The kitchen island is a key element of modern kitchens. Very trendy, it is appreciated for its aesthetics, its practical and functional aspect, but also for the conviviality it brings to your interior. If it is fashionable, do not opt for the wrong model, an unsuitable layout or a poorly thought out design. Let’s take stock of the 5 mistakes to avoid when installing a kitchen island.
Mistake n°1: a badly positioned island
The position of the kitchen island is essential. If it is poorly thought out, it can make it useless. Whatever its shape, it is essential to implant it in the right place. The kitchen island is a functional element of your kitchen, but it is also a friendly space around which your family and your guests will gather. Count at least 90 cm of passage around the island to facilitate circulation and allow everyone to approach it at ease and without getting in the way.
Mistake n°2: an island that does not correspond to its needs
The island is certainly trendy, but it does not correspond to all lifestyles and it does not suit all kitchens. In a small space, the island can be more bulky and inconvenient than efficient and practical. Similarly, the island must above all correspond and meet your needs. It can be a cooking space, a washing space, a preparation space, a sharing space, a storage space, etc. However, nothing forces you to implement everything there. If you have the space and if it corresponds to your uses, install a sink, hob, extractor and storage there, but if you do not find your way around in this use, simply make it a space where share your meals.
Mistake n°3: an island that does not take into account the shape of the kitchen
If you have a small kitchen, you can set up an island, nothing prevents you from doing so. On the other hand, it is recommended to choose a model that corresponds to the shape of your kitchen and that fits in well in its dimensions. It is absolutely necessary to think about taking the measurements of your room before investing in an island in order to prevent it from being more restrictive than functional. If the island is not recommended in an L-shaped kitchen, a kitchen that is too narrow or a kitchen in length, it can be installed in a reduced kitchen if it too revises its dimensions downwards. In this case, reserve it for the elements that are essential to you.
Take your measurements carefully beforehand so that the island does not lose all its meaning. Some elements, such as hobs, cupboards, sinks or hoods can be very bulky. Keep in mind that you need a space of at least 90 cm around the island to circulate, so optimize the size of this central element to concentrate only the essentials according to your room.
Mistake n°4: an island that is more aesthetic than truly practical
The island is very trendy and the photos of kitchens, each more beautiful than the other, are flourishing on the internet and making us all dream. However, don’t make the mistake of designing an island that’s beautiful but impractical. The very essence of the island is to be functional and to bring you comfort within your room. So proceed in order and design this element to meet your needs with a well-thought-out, practical and functional arrangement. To do this, rely on the habits of the different members of your household. Decoration comes second.
Mistake n°5: an island that obstructs circulation
Let’s remember again, the kitchen island is a central element of your kitchen around which you can move around and sit down. This space is above all functional and must be designed to fit into the room without interfering with its occupancy. Keep at least 90 cm around your island to circulate without difficulty. Make sure that access to cooking areas, storage, sink, refrigerator and dishwasher is accessible at all times, including when you are seated around the kitchen island to eat there. Otherwise, you are depriving yourself of the comfort of your kitchen and the usefulness of the island.