Kitchen

Kitchen with island in a modern interior

Kitchen with island

The kitchen island design has been widely known for a long time. This is a common element in the homes of many Americans and in large private buildings in Europe. In the CIS, the kitchen island is becoming increasingly popular. They are found in studio apartments in new buildings as part of the original layout. This unit of the kitchen interior is based on the functional benefits and optimization of the space. However, in the kitchens of a separate type, there is a place for the island only if the area is at least 15-16 square meters. On island tables you can cook food, cut meat, wash and chop vegetables and at the same time actively move around the entire structure, talk with others who are nearby. If you plan to create an island in the kitchen, then you need to take into account all the nuances so that the potential difficulties and inconveniences do not level the benefits of functional devices.

Kitchen Features with Island

The kitchen island is a stylish element for housing and cuisine in particular. The island can be equipped with a washbasin, worktop or hob, used as a dining table. Such an architectural form requires a large area around: a wide kitchen or the combined space of a studio apartment. Another important feature is the ability to organize space in the kitchen. Among the main advantages are ergonomics and functionality, which are manifested in the variety of forms, sizes and purpose of the island. An island table is sometimes combined with a bar counter. The shape of this element is not limited to any strict parameters. Rectangle, square and half ring are the most commonly used configuration options. To equip a kitchen island will need an area of ​​15 square meters. m

Kitchen Features with Island

Advantages and disadvantages

A key advantage is the compact placement of many fixtures and functional units. In addition, the island will serve as an additional work surface, which would be impossible or inconvenient in the case of a dining table. This element will contain a lot of dishes and other utensils. On the surface, on top and on the sides next to it there is a place for arranging different storage facilities. In modern apartments, style and presentability are highly valued, so the kitchen island will be welcome.However, such a layout has several drawbacks. Firstly, the free area of ​​the central part of the kitchen will be “interrupted” by a large element in the middle. Another disadvantage is that it requires a considerable amount of space, and this is a problem in small apartments. Among other disadvantages are the high price and complexity of supplying communications.

The convenience of a kitchen island

Functions of the island in the kitchen

On the island you can:

  1. Cut meat and fish.
  2. Cook, fry and heat food.
  3. Wash hands, products.
  4. Store the dishes.

The role of the island structure in the kitchen is primarily associated with practical benefits. The ergonomics of the kitchen are largely dependent on furniture and space savings. But in the case of kitchens in large country houses and cottages, everything is decided by the layout. Most often, an islet is a project, not an element of furniture. It is necessary to resort to the help of specialists if the architecture of the house does not provide communications for the island structure. The result is a multi-tasking part of the kitchen, combining the functions of all its zones. In the island structure there is a place for stoves, sinks, shelves, sockets, work and dining surfaces. Space zoning is a key additional feature. The island in a private house will divide the kitchen room into parts or separate it from the corridor, and in the apartment - it will equip the inner zones.

In the kitchen with the island is much easier to keep order.

The advantage of the kitchen island

Additional work surface

An island table can create one or more links of the working triangle, but its main advantage is the ability to use additional area at the level of the hands. Experienced housewives are familiar with the lack of space and know that it is difficult to spoil the kitchen with an "extra" surface. Often the island consists of several important devices at once, including a sink, a dining table, an area for cutting meat and fish, a stove and a bar counter. The combination of all these zones relieves the load from the facade and the apron.Their surface can be partially used to place kitchen utensils, and the internal sections can be ordered by removing some of the items. Also, the surface of the island will accommodate several decorative elements. But the main advantage is expressed in easy access from any direction. Due to this, the island can be made up to 1.5-1.8 meters wide, which is unacceptable in the case of the working surface of the kitchen wall.

Additional work surface

Kitchen island with a bar counter

The stand may be a continuation of the countertop or stand out a small hill. In some cases, this difference is made more noticeable, since the bar counter is usually much higher than the working surface. A space of at least 60 cm is allocated for each person. Ideally, the depth of the rack does not exceed 65 cm. The space under it can be used to build in kitchen appliances. The island with a bar counter is also equipped with small storage systems, and in addition to those provided by the manufacturer, there is a place for self-made. A furniture module with alcohol should be placed next to the central element, and above it - a railing system with hooks for mugs and holders for wine glasses. This will help to collect all the alcohol in one place and eliminate the need to walk throughout the kitchen in search of the right bottle.

How to choose chairs for a rack:

The height of the bar, cmThe height of the chairs, cm
90—110about 75
about 120about 85
about 13085—90

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Kitchen island with dining table

The dining area of ​​the kitchen island is both freestanding and part of the overall design. The usual large rectangle has established itself as the most standard type of island with a dining table. Less common are T-shaped and angular structures. In these cases, one of the sides will be a work surface, and the other - a place where you can dine. The dimensions of the dining table and its height are selected based on the layout and size of the kitchen, the number of residents and their anthropometric indicators. In the center of the table leave a minimum of 0.2 square meters. m free space to accommodate various accessories.On the remaining surface, approximately 50 × 50 cm per family member should remain. Dining tables are side and retractable. In the first case, this is a stationary structure, and in the second, an element that extends from the housing. Sometimes the table is made in the form of a corner and simply adjoins the working surface.

It is recommended to combine the dining table with the kitchen island, as the free space may disappear over time.

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Hob island

Hob designs look modern and stylish. This option allows you to "switch" from food to cooking and vice versa at any time. The supply of communications for such a device is not the easiest thing - the cost of installing it will be high. An island with a stove must be provided with a large number of accessories: a hot pot, pans, pots and everything that is used on the work surface. It will be extremely inconvenient to transfer unprepared dishes from the apron to the island over and over again. In general, the cooking zone on the island is more universal, because even during the design it will be possible to realize your wishes. We should also note the design aspect: the hob in the center of the room does not spoil the interior. You will need to install a hood above the cooking zone.

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Island with a sink

Creating a sink in the center is a useful move in the layout of the kitchen, because this saves additional square meters. The sink itself is simply necessary if the island is also used as a work surface. Owners of kitchens with an area of ​​more than 20 square meters. m, you don’t have to think about where to place the only wash basin, but just make 2 sinks at once. Ergonomics will benefit from this, and the speed of work will increase. An important plus of washing in the islet is the ability to conduct a conversation around the table and more harmoniously engage in joint cooking.Tables in the center of the kitchen can contain additional compartments for storing utensils and products. Thanks to this, dirty dishes can be hidden, as well as bread and other products that quickly deteriorate in the air. It will be appropriate to place a dining area and several chairs near the culinary.

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Island table with open shelves or display cabinets

There are several options for their use. First of all, dishes, pans and small household appliances are put on the shelves. Boxes with cereals, culinary literature, etc. are placed in the windows. It is worth paying attention to the design, decorating the shelves with stones and vases. This design technique should be applied in moderation, otherwise it will not look organically. It is also worth making sure that in the process of using open shelves you do not have to bend too much or lift heavy objects from almost the floor level. Open shelves are a great place for spices, fruits and vegetables. At the same time, you should not buy or make islands only with open shelves, and even of great height. This is an uneconomical use of space. However, modern multi-level devices (containers, trays, sections) can compensate for such shortcomings and eliminate chaotic piles. The main advantage of open shelves is that they save cooking time.

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The size and shape of the island

The main types of island structures in shape:

  • dresser island;
  • transformer;
  • in the form of a crescent;
  • rectangle or square;
  • circle or oval;
  • narrow long stand.

The island-chest of drawers is still mobile. Looks like a buffet island and a showcase. All of these options are designed for a modest room. "Transformers" have mobile sections, for example, the edges of the countertop. The crescent island has a large area of ​​contact along the perimeter. On a rectangular table, it is most convenient to keep order. This is a classic, time-tested option. The oval shape of the island is one of the most stylish.The island - a bar counter is a symbiosis of two independent designs. The ideal width at which it is convenient to work on an island does not exceed 1.5 meters. Most often, this indicator is in the range of 1-1.5 meters. The height of the countertops depends on the purpose. If there is no bar, then 85 cm from the floor is ideal. There are combined options, as well as high tables (about 110 cm), at which it is convenient to sit on chairs or work, standing on a small platform. The width of the free space around the island structure should not be too large, but not less than 100 cm.

Semicircular table

Varieties of layouts

The shape and size of the island must be coordinated with the dimensions of the room and the configuration of the furniture set. The layout of the kitchen is U-shaped, angular (L-shaped), linear, two-row. A typical island kitchen has a linear configuration, but there are U-shaped and angular options. A large kitchen with a set of letter "P" provides for the possibility of placing a rectangular island of the most elongated shape. The angular shape facade is optimally combined with G- and T-shaped island structures. In the second embodiment, the “upper” side is made longer. If the headset is a straight line, then any shape of the island will be ergonomic. It all depends on the size of the room. If it is small, standard designs are recommended, and if it comes to a large kitchen, then do not limit yourself to the usual regular shapes.

In this case, islands of a non-standard configuration are relevant:

  • diamond-shaped;
  • annular;
  • round;
  • the letter "X".

Annular

Stylistic directions of the interior

The presence of the kitchen island is provided for by some design trends. Each of them implies a different appearance and functional benefit. The island in the classical style consists of elements of a purely decorative nature. A table in a modern style will have all the elements necessary for cooking a meal.Any color is combined with this stylistic direction. Four styles at once - loft, provence, country and scandinavian allow roughness. The first of them consists of such rough accents, and such as country and Provence use scuffs to complement the image of a soft cozy atmosphere. The appearance of the island structure should be consistent with the latter, which is expressed in the presence of small furniture details. American-style islands are characterized by their large size and significant amount of free space on the surface. Practically each of the styles used for decorating a kitchen admits the presence of stone, natural or artificial, in the design.

Italian style

In classic style

Classics in the kitchen imply a desire for luxury, but at the same time, a certain academicity. The main materials of the classic interior are wood, stone and steel: carved furniture and wide stone countertops are welcome. Open and closed arched shelves and balusters in the side of the island are noteworthy. The hood above the island structure should be of a fireplace type. Not far from the island they hang a lamp with artificial candles. Also, a large number of glass surfaces and stained glass will fit into the interior. Decor - no "excesses", and for the completeness of the image should use aged things. The color scheme is calm, soft. There is a more modern version of the “classic”, which uses much more metal and glass and less wood and stone.

Classic style kitchenWhite kitchen Classic style island kitchen Classical island Classic with an island Dark classic style kitchen

In modern style

The style of our time does not impose any restrictions on color. Flashy shades, variegated color mixes and monotonous segments that occasionally change the dominant tone can be used. Modern design strives for abstract forms, even or smooth, large sizes.An island in the kitchen must comply simultaneously with two rules: to maintain maximum free space and at the same time have a large work surface with large elements. This applies to the hob, sink, chairs and, if necessary, the bar counter. The shape of the table should not stand out against the background of its content and functional benefits. However, an island with all possible appliances for the kitchen is a bust in terms of functionality. In the modern style, you must "include" such areas of decor (at least 2 different directions should be combined):

  • eco;
  • fusion;
  • high tech;
  • techno
  • Contemporary.

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Provence style

This is an island in light or brown colors with elements in the same color scheme. The space under the work surface is equipped with closed sections with paneled doors. Open shelves are either not available or are made in small quantities. The style is characterized by a craving for antiquity. Dominant colors are cream, beige and pastel shades. The size of the table cannot exceed a certain value at which it will appear bulky. The priority of the provincial setting is cosiness. That is why the presence of saturated cold colors - blue, violet-blue - is unacceptable. Nevertheless, this does not apply to blue, muted purple and violet without the predominance of blue pigment, as well as shades of purple with a shift to red and pink tones. The island must be decorated with flowers and baskets. Directly above it, you can build a hinged structure for various utensils.

Materials used in the Provence style:

  1. Fake diamond.
  2. A natural stone.
  3. Granite and terracotta tiles.
  4. Wood imitation plastic.

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Country style

This stylistic trend is very similar to Provencal. The difference is that country is the style of the American province, and Provence is French. The island can be tiled or made of wood. Widely used and natural stone.Muted pastel or faded tones are selected. Ideal beige, gray, light yellow, pumpkin, pale green. The priority is the color of natural wood, if the furniture, in fact, is made of wood. The use of bright shades of red is unacceptable. In general, it is desirable that sunlight be incident on the island. If the kitchen is large, you can safely create a large island and major accents on it. The tabletop and chairs can be decorated with colorful patterns. On the sides of the island you can put whatnots. Do not overload the surface of the island structure.

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Loft style

An island in the style of “industrial glamor” is a large structure of the correct form with a careless but restrained design. The style has no particular restrictions on materials, so there is a place for metal, wood, brick, glass, leather (preferably artificial), plastic. Since the main emphasis of the whole style is imitation of brickwork, it is preferable to select all elements of the decor with this feature. The chaotic placement of kitchen utensils on the island table, inside and above it is only welcome. Colors are muted; woody or cold. The island can be covered with a small layer of plaster. For lovers of "lofts" and the minimum number of extra parts there is an alternative. It is expressed in a combination of minimalist and loft styles. The working space is as free as possible.

The design in the style of a loft is difficult in technical terms, so it is recommended to seek help from specialists in this style.

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Scandinavian style

The island table is made of natural materials. The color palette is predominantly light, and the main color is white. The design should be decorated with bright dots - small objects like books, small vases, etc. Nevertheless, these objects can not be luxury goods.The islet is made in any of the cool or warm colors; both in muted tones and in bright ones. The style of Scandi “loves” various inserts, therefore, a white table with multi-colored plates on the shelves fits perfectly into the interior. In general, the table in Scandinavian style is not very different from its counterpart in the spirit of minimalism. Scandy can be emphasized with various handmade crafts. Actual for the style of horns, stumps and snags. They can also decorate the island. It should not be forgotten that structures in the form of an oval will be inappropriate, since they will violate the combination of strict lines.

Scandinavian style

American style

For a traditional American style, a kitchen island is actually an indispensable element. In the USA, this piece of furniture completely replaces the dining table. It is customary to make an island structure monotonous or with inclusions. In the second case, we are talking about striped wood, as well as stone countertops with inclusions of minerals and semiprecious stones. The main quality of an American-style island table is practical use, and everything else obeys this principle. The American style has no time frame, it is a certain set of features from modern design areas or retro. A table in the center of the kitchen usually has a paneled surface. The color scheme is represented by any shades, except acid. Brown, gray, blue, beige and white colors are the most popular in the setting in the American style.

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Conclusion

An island in the kitchen is an attribute of a well-equipped room where nothing restricts movements. Designing an island structure is a difficult task, but it is justified by improving ergonomics and expanding the workspace. Compactness, as the main advantage, provides increased comfort and the absence of fussy movements along the facade. Large islands are designed to accommodate a hob, washbasin, cutting surface, shelves and sections for storing food and utensils.They are also recommended to be equipped with a dining area. In some cases, the bar is not superfluous. Small island structures are not able to give such advantages, but they also organize the space well, such as a mobile island on wheels. Kitchen islands look presentable in such styles as classic, scandi, loft, country, provence and american.



Graduated from St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technology and Design. More than 100 completed design projects.


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