In the world of kitchen design, trends come and go, but some elements remain timeless. The kitchen island is undoubtedly one of them. Far more than just an extra surface, a well-designed island can be the true heart of your kitchen.
Why Choose a Bespoke Kitchen Island
Handmade kitchen islands are crafted to be the perfect fit, offering a seamless flow in your kitchen. They are ideal for unusually shaped rooms or open-plan areas, but even the most standard of room spaces can benefit from an island. If you want your handmade kitchen to be particularly tailored to your lifestyle, a bespoke kitchen island can feature anything from a dedicated pastry space, a built-in wine fridge or an area to entertain while you cook up a feast. A bespoke island can incorporate any feature you desire, from specialised storage solutions and integrated appliances to custom seating arrangements and charging stations. With a custom-built island, you’re not limited to standard finishes or materials. You can choose from an almost endless array of timbers, natural stones, composites, and metals. Want a waterfall edge made of exquisite marble? A quirky pop of colour in a painted finish? It can be achieved with the right kitchen design company.
Your kitchen island isn’t just functional; it’s often the focal point of the room. A bespoke design allows you to create a truly unique statement piece that reflects your personality and elevates the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. It’s an opportunity to inject character and charm into your home.
At Papilio Bespoke Kitchens, we have designed and custom-made many kitchens, each as unique as its owner. Here are examples of our handmade kitchen islands, in which we took great pride.
The North London Kitchen
We were thrilled to be chosen to design The North London Kitchen in an impressive property that underwent an extensive renovation. We selected a minimalistic, nature-inspired colour palette to design oak-finished cabinets and deep black-tinted glass for the appliances and tall pantry. The central focal point in our design is the magnificent, handmade kitchen island, crafted from the finest Arabescato marble, with soft, curved edges that add a touch of elegance. The marble’s unique patterns beautifully set off the light walls and wooden design features. The kitchen island is functional at its core, yet it is also rather beautiful.
The Alpine Ski Chalet Kitchen
We worked on a stunning barn conversion in the French Alps. Our brief was to design a functional yet modern kitchen that pays homage to the barn’s rustic origins. The wooden beams and windows, high ceilings, and spectacular natural vistas inspired us to create a luxurious yet honest kitchen with stunning feature pieces and state-of-the-art appliances. The kitchen island was conceived to balance the high ceilings and marry tradition with modernity. It was meticulously crafted from a single plank of oak, with the island’s front showcasing our signature finger joint details and resin infills, accentuating the wood’s natural beauty. The kitchen island, perched on a powder-coated steel frame, floats, creating an airy, spacious feel corresponding to the spectacular views outside. The island’s work surface is fashioned from rift-sawn oak with an oiled finish and boasts a sleek yet functional finish.
The Frome Kitchen
For our Frome Kitchen project in Somerset, as part of a major kitchen renovation, we designed and built a praiseworthy central kitchen island made from a double-thickness sheet of Valchromat, which we custom-made with a water jet to give a fluted effect. The beauty and versatility of Valchromat make it ideal for complete customisation. The work surface on the island is one of Papilios’ favourite materials, Richlite, made from recycled paper and resin, which gives a phenomenally hardwearing surface that patinas over time, resulting in a leather-like finish. Sunken into this work surface is the ultimate cook tool, the Bora Pro induction hob with built-in extraction. The island is finished with a solid brass trim to create a genuinely bespoke kitchen island.
