Kitchen trends come and go but one that\u2019s been popular for years, and shows no sign of fading, is the kitchen island. The design might vary from scheme to scheme but the elements that give it across the board appeal remain the same. Even if your room is on the compact size, it\u2019s worth making space for one of these marvellous multi-functional units. Here are some of the reasons for adding an island to your kitchen.<\/p>\n

Plenty of prep space<\/h3>\n

While main runs of kitchen cabinetry afford some worktop room, chances are if you have wall cabinets or small appliances out on display, it\u2019s a bit limited. Islands afford a much greater area of free-flowing space to prepare food, and, if you add a sink or hob to your workstation, to wash and cook, too. As well as having extra space, you can make it work harder by including several types of worktop<\/a>, such as a slab of granite or marble for keeping pastry cool while you\u2019re rolling it out or a chopping block in a different material for everyday slicing and dicing. Be sure not to make your kitchen island too large, though \u2013 you need to be able to reach the centre of it comfortably.<\/p>\n

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Image source:\u00a01909<\/a><\/p>\n

Capacious cupboards<\/h3>\n

Kitchens tend to generate clutter<\/a> (during a recent clear-out I found the beginnings of a serious garlic crusher collection), so the ability of kitchen islands\u00a0to swallow it all is a boon. Depending on what style of kitchen island you\u2019re choosing, you can vary your storage according to your needs. Wine racks, open shelving and curved drum cupboards turn your storage into an additional design feature or you can opt for deep full-extension drawers for pans, crockery and more, which are easier to access than traditional cupboards. Plus, if you don\u2019t want to break up a sleek modern island with multiple lines but still have lots of smaller items to store, you can choose hidden pull-outs within larger drawers.<\/p>\n

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Image source:\u00a0Leicht UK<\/a><\/p>\n

Make a design statement<\/h3>\n

Practical considerations aside, kitchen islands create\u00a0an opportunity to add some flair to your kitchen. Striking colour, sleek cladding materials or a large swathe of beautifully mottled stone worktop can all turn your kitchen island into something a bit special, making it a focal point of the room with minimal effort. While really bright colour may be only for the bravest, in a large room it can be a simple way of bringing a classic painted scheme to life \u2013 and can be repainted if you fancy a change.<\/p>\n

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Image source: Bryan Turner<\/a><\/p>\n

Stay social<\/h3>\n

Possibly the most persuasive reason for kitchen islands\u00a0is that they allow you to chat to family and friends, or keep an eye on the kids, as you cook. Especially useful in an open-plan room, a central unit can face out into the space, so instead of preparing meals while gazing at solid walls, you can be part of the conversation. Add a breakfast bar or a worktop overhang<\/a> and you\u2019ll find that guests<\/a> and the rest of the family will gravitate towards it, whether for casual dining, relaxed Sunday brunches or as a place to do homework. You may even find them offering to give you a helping hand with dinner or pour you a glass of wine \u2013 which is surely the best possible reason for installing a kitchen island.<\/p>\n

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Image source: Masterclass<\/a><\/p>\n

Decided you need a kitchen island in your life? Post a job on Rated People in our kitchen specialist<\/a> category to receive quotes from our qualified and trusted tradesmen.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Kitchen trends come and go but one that\u2019s been popular for years, and shows no sign of fading, is the kitchen island. The design might vary from scheme to scheme but the elements that give it across the board appeal remain the same. Even if your room is on the compact size, it\u2019s worth making …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":22427,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pgc_sgb_lightbox_settings":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3049,3040,3212],"tags":[534,2096,615],"class_list":["post-22420","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice","category-interior-design","category-kitchens","tag-kitchen","tag-kitchen-design-ideas","tag-storage-ideas"],"acf":false,"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/rp-prod-wordpress-b-content.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/2015\/06\/05125210\/pink-and-white-kitchen.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Rachel Ogden","author_link":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/author\/rachel-ogden"},"yoast_head":"\n