Kitchen with an island: location, design and arrangement, color and lighting

The kitchen is called the heart of the house, because this is the place where the whole family gathers. For a woman, the kitchen also becomes a workplace. According to statistics, housewives spend an average of four hours working in the kitchen. That is why the competent location, functionality and aesthetics of furniture and appliances in the kitchen are so important.

An island in the kitchen is a free-standing dining or work area.

A similar layout is currently considered the main trend in kitchen design. In addition to fashion trends, a kitchen with an island meets all the requirements of functionality. A free approach to the island from any side, as well as the ability to equip it at will, provides convenience in handling and work.

The location of the island in the kitchen

A kitchen with an island is an excellent solution for a spacious room. In order to avoid problems with movement, it is recommended to install the island in a kitchen with an area of at least fifteen square meters. In a small room you can also place an island, but in this case there will be practically no free space.

When creating the interior of a small kitchen, it should be borne in mind that:

the island should be as functional as possible: it should combine the working and dining areas and arrange compartments for storing kitchen utensils;

to save space, the window sill can be designed as a functional work surface;

built-in furniture and appliances will also help to save space, and the countertops of the main headset or island can be folding.

There are several parameters and rules for the location of the island, which were developed by experts according to ergonomics:

the length of the island should be 100 - 300 cm;
width: 50 - 150 cm;
height: 80 - 90 cm;
for comfortable work, the distance to other furniture should be at least a meter.

How to equip an islet

One of the significant advantages of a kitchen with an island is the choice of functionality based on personal needs. There are several options for the equipment of the island zone:

as a kitchen chest: this option involves the presence of a large number of drawers for storing kitchen utensils.

The working surface can be equipped with a sink or hob.

dining area: in this case the island is used exclusively as a dining table, and the working area can be included in the main kitchen.

At the same time, the island area can be decorated in the form of a bar.

combined option: the most optimal variety of island functionality for small and medium-sized rooms. In this case, the island area is equipped with lockers and includes a working and dining part.

Kitchen Design

The shape of the island can be changed depending on individual preferences and the overall design of the kitchen. For example, crisp, rectangular shapes are well suited to high-tech, neoclassical, and minimalist styles. Smooth and rounded shapes can be applied in modern, classic and antique style.

Color scheme

The choice of the color of the design of the kitchen is one of the most important stages of repair. It is proved that color affects the state of mind and working mood. The kitchen is one of the most visited rooms in the apartment, so the color scheme for it should be chosen depending on the desired effect.

The main colors used in the interior:

white: balances and visually expands the space, serves as an excellent background for combining other colors;
black: the right proportions when applying this color can create the effect of luxury and presentability. Black color in the interior helps to increase concentration and performance;
red: increases appetite and energizes;
yellow: creates a feeling of warmth and sunlight, uplifting. Great choice for a kitchen located on the north side;
green: helps to calm down and relax, relieves psychological stress;
orange: increases the tone of the body, gives strength, increases appetite;
pink: cold shades of this color energize and concentrate, while warm shades, on the contrary, soothe and relax;
brown: creates a feeling of coziness and comfort, creates a sense of security. This is one of the neutral colors that fits perfectly with the classic style;
blue: all shades of this color relax, balance and reduce appetite.

Kitchen lighting

For kitchens with an island, special lighting is required. The functionality and convenience of working in the kitchen depend on how well each zone is highlighted.

One of the best options for lighting the kitchen is to install pendant lights above the island itself, and spotlights along the entire perimeter of the room.

Or vice versa, the main light is located above the dining area.

Spot lights can also be used to highlight both zones. At the same time, the use of the same concise lamps will bring together the kitchen interior into a single harmonious composition.