Kitchen island – the dream of any housewife. It is considered the prerogative of large kitchens and is most often located in the central part of the room, acting as an additional work surface and storage space. Today we tell you what principles of arrangement of the “island” is important to keep in order to make your kitchen more functional.
Enough kitchen space
As practice shows, the kitchen with an “island” will be comfortable only if its area is at least 20 square meters. First, sufficient floor space will help to maintain the recommended minimum distance of 100 cm between the “island” and the furniture along the walls. Otherwise the hostess, even with dishes, products in hand, will have to develop an additional skill – to quickly fit into the narrow aisles. Such difficulties will not suit the taste of few people.
Secondly, keep in mind that the minimum length of the “island” according to the laws of ergonomics – 120 cm, width – 60 cm and height – 85 cm. These dimensions will look harmonious only in a spacious room. A small kitchen with a large “island” visually seems even narrower than without it.
The more useful – the better
Setting up an “island” in the kitchen, so that it can be used only as a table or a bar counter – is not a luxury! A more rational step is to arrange several functional areas on the countertop, for example:
a sink and a cooktop with a compact work area between them;
a large two-compartment sink or a cooking top and a food preparation zone for further processing;
eating area equipped with small appliances: toaster, microwave, coffee maker.
Do not miss the opportunity to use the space under the countertop. Here you can place a built-in mini fridge, dishwasher, oven, shelves for kitchen utensils, food, cookbooks or wine collection. Moreover, the space above the “island” can also become functional. A decorative shelf-mensola, mounted on the ceiling, will be a convenient place to store the necessary small items.
The golden “rule of the triangle”
The components of the so-called working triangle of the hostess (refrigerator, sink and cooking surface) should be at a minimum distance from each other. It is most convenient if the distance from the sink to the refrigerator is 120 – 210 cm, to the sink – 120-180 cm. On the way from one apex of the triangle to the other there should be no obstacles: for example, chairs, tables, decorative floor compositions. The presence of an “island” helps to create a perfect working triangle. As studies have shown, in the kitchen with properly located “island” the hostess walks 100-150 meters less per day. This means that it is less tired.
Harmony in unity
Designers advise to install an “island”, the design of which fits into the stylistics of the other elements of the kitchen set. The use of similar materials, fittings allows you to create a harmonious composition. “The island” is separated from the garniture by free space, so it would be more reasonable to visually unite them – a common style solution.
Maximum attention to technical issues
On the technical side, it is most difficult to relocate the sink – the project requires approval from the state services. You will have to take care of quality floor waterproofing, and the sewage pipe with a diameter of 50 mm must be installed with a slope of 3 cm for every 100 cm of its length. As a result, the floor level in the kitchen may rise by 10-15 cm, respectively, and the floors in other rooms must also be leveled. This is associated with additional costs, but you can save money by installing the “island” on a technical podium.
Placement on the “island” electric cooktop, appliances and even outlets is not difficult for any qualified electrician. Do not forget about the hood: the best option for an open “island” kitchen will be a device with a capacity of 500-800 m3/h and the withdrawal of air into the ventilation shaft.
