Kitchen islands have become a staple of contemporary kitchens, but they’ve come a long way since their humble beginnings. In a nutshell, a kitchen island is a freestanding or countertop unit that is accessible on all sides. It can be large, square, rectangular or an entirely bespoke shape. They are the perfect solution for adding practical work surfaces and storage but also a great way to divide larger kitchens.
The first kitchen islands were likely simple wooden tables used by servants to prepare meals. These islands were typically located in the centre of the kitchen, out of the way of the primary cooking and cleaning areas.
In the early 1900s, kitchen islands became more popular among affluent homeowners, emphasising the importance of owning a home with all the latest amenities. Kitchen islands were seen as a symbol of luxury but also convenience.
In the mid-20th century, kitchen islands underwent a significant transformation. As homes became more open-concept, kitchen islands began to divide the kitchen from the living and dining areas. Islands also became larger and more multi-functional, with features such as sinks, cooktops, and built-in seating.
Our Mid-Century-Inspired Kitchen project in Somerset is a fine example of the design period styling and a way to make an ample space more homely. We designed not one but two kitchen islands for the Bath kitchen. We utilised our client’s existing mid-century curved, glazed antique cabinet, constructed in teak, using its frontage and building a unit around the piece. This kitchen island was designated for cooking, so it cleverly houses a sunken Bora Pro hob and a 90cm Miele oven. The second kitchen island is geared towards food preparation and entertaining with a row of stools, perfect for informal breakfasts and sharing a bottle of wine.
Today’s kitchen islands are more versatile than ever before. They can be used for everything from meal prep and cooking to entertaining and working from home. Today’s contemporary kitchen island will likely include a sink, cooker, built-in seating, dishwashers, refrigerators, wine coolers, charging stations and extra workspaces. The beauty of the evolution of kitchen islands is that today’s contemporary kitchens are ultimately multi-functional. Kitchen islands are no longer just for cooking and meal prep. They are designed for various purposes, such as entertaining and working from home and are a central focal point in many kitchens. They are often designed to make a statement, with unique features such as waterfall countertops, oversized pendant lights, and custom cabinetry. Kitchen islands are increasingly equipped with innovative technology features, such as voice-activated controls and built-in appliances.
For our Georgian Townhouse Kitchen in Bath, we embraced the multi-functional approach and created a truly tailored kitchen island. We incorporated fluted leather banquette seating, offering much-needed dining space to the kitchen design, which matched a refined, custom-made walnut dining table. The luxurious yet multi-functional kitchen island is the perfect example of the capabilities of a bespoke kitchen design and how you can maximise the space and flow of a room.
Kitchen islands have come a long way since their humble beginnings, and today’s kitchen islands are versatile, stylish, and functional hubs that can be used for everything from cooking to entertaining.
