Kitchen Island Designs For Small Kitchens

Kitchen islands serve a multi-functional purpose within a kitchen. They add an additional work space, serve as an informal dining area, and even allow you to monitor your kids as they complete their homework while you finish your work in the kitchen. Apart from these functions, kitchen islands are the perfect design element that a kitchen needs. In today's day and time, not many people can imagine their kitchens without an island. However, what do you do if your kitchen is small? There are many ways in which you can incorporate these beauties into small kitchens too. How? With the help of these tips and ideas for kitchen island designs for small kitchens.

Tips to Consider

When you talk about a small kitchen, you need to first understand, how small is small? A kitchen island not only requires its own space, but space around it so that you can comfortably move around the kitchen and work on the island conveniently. Plus, you don't want your kitchen to start looking too cramped. So here are the factors that you need to keep in mind when considering a kitchen island for a small kitchen.

• The Size of the Kitchen Island: The smallest kitchen island should ideally be 4'-0" x 2'-0" - 2'-6". Then, you need at least 3'-0" of space around each side of the island so that you are not interrupted and can easily move around.
• The Size of the Kitchen: With these dimensions, your kitchen should be at least 8'-0" x 12'-0" so that you can accommodate the island. If it is smaller, you can consider using a portable kitchen island, that can be kept aside when not in use. Just remember that the island should be in proportion to your kitchen.
• Function of the Kitchen Island: You now need to decide the function of the island so that you can design it accordingly. Are you going to use it for storage? Do you want to place your hob on it? Do you just want an additional work space? Or do you also want to use it as a breakfast counter? Based on these requirements you will decide what the appropriate size of the kitchen island will be. These considerations will matter greatly because if you want it just for storage, the aforementioned 4'-0" x 2'-0" dimensions will be just fine. If you want a breakfast bar, then the size counter top should at least measure 4'-0" x 2'-6" while the base can be of 4'-0" x 2'-0". The additional six inch extension is for the leg space required when sitting around the counter. These dimensions are also applicable if you want to use it to place your hob.

If you can factor for all these requirements, you can easily fit in the kitchen island in your small kitchen.

Design Ideas for Kitchen Islands

If you think that you cannot come up with some good kitchen island designs because your kitchen is small, you are mistaken. Irrespective of its size, a kitchen island is capable of being functional as well as beautiful in the kitchen. Here's a look into some interesting ideas you can apply.

• Configure the Storage: If you are using the island for storage, what do you think you want to keep there? Use it for your crockery and cutlery so that you can do your plate settings on the countertop. If you have placed your hob on the counter, then use the base for your pots and pans, plates and silverware. Use the base for storage based on the function of the island. Based on what you will keep there, you can decide on the number of drawers or cabinets you will require.
• Focus on the Exterior: Because the kitchen is small and so is the kitchen island, focus on the design so that it doesn't make the kitchen look too small. If you have cabinets below the island, try and have the cabinet doors made of glass. These provide a more open feeling to the kitchen. You can have the island flowing with the same color combination as the rest of the kitchen, or you can color it differently for the necessary pop of color! All in all, the colors shouldn't be too dark. The material of the countertop is also important. Wood or granite? What are you more comfortable with? Ideally, granite is more resilient though wood adds a more rustic texture to the kitchen. Granite is also available in lighter shades so that your kitchen doesn't look very dark.
• Shape of the Kitchen Island: Now because your kitchen is small, the ideal shape is rectangular as it easily fits into a small kitchen. If you have an open kitchen that can allow you to overlook your dining area, you are free to experiment with shapes such as a circular or square kitchen island. Some people have also tried the hexagonal island, but it is a little too elaborate for a small kitchen.
• The Portable Kitchen Island: One of the best ideas that you can use for a small kitchen is the portable kitchen island. Think of a table with just a shelf below that you can use for storage. You don't have to have cabinets or anything of the sort. It could be a wooden table or one made of stainless steel for a modern touch. If possible, add wheels to it to move it in and out of the kitchen whenever required. This could turn out to be one of the best kitchen island ideas you could implement in your small kitchen. On the other hand, simply place a beautiful table in the center of your kitchen that will function as an island as well as a dining space!
• Consider a Peninsula: Instead of an island that is a free standing element, consider a peninsula that is attached to one wall and is open from three other sides. It is as functional as an island and is in fact a great space saver in the small kitchen. You can then apply the aforementioned design ideas to this peninsula too.

These designs can be further enhanced by using interesting stools or chairs for the breakfast bar and unique hanging lamps above the countertop. You can even have your pots and pans hanging from a rack above the counter if you have your hob on the island. Get creative and make the most of your small kitchen by adding a beautiful island to serve all your needs in there.