When to go for an Island (Kitchen)?

The “Heart” of any home is the kitchen and like they say, way to anyone’s heart is through his stomach!! When you build your home, the kitchen is all about the home-maker’s dream space and the most discussed space between the designer and the client!

Today we will try and understand if a fixed Island feature is feasible in your kitchen or not? Basically, an island is a stand-alone piece of counter space where we could setup a hob or a kitchen sink or just a clear counter for cutting or having breakfast. There is no fixed height, width, length or shape for an Island. It is purely based on the function and size of your kitchen.

First and foremost, the island once installed must allow free passage around it for the people working in the kitchen and clearance for all kitchen appliances to be installed.

That is, a minimum of 90cm will allow clear passage around the island, and if one opens the refrigerator or dish washer it should not block the passage of the people using the kitchen. There should be no hindrance to the traffic flow in the kitchen or through the kitchen. The presence of an island is realistic only when the island increases the functionality in a kitchen.

An Island kitchen with Hob and Island Chimney designed by Menon Architects, Cochin

If the hob is placed on the Island as seen in the picture above, we go in for an Island Chimney which is available is many models to add charm and function to the Island Kitchen.

An Island kitchen with a plain counter built by Vijaykumar Associates Architects, Bangalore

Sometimes the counter allows a small space for preparation also (for example to roll out the “puris”, ”chappatis” before frying them). Other than this, a little part of the counter space may be devoted as a dinette for a single person grabbing a quick bite. Of course, keeping in mind the functions of the island, the size will be determined. Most importantly, the Island should not be a reason for the kitchen to become cramped for space.

On the other hand if the Island houses the sink, we can add a chopping and cutting space beside the sink. However, we should keep in mind, the plumbing lines will be going below the floor of your kitchen .In case of any maintenance work, the floor tiles will be disturbed. However, proper plumbing and water proof treatments should avoid any such hitch. A double bowl sink with a drain tray, or a single bowl sink with double drain trays would be a nice option too on the island.

The third option for an island would be almost similar to having a fixed-table in your kitchen. It could serve as a study table for your kid doing his/her homework under your supervision. It could be a place where you have your fruit-bowl or where you keep your goodies for easy pick! It could even serve as a dinette for the family or where you get your ingredients ready for cooking. The space below the counter can be judiciously used for storage cabinets or even a small kitchen library.

Though the layout of your kitchen will impose some restraints on your island, an interestingly shaped Island with flavors of functionality could be the focal point in your kitchen !! A feature of fun and individuality!