The kitchen is the heart of the home and is a space in the home that is used day in and day out, so we understand that making it perfect is important. Lots of our clients and prospective clients often want a kitchen island, and although it’s a beautiful addition to the home, it’s not a simple installation, and there are many things to consider. If you are thinking of fitting a kitchen island, it is important to know what you want and what you need.

Below are the top things to consider when deciding what type of bespoke kitchen island is right for you.

Space
The first step is to think about what you want out of your kitchen island. Do you want a large island that can serve as an eating space or do you prefer a smaller one that can be used for storage? Do you prefer an island with seating or without? What about height? A higher island offers more counter space but might not fit well in a small kitchen, while a lower one might be too low for most people to work comfortably. If you’re not sure of the best way to make this decision, it’s a good idea to head to a kitchen showroom and get a real feel of the sizes and heights of kitchen islands available.

When it comes to sizing, it’s also important that the space is measured accurately prior to installing the island, the last thing you would want is for you to think you have more space than you do, and be left with either a costly mistake to fix or an island that takes up too much room you in your kitchen, becoming more of an obstacle than an addition.

If you’re not sure what size island you do want, think about the design of your kitchen and how much room it has available. If your kitchen is on the small side, don’t pick an oversized island that will take up all the space – it’s better to find something that fits your current layout than try to cram something into a small room. Then consider how many people will be using the island – single people might have a smaller island that fits with their space while a kitchen designed for five or more people might call for a slightly larger, more versatile model.

Design
It’s also important to consider what the kitchen island will be used for. Will it be used as a breakfast bar, a cooking space, a storage area, a prep area or will it be multi-purpose? Once you have decided on how you want your kitchen island to be used you can then begin looking at different types. Again, it’s a great idea to go to a showroom and speak to an expert. This way you can explain your needs and they can ensure you’re getting the most use out of your island, the space and for your the money spent.

If your island is going to be a cooking space, with a hob included, then you need to consider the ventilation required. Many luxury kitchen brands, such as Miele, offer specific island ventilation, and others such as Gagganau supply products such as the downward draft ventilation system, which is perfect for hobs on islands.

Once you know what the kitchen surface will be used for, you will be able to choose the type of material suitable for the countertops. If it’s going to be used for cooking and prepping, you need to have a durable, easy clean and heat-resistant top. However, if the space is only going to be dining or storage, these factors are not as important. One of our favourite surfaces for countertops is Dekton, it’s heat, stain, and scratch resistant and comes with a ten-year guarantee. Silestone is also a great option, made of 90% natural quartz, it is also stain, shock, acid and heat resistant. There are many different countertops on the market, and although some are more affordable than others, it’s important to do your research to ensure that you are not sacrificing quality.

Budget
Lastly, think about what your budget is. It’s easy to get carried away during the design process but if you have a budget, stick to it. The key to setting a budget with any renovation project is to allow wiggle room for extra costs, alterations or changes, as these are inevitable. Working with an expert will ensure you’re able to get the most for your budget, without compromising on the things that matter.

If you’d like to book an appointment at our showroom, you can do so here.

Company Bio
Hi-Spec Design is a family run interior design agency based in Chelsea, South West London. We specialise in bespoke kitchens and work with some of the best appliance manufacturers across Europe, this company is remembered by its customers for its unique and luxurious designs. Read more about our story here.