The CENTREPIECE

Kitchen islands are fast becoming essential for the contemporary home. Hasmita Amtha looks at the considerations when designing one

- Hasmita Amtha

Contemporary kitchen designs are centred around the island. From being the main station with a built-in stove and prep sink to becoming the breakfast spot where families begin their day or the kids do their homework while a parent prepares supper.

And while this solid feature has become a necessity, there are many elements that can be considered to maximise the design, resulting in a highly functional unit.

As the design team at twelve, a kitchen design firm, points out: "The kitchen island is used for various activities over and above cooking or prepping. It is essential for achieving an open-plan living space feel, acting as the anchor between various living areas within a home."

Focusing on the much-adored kitchen island, the industry experts share the smart features that can be incorporated into the design. 

INNOVATIVE INTERIORS

Design is everything when it comes to making a space highly functional; and homes are being rethought and created to complement the owners' lifestyles and ensure a better user experience.

Noting a macro trend, Philip Richards of blu_line, says: "We are seeing the island as the anchoring point of not just the kitchen, but also the home. The island is a dynamic structure that needs to be able to adapt and evolve according to not just functional demands, but aesthetic desires too.

"With this in mind, we are continuously looking to push the boundaries by enhancing the experience of our client through the use of our sliding worktop technology, our sensorline range, and design layering, which is a concept of using various materials layered over each other to develop the aesthetic of the island."

MATERIAL MATTERS

When it comes to materials, there are many options to consider when creating a striking statement centrepiece.