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.