With island units sitting high up on most consumers' wish lists when it comes to their ideal kitchen design, we round up 10 inspiring compact solutions to help make their dreams a reality.
1. The Gala Shaker range from Lifestyle Kitchens is shown here in an L-shaped kitchen design, styled in a rich Forest Green and paired with a central island in a subtle Dakar shade. The multifunctional island features a place to prepare meals, offers easy access to organised storage and incorporates a sleek undercounter wine cooler. Designed with entertaining in mind, the extended worktop incorporates seating for informal dining or just to grab a quick snack on the go. Gala is available in 6 complementary shades to create a modern classic kitchen scheme.
2. In spite of the lofty high ceiling in this space designed by DeVol Kitchens, the footprint is not huge so the U-shaped layout works well. The addition of the Shaker prep table in the centre creates extra storage and an area for meal prep, as well as a social spot for people to gravitate to. The richly veined Calacatta Monet marble worktop adds an air of luxury and personality.
3. This scheme features Masterclass Kitchens' Hatfield Graphite range, and was designed and installed by Home Sweet Home. The freestanding island is a great way to make the room seem bigger than it actually is. Being able to see the floor beneath the cabinets allows for a cohesive design, while creating a stunning 'farmhouse-style' kitchen design.
4. This design for a bohemian-style beach house by DeVol Kitchens was created to chime with the rest of the property's interior and exude a cosy, welcoming feel. The simple Shaker kitchen features just one long run of Linen cupboards and a Scullery Yellow prep table with a copper worktop that acts a centrepiece for the space without making it feel overcrowded.
5. This island is part of the handleless Novus range from Omega Plc and is small enough to enable easy movement around the open-plan space, while still offering an alternative seating area and a place that's perfect for entertaining. It also provides ample storage in the base of the unit – a valuable addition to a blended space where there isn't necessarily an abundance of cabinets.
6. This Melrose kitchen in Highland Stone with Portland Oak by Masterclass Kitchens was designed and installed by New Forest Designs. The neat central island features a slim wine cooler and sociable seating area, while open shelving makes the unit feel less solid and dominant in the space, providing a practical area for storing cookery books and glassware.
7. This Signature Bespoke Shaker kitchen by Searle & Taylor Kitchens features a 1900 x 900mm island with tongue-and-groove end panels, handpainted in Kigali 678 by Paint & Paper Library. The task side facing the cooker features 2 storage cupboards and an integrated dishwasher by Miele. The facing side features a cutlery drawer above open shelving set between 2 further storage cupboards. A stainless steel 1.5 undermount sink by Franke was installed with a polished chrome Quooker Flex 3-in-1 Boiling Water tap.
8. This scheme by London-based kitchen company PAD was part of a collaboration with Aura Architecture. The furniture and central island were designed using PAD’s bespoke Elgin cabinetry from their St John’s Wood Collection which was finished in a vibrant LICK Yellow 06 paint tone. The island, although compact, includes built-in wine storage, bookshelves, a Caple Belfast-style sink, additional storage and a seating area.
9. Sachsenküchen's Edda Walnut Terra Brown wood style and Fiora Verde Comodoro super matt wall-hung cabinetry are shown in an open-plan space with a seamless blend between the kitchen and living areas. The compact island includes concealed organised storage, and open decorative shelving to show off favourite home accessories. The Edda collection is available in 5 finishes, with a palette of light and dark wood styles in a horizontal or vertical woodgrain effect. Fiora is a super matt finish available in 7 shades.
10. This design by The Myers Touch features an island handpainted in Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath that has a dual purpose; to be welcoming but also control the space to allow friends to sit at the side but away from the working kitchen area. The adjacent peninsula and countertop provide additional prep space, while the island with a bespoke solid oak worktop allows for 4 stools (2 on each side) and includes a Caple wine fridge and additional storage.
