Kitchen islands are extremely popular in modern home design. They provide additional counter space, storage, and an inviting gathering place in the kitchen. If you’re looking to add an island or replace an existing one, you may want to consider some fresh new ideas that you haven’t seen before. Here are three innovative kitchen island concepts that are trending right now:
1. Two-Tiered Island
A two-tiered kitchen island is a great way to double your counter and storage space. The basic idea is to have one countertop at the standard 36 inch height, and then add a second tier of countertop above that sits 12-15 inches higher.
The lower level can provide the standard prep and dining space, while the elevated tier is perfect as a casual breakfast bar with stool seating. Extra tall bar stools allow you to tuck knees under the upper overhang. The staggered heights give visual interest and also help delineate separate functions.
Having two levels opens up all sorts of creative storage and design possibilities as well:
- Built-in wine racks or glass-front cabinets for stemware in the base tier.
- Enclosed storage like pull-out drawers in the lower tier; open shelving above to display cookbooks, decor items, or plants.
- Two different countertop materials – try a butcher block work surface on bottom and sleek quartz or marble for the upper tier.
- Bookshelves or cubbies in the upper tier to store small appliances within easy reach.
A two-tiered island works especially well in large open concept kitchens. The double decker design can help divide a cavernous space into more human-scaled zones for cooking, eating, and entertaining.
2. Rolling Island
A rolling kitchen island adds flexibility to small kitchens. Mounted on casters, this movable island can roll wherever extra counter space or seating is needed. When not required, it tucks out of the workflow zone.
Though on wheels, rolling islands should still offer adequate counter space and storage. Look for a design with one or more shelves below, along with drawers or cabinets. Islands around 3 feet long by 2 feet deep provide ample room for meal prep tasks.
Other rolling island tips:
- Incorporate drawer organizers, spice racks, knife blocks and other built-ins to maximize storage.
- Specify locking casters so the island stays fixed in place when needed.
- Allow adequate clearance so the island can move freely without bumping walls or cabinets.
- Optional handles on two facing sides allow easy mobility.
- Choose durable, low-maintenance materials like bamboo, stainless steel, or parchment.
A rolling island is perfect for small galley style kitchens. It can live at the end of the galley out of the way, and then roll into the center aisle when required as a work surface or casual dining spot. Just roll it back when you need to move around the kitchen again.
3. Outdoor Kitchen Island
An outdoor kitchen island brings convenience and entertainment to your patio, deck or poolside. This alfresco island provides counter space for prepping meals, storage for grilling accessories, and seating for outdoor dining with a built-in bar area.
Ideally an outdoor kitchen island should include:
- Stainless steel cabinets for storing grilling tools and small appliances out of the weather.
- A small sink or basin for washing up outdoors.
- Towel bars and hooks for hanging utensils and hot pads.
- Granite or other weather-proof countertop.
- Bar area for casual outdoor meals.
- Storage for supplies – consider pull-out bins for charcoal, pellets or propane tanks.
- Built-in ice chest, drink cooler or small fridge.
- Serving trays to easily move food from the grill.
- Power outlets for plugging in appliances.
Think through the placement carefully so the island is conveniently located near your outdoor grill and patio seating, and also close enough to the indoor kitchen for efficient food prep.
Building a full outdoor kitchen can be a major investment, but a standalone island is a more affordable way to upgrade your alfresco cooking and entertaining abilities. Incorporate lighting and overhead fans to make the space even more enjoyable.
Design Ideas for Innovative Kitchen Islands
With some creative thinking, you can come up with kitchen island designs that provide expanded functionality within your available space. Consider these ideas when brainstorming:
Mix Up the Heights
As mentioned above, incorporating two tiers or levels opens up more real estate and opportunities. But you can also play with varying counter heights on one long island. Have one level at standard prep height, another at bar height for eating, and a raised section for extra tall stools. Mixing it up keeps the space dynamic.
Add Seating
Take advantage of unused space under the island by tucking in a bench or banquette. This is great for smaller kitchens where a separate dining area might not be possible. Or get creative by recessing a table into the island that can pop up when needed. Even just providing leg room for stools or chairs makes for friendly seating.
Incorporate Storage
Maximize every inch by adding storage elements like enclosed cabinets or open shelving. Pull-out drawers are useful for organizing cooking tools, while wine racks highlight special bottles. Deep cubbies can conceal small appliances when not in use.
Feature Lighting Effects
Task lighting keeps prep surfaces brightly illuminated, while LED strips installed under upper shelving provide dramatic accent lighting. A glass-door cabinet topped with a granite slab becomes a glowing focal point when lit inside.
Include Functional Features
Don’t just think about storage – also consider features that enhance usability. Some ideas: spice racks, knife blocks, wine chillers, butcher block surfaces, flip-up work stations, built-in trash/recycling bins, charging stations, and outlets for small appliances.
Use Twin Islands
Getting even more creative, why not double the island functionality with back-to-back units placed parallel in the center of the room? Connect them with a floating countertop to make one large surface. This provides ample prep zones plus a walk-through area.
Extend as a Peninsula
Rather than a standalone island, extend the countertop into a peninsula attached on one side to another cabinet run or wall. This can help delineate an open kitchen from other zones without fully separating the spaces.
Combine Layouts
Think outside the box by combining island layouts or integrating them into the overall kitchen design. For example, attach a rolling island to a larger stationary island. Or combine a two-tiered island with a peninsula.
Tips for Successfully Incorporating a Kitchen Island
Once you’ve decided on a creative kitchen island design, here are some tips to ensure it functions as seamlessly as possible:
- Allow a minimum clearance of 3-4 feet around all sides of the island to ensure adequate workflow space. 48-60 inches is ideal for multiple cooks.
- In high-traffic areas, allow even more space around the island to ensure people can comfortably move through the kitchen.
- Maximize available clearance by selecting slender countertop overhangs vs. standard 12 inch overhangs on an island.
- Include at least 15-18 inches of countertop seating overhang for comfortable bar stool seating.
- Make sure electrical and plumbing features are planned in advance so utilities can be properly routed inside the island.
- Select durable surfaces like quartz or granite countertops that can withstand daily use. Softer materials like marble are prone to etching and staining.
- For a built-in rolling island, include extra interior support brackets and secure cabinetry to the floor. The wheel motion otherwise may loosen joints over time.
- Add interior drawers, roll-out trays and other smart storage features to make the most of available island space.
- Include ventilation for appliances like wine fridges that may be built into an enclosed island.
- Make sure the room has adequate general lighting as well as task lighting over key prep zones. Under and accent lighting create a welcoming glow.
Common Questions about Innovative Kitchen Islands
Kitchen islands are a hot trend, but deciding on the right design and features takes some consideration. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How big should a kitchen island be?
Recommended minimum dimensions for a functional island are about 36-42 inches wide and 16-18 inches deep. This provides ample room for meal prep tasks. Allow 48 inches or more for a primary cooking island. For bar seating, increase the depth to 25 inches or more.
What is the standard height for a kitchen island?
The typical kitchen island height is 36 inches. This matches standard kitchen counter height. For extra tall bar stools, consider adding a section that is 42 inches high. Standard bar stool seat height is about 30 inches.
How much space do you need around a kitchen island?
Ideally allow a minimum of 3-4 feet clearance on all sides of the island. In high-traffic zones allow even more breathing room – up to 5 feet around the island.
What is the most popular kitchen island size?
In most home kitchens, the most common island size is about 6 feet long by 3-4 feet wide. This sizable island has room for seating and provides generous workspace. But the ideal island size depends on your kitchen layout and dimensions.
Should kitchen island overhang stools?
An overhang of at least 15-18 inches is recommended to comfortably accommodate stool seating at a kitchen island. This overhang length ensures adequate leg room.
What is the minimum overhang for a kitchen island?
The typical countertop overhang for kitchen islands is 10-12 inches. But for islands not used for seating, you can specify a narrower overhang of just 2-3 inches to maximize clearance.
Can an island be placed anywhere in a kitchen?
Kitchen islands need adequate traffic flow around them. Avoid blocking major doorways or the path between key work zones like the sink and stove. Also allow enough room for multiple cooks.
What is the most functional shape for a kitchen island?
A rectangular or oval island shape generally provides the most usable surface and seating area. But an island can be customized to fit your kitchen layout – consider rounded ends or irregular shapes.
What are some kitchen island seating ideas?
Stools are most common, but you can also use banquettes, benches, or chairs for island seating. Settle on seating before finalizing the island height and overhang. Make sure electrical outlets are placed conveniently to avoid cord interference.
Conclusion
Kitchen islands continue to be a sought-after feature in today’s homes. By thinking outside the box, you can create an island design that perfectly fits your cooking and entertaining needs. A little creativity goes a long way when it comes to maximizing both functionality and visual appeal.
Focus on multi-purpose islands that offer storage, seating, and design flair. Smart innovations like two-tiered levels, rolling bases, and outdoor-friendly units let you get the most out of your available space. Mixing up the shape, seating and finishes keeps the design intriguing.
Be sure to evaluate the size and placement carefully so your new kitchen island contributes to an efficient workflow. With some thoughtful planning, even a small kitchen can benefit from a well-designed island that adds beauty, organization and convenience.
