The island has become the icon of the modern kitchen—the 21st-century equivalent of the old-fashioned hearth. It’s easy to understand why. These freestanding pieces instantly become the focal point of a kitchen because they can have the look and feel of furniture rather than components in a domestic laboratory. Your kitchen is where your meals and memories are made in your family home, so when it comes to renovating and designing your kitchen, an island bench is a fantastic edition to any home. If your kitchen is big enough, consider a kitchen island as it adds storage, a place to eat and many other things that could optimise your kitchen space. It is the ideal place to balance separation and congregation, making sure that you can cook and clean whilst you socialise with your family, friends and guests. You can also, depending on your space, build storage into the underneath of the island, seating or even decoration with no functional value.

The kitchen is certainly one of the most difficult spaces to design in a home due to the need to be completely functional whilst also aesthetically pleasing and elegant. Although there is no set formula to designing an island, clever use of space really enhances a kitchen design. The Perfect kitchen island is functional as well as practical; enhancing your families lifestyle. It should be in proportion and consider the space around the kitchen island bench, the space behind diners, the height and depth of the island and so on…

Here’s a great article explaining how to measure and plan for your perfect island bench: Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island.

Islands have to work to make them earn the space they occupy.

Here’s some inspiration to get you started…

Here’s some more inspiration for you: Picture Perfect: 50 Kitchen Island Bench Set-Ups.