Kitchen Island Shapes – Whether you need additional counter space or a place for family and guests to gather while you’re preparing a meal, a kitchen island is high on the wish list for many home cooks.
The style of your kitchen determines the kitchen island style, so use it as a guideline for choosing a one- or two tier island. In country and farmhouse style kitchens, for instance, you may want a duo-level kitchen island, while a continuous-surface island emphasizes the sleekness of modern design.
Kitchen Island Size
The overall layout of your kitchen defines the Kitchen Island Shapes of your freestanding island. For the additional work space to be an asset, check some measurements in the room prior to making adjustments. A kitchen island should be at least 42 inches deep or 57 inches deep if you want to place some bar stools at the island. Allow an aisle of minimum 36 inches on all sides to secure a fluent work flow, especially where cabinets or doors open. If your island also functions as a breakfast bar, for instance, you’ll want a walkway of 48 inches on that side; when the bar stools are pulled out, you still need to be able to walk by. An ideal counter height is 36 inches.
It’s Hip to be Square
Square or rectangular Kitchen Island Shapes, a common choice in kitchen island design, are contemporary, functional and fit most kitchens, whether the space is a separate secluded room or part of an open floor plan. They provide a lot of extra storage and can host one or two of the main workstations, depending on the length. If you have enough depth, the square or rectangular island serves as a breakfast or lunch bar; adding a couple of bar stools makes it a place for guests to hang out while you cook. In an open space or loft, add length to the countertop to make it the size of a dining table to transform your kitchen into a multifunctional room where the entire family can dine.
A Letter Kitchen Island Shapes
Kitchens with letter-shaped floor plans, such as L and U-shaped kitchen, make it easier to create the desired triangle workflow in the space. When the kitchen is spacious or has an open floor plan, use the same approach for the island. In L-shaped kitchen islands, for instance, the short, perpendicular surface makes a convenient place to cut or chop food prior to cooking or washing. Alternatively, extend the shorter countertop to a T-shaped island to provide a seating area or breakfast bar.
Curved and Cornered
Irregular-shaped spaces may require a more inventive approach. With one straight surface and an angled part at the end, a dog-leg island can be a solution. The shorter “foot” of the island can be round or rectangular, fitting the style of the kitchen island shapes. The surface created has the same advantage as an L-shaped island; however, the corner cabinets need a custom design solution if you wish to use their storage potential efficiently. A swing-out lazy Susan or made-to-measure curved cabinets, for instance, allow you to avoid a blind, useless corner.
