think in advance about the location of its installation. It largely depends on the area and layout of the kitchen.

If it is open or part of a studio apartment, then there will be no problems. A closed kitchen should be spacious and meet the following parameters:

• area – from 14 sq.m.;
• width – from 3.6 m;
• length – from 3.6 m.

If the kitchen is cramped, it is best to purchase a peninsula with a bar counter - it will not seem so bulky and will not “eat up” the space.

When planning the placement of furniture, keep in mind that the island should not prevent the owners of the house and guests from moving freely around it. To comply with this condition, the distance between the island and other furniture and walls is made at least 120 cm.

You need to select the shape of the island based on the layout of the main set:

Kitchen island with dining table

This arrangement is convenient from a service point of view, when there is a dining table next to the work area. The dimensions of the furniture and shape depend on the square footage of the room. If space allows, you can allocate space for a full-fledged desktop for 4-6 people.

In more cramped conditions, a small dining area for 2-3 people is connected to the kitchen island. They use small stools, like bar stools.

The small space of the room dictates the use of transformers. An interesting solution is a retractable desktop. Its tabletop is positioned and extends from underneath the space inside the island. As an option, use a mobile dining table. An old but convenient option is a cabinet table with a lifting top.

The kitchen island can act as a dining table on its own. Underneath there are cabinets for storing dishes.

An island with a dining area needs additional lighting; a chandelier is best suited for this purpose.

Island with elements of household appliances, sink

Installing household appliances into a kitchen island requires preparation at the stage of renovation and kitchen refurbishment.

Island with hob

According to technical parameters, there must be free access to gas communications. Therefore, the pipe supply points are equipped with removable inspection windows. You need to install a hood above the hob. Its power is calculated based on the cubic capacity of the room, this is especially true for studios. The appearance is selected to match the stylistic design of the kitchen.

Types of exhaust devices for island kitchens:

• Aspiration type of hood. Removes air from the room and replaces it with new air. The intake and output is carried out through a laid air duct. To do this, it needs to be hidden in the ceiling structures. It is not recommended to connect to general ventilation; a separate channel is installed.
• Recirculating type with filters. It draws in air masses, cleans them through filters, and returns them back to the room. Advantage - no need for a separate air duct, disadvantages - limited power, filters need to be replaced.
• The combined type combines the two described types.

There is a wide range of household appliances on the market: from simple, inexpensive models to exclusive designer ones. The stylistic diversity of the model range is noteworthy, from classic, fireplace type, to ultra-modern models in the form of pipes, glass products, and composites.

Hoods have been developed specifically for kitchen islands, which are mounted on the table and are raised only during cooking.

Island with sink

This is quite convenient from a functional point of view. For example, when the kitchen island is connected to the dining area, or the area of ​​the wall area of ​​the kitchen unit is limited.

The main thing you need to pay attention to is the slope of the sewer drain (3 cm per 1 meter). The floors in the kitchen area will have to be raised slightly. But this disadvantage can be transformed into an advantage. A small podium will serve as an additional zoning technique for space.

Island for a small kitchen: placement features

Even in a small space of 15-20 square meters. rationally arrange a small kitchen island. For example, it can serve as both a dining table and a work surface.

Transforming systems and retractable tabletops are suitable. You will also need additional useful space under the island countertop.

For a small room, a peninsula kitchen option is acceptable, which looks like a natural extension of the work area. As a rule, a peninsula in a small room is multifunctional. It can serve as a continuation of the work surface and at the same time act as a bar counter or dining table.

Allowable passages and clearances

Once you have decided that you want to equip your kitchen with an island table, you need to decide what size it should be? A passage width of 92 cm and a gap of 107 cm between the table and the door are allowed.

A good place for an island is in the center of the kitchen, or in an L-shape relative to the cabinetry if the kitchen is not limited by walls.

While the standard width of 92 cm allows two people to separate, it can be reduced to 80 cm, provided that only one person can pass. Draw a kitchen plan in advance according to scale and see if the table will fit. Check the drawing and make appropriate adjustments.

If you couldn't meet the necessary requirements, then consider a table that can be hidden, rolled away or unfolded. You don't need to have it specially made to order. There are many great ideas for installing an island table even in very cramped spaces.

Examples for the kitchen-living room

Such a layout requires careful development of the concept of space. The island design fits perfectly into the design of the combined kitchen-living room. It performs an excellent role as a space delimiter.

The photo shows the interior of the kitchen-living room with a white island.

In this interior, one part of the module is used as a workplace, and the other replaces the bar counter or dining table. The eating area is decorated with high chairs, wall paintings or even menus.

Kitchen island table with storage system

This is a functional part of the furniture ensemble. Especially when the working area in the wall segment is limited.

Types of kitchen islands with a table:

• dining table mounted on a cabinet with drawers, a cupboard, open shelves;
• combination of a dining table with a work surface and a cabinet for dishes;
• combination of an island work area and a dining table;
• combination of a table with a bar counter;
• mobile, extendable table with shelves for cutlery.

An additional stove and hob can be installed in the working area of ​​the dining group. This is a technically complex unit that requires preliminary preparation.

Design

There are many options for kitchen design. The most common solution is a module in the shape of a square or rectangle, as well as a semicircular, oval or round island, which looks very stylish. An interesting solution would be an island in the form of a chest of drawers, a display case or a buffer, designed for small rooms, or a transforming model with mobile sections.

The photo shows the interior of a modern kitchen with an island from the window, combined with a bar counter.

A two-level island with different surface heights will allow you to bring dynamics into the atmosphere. Often the lower tier is equipped with a sink or stove, and the upper tier is equipped with a bar.

Interior solutions

An island bar will fit perfectly into a country house kitchen. However, it is important not only to buy furniture, but also to create a harmonious and stylish interior.

Important! A kitchen island needs good lighting, especially if there is a work surface on it. You can use pendant lighting or LED strip. Provide a powerful hood with built-in lights for the hob.

The island cabinet should be combined with the set and other kitchen furniture. Be sure to take into account the general style direction of the interior. Let's consider options for kitchens with an island and a bar counter.

Classic

Such interiors are decorated elegantly and expensively. Expensive types of wood, light stone and gilded decor are used for furniture. Basic classic colors: black, white, gray, olive and beige. The tabletop for the island can be wooden or stone with a marble pattern. The furniture is placed in the center of the room and complemented by a crystal chandelier. The cabinet should be large and stable, rectangular in shape.

Modernity

The kitchen in a modern style reflects conciseness and functionality. In such an interior, the island is considered an integral part; it can be small or large. The tabletop for the cabinet is made of stone, glass or metal, since it is important to achieve smoothness and uniformity. In addition to the bar counter, the island has a hob and an oven. Storage systems or shelves for small household appliances are built into the base. Furniture is placed in the center of the room to make it convenient to use drawers and appliances.

Provence

A kitchen in this style is filled with light and comfort. The main material is wood, painted in pastel colors. The body of the island is made without frills and decorative elements, but is equipped with many drawers and shelves. A special feature of the design in this style is special honeycomb shelves for storing wine. The tabletop material is stone or marble, always in light shades.

Country

The interior of such a kitchen is filled with warmth, since all the furniture and decor are made from natural materials. A massive island bar will fit perfectly with large cabinet fronts and utensil drawers. The facade of the product can be slightly aged, and the countertop can be tiled. Forged fittings will be an excellent decoration.

Scandinavian

Bright and airy kitchens are ideal for installing an island. A wooden island will highlight the atmosphere of Scandinavian comfort. The tabletop is made smooth and glossy, and legs made of raw brick are added as a decorative element. The same technique is used for a loft-style kitchen.

A good solution is to install a U-shaped set with a small island in the center. The interior will become more modern. On the island, you can refuse to arrange a dining area and make a bar, which is suitable for a kitchen-living room or studio.

What material can a kitchen island be made of?

Kitchen island materials:

• The most popular option is MDF coated with enamel. The material is resistant to temperature changes, is not afraid of humidity, and is durable. There are many colors to suit any style of kitchen interior.

• An island made of solid wood is used in spacious kitchens or those combined with a living room, as the structure is large. Careful care of the material will be required, as it is sensitive to aggressive kitchen environments.

• The island structure made of natural stone is heavy; it is recommended to use it in the kitchen of a private house on the ground floor. It looks stylish, noble, marble and onyx are trendy. This also includes brickwork.

• Stainless steel, rarely used, is suitable for kitchens in modern urban styles.

Color selection

White kitchen island - it will fit perfectly into a classic interior, and will also look harmonious in kitchens furnished in Provence, country, shabby chic, and Mediterranean styles. To equip such a structure, it is advisable to use materials such as wood, facing bricks, and ceramic tiles.

Black kitchen island - this design will decorate a kitchen made in the style of hi-tech, minimalism, art deco, loft. As finishing materials, it is worth using chrome and matte metal surfaces, porcelain stoneware, and tempered glass.

A brown kitchen island will be an ideal part of an interior designed in a classic, rustic, or country style. The best material for arranging such a structure is natural wood. If necessary, it can be replaced with MDF or chipboard.

Lighting

This unusual kitchen interior is complemented by general, local lighting and LED lighting. The lamp above the island should be able to change the direction of the light. If you have wall cabinets, they can be equipped with built-in mini-light bulbs. This will add special aesthetics to the design.

The photo shows a chandelier above the island in a kitchen interior made in a rustic style.

Ready-made island table

The selection of such ready-made tables at IKEA is quite limited: only 4 models of different sizes. The choice in design is also small.

For example, the Vadholma series is suitable for an interior in a loft or scandi style.

Vadholm table with hanger

The “Tornviken” series is a good solution for interiors in country, Provence, shabby chic, vintage, etc. styles.

In the table below you can see the sizes of each model and prices.

The price for such a ready-made separate module is quite comparable with the alternative option - from cabinets and countertops. But here the advantage is in the design itself - open shelves, stylish design. You won't be able to create something similar from cabinet frames in a planner. This option is also easier to assemble and install.

It is not at all necessary that the island table matches the color of the kitchen set. In the photo below you can see examples of how to harmoniously fit it into the interior.

From countertops and cabinets

You can create an island in the IKEA planner on the official website. You can also see component options in the catalogs.

The advantage of this option is that the table will ideally complement the set; there will be no doubt about the compatibility of the furniture parts in design. Independent planning will also allow you to create a dining area in the form of a bar counter on the island.

With Vokstorp facades

There are several options for designing such a module.

1. No bar counter.

1. With tabletop removal. One possible solution is to select cabinets with a custom depth of 39.2 cm.

Another option is to make a takeout from the end.

1. Multi-level bar counter. For it, you need to purchase a console and an additional tabletop from IKEA.

1. A table with an open bar counter combined with a narrow small module

1. Large module (several tabletops are joined together).

An island layout will require at least 1-3 square meters of additional space. A small island can be installed in a kitchen with an area of ​​14 sq.m.

The shape of the room also matters. The design should ideally replicate it. For example, in a rectangular kitchen a rectangular table will look better. An island with a bar counter is good for quick breakfasts, but for lunch and dinner with the whole family you may need a separate dining room or a full dining area with a large table.

Kitchen ledges as an island

Find a place in the kitchen with a raised surface. Even a wide window sill can serve as such an island table. If you still can’t find it, create it yourself. Take inspiration from the synthesis of two cuisines:

The laconic light form gives airiness to this kitchen element

Excellent window design. It's nice to have a cup of coffee while admiring the wonderful scenery