Kitchen with an island in a modern interior

Kitchen island design has been widely known for a long time. This is a familiar element in the homes of many Americans and in large private buildings in Europe. On the territory of the CIS kitchen island is becoming increasingly popular. They are found in studio apartments in new buildings as part of the original layout. The basis of this unit of the kitchen interior is the functional use and optimization of space. However, in the kitchens of a separate type there will be a place for the island only if the area is at least 15-16 square meters. On the tables, islands, you can cook food, butcher meat, wash and chop vegetables, and at the same time actively move around the whole structure, talk to others who are close by. If it is planned to create an island in the kitchen, then it is necessary to take into account all the nuances so that potential difficulties and inconveniences do not negate the benefits of functional devices.

Features of the kitchen with the island

Kitchen island - a stylish element for housing and the kitchen in particular. The island can be equipped with a sink, working or cooking surface, used as a dining table. This architectural form requires a large area around: a wide kitchen or a combined space of a studio apartment. Another important feature is the ability to organize the space in the kitchen. Among the main advantages of ergonomics and functionality, which manifest themselves in a variety of shapes, sizes and purpose of the island. Table-island is sometimes combined with a bar. The form of this element is not limited to any strict parameters. Rectangle, square and half-rings are the most frequently used configuration options. For kitchen equipment island will need an area of ​​15 square meters. m

Advantages and disadvantages

A key advantage is the compact placement of many appliances and functional units. In addition, the island will serve as an additional working surface, which would be impossible or inconvenient in the case of a dining table. This item contains a lot of dishes and other utensils. On the surface, on top and on the sides next to it there is a place for arranging various storages. In modern apartments, stylishness and presentability are highly valued, so a kitchen island will be useful. However, this layout has several drawbacks. First, the free area of ​​the central part of the kitchen will be “interrupted” by a large element in the middle. Another disadvantage is that a considerable amount of space is required, and this is a problem in small apartments. Among other disadvantages - the high price and complexity of the supply of communications.

Functions of the island in the kitchen

On the island you can:

1. To cut meat and fish.
2. Boil, fry and reheat food.
3. Wash hands, groceries.
4. Store utensils.

The role of the island design in the kitchen is primarily associated with practical benefits. Kitchen ergonomics largely depends on furniture and space saving. But in the case of kitchens in large country houses and cottages, planning is all about. Most often, the island is a project, not an element of furniture. You should resort to the help of specialists if the architecture of the house does not provide for communications for the island construction. The result is a multitasking part of the kitchen, combining the functions of all its zones. In the island construction there is a place for a plate, sink, shelves, sockets, working and dining surfaces. Space zoning is a key additional function. An island in a private house will divide the kitchen room into parts or separate it from the corridor, and in the apartment it will equip the internal zones.

In the kitchen with the island is much easier to keep order.

Additional working surface

A table-island can create one or several links of a working triangle, but its main advantage is the ability to use additional space at the level of hands. Experienced housewives are familiar with the lack of space and know that the kitchen is difficult to spoil the "extra" surface. Often, an island consists of several important devices, including a sink, a dining table, an area for cutting meat and fish, a cooker and a bar. The combination of all these zones removes the load from the facade and apron. Their surface can be partially used for the placement of kitchen utensils, and the inner sections can be streamlined due to the removal of part of the items. Also, the surface of the island will accommodate several decorative elements. But the main advantage is expressed in easy access from any side. Due to this, the island can be made as much as 1.5-1.8 meters wide, which is unacceptable in the case of the working surface of the kitchen wall.

Kitchen island with a bar

The rack can be a continuation of the tabletop or stand out a small elevation. In some cases, this drop is made more visible, as the bar counter is usually much higher than the working surface. For each person, a space of not less than 60 cm is allocated. The rack depth ideally does not exceed 65 cm. The space under it can be used for embedding kitchen appliances. The island with a bar is also equipped with small storage systems, and in addition to those provided by the manufacturer, there is a place for self-made ones. A furniture module with alcohol should be placed near the central element, and above it, a railing system with hooks for mugs and holders for wine glasses. This will help collect all the liquor in one place and eliminate the need to walk around the kitchen in search of the right bottle.

How to choose chairs to the rack:

Kitchen island with dining table

The dining area of ​​the kitchen island is both freestanding and part of the overall structure. The usual large rectangle has established itself as the most standard type of island with a dining table. Less common are T-shaped and angular designs. In these cases, one of the sides will be the working surface, and the other - a place where you can have lunch. The dimensions of the dining table and its height are selected on the basis of the layout and size of the kitchen, the number of occupants and their anthropometric indicators. In the center of the table leave at least 0.2 square meters. m free space to accommodate various accessories. On the rest of the surface should remain approximately 50 × 50 cm for each family member. Dining tables are added and vykatny. In the first case, it is a stationary design, and in the second - an element that extends from the housing. Sometimes the table is made in the form of a corner and just adjacent to the work surface.

It is recommended to combine a dining table with a kitchen island, since the free space may disappear over time.

Island with a hob

Designs with a hob look modern and stylish. This option allows you to "switch" from food to cooking and vice versa at any time. Filing communications for such a device is not the easiest thing - the cost of installing it will be high. An island with a cooking stove must be provided with a large number of accessories: tack for hot, frying pans, pots and everything that is used on the working surface. It will be extremely inconvenient to transfer unprepared dishes from the apron to the islet time after time. In general, the cooking zone on the island is more versatile, because even with the design it will be possible to make your wishes come true. Separately, it is necessary to note the design aspect: the hob in the center of the room does not spoil the interior. Above the cooking zone, you will need to install a hood.

Island with a sink

Creating a sink in the very center is a useful move in the planning of the kitchen, because in this way additional square meters are saved. The sink itself is simply necessary if the island is used, including as a work surface. Owners of kitchens larger than 20 square meters. You can not think about where to place a single washbasin, but simply make 2 sinks at once. Ergonomics will benefit from this, and the speed of work will increase. An important plus of washing in the islet is the ability to have a conversation around the table and more cohesively to do cooking together. Tables in the center of the kitchen are able to contain additional compartments for storing utensils and products. Due to this, dirty dishes can be hidden, as well as bread and other products that quickly deteriorate in the air. It would be appropriate to place the dining area and a few chairs near the culinary.

Island-table with open shelves or showcase cabinets

There are several options for their use. On the shelves in the first place put the dishes, pans and small appliances. Boxes with cereals, culinary literature, etc. are put in the display cases. Design should be paid attention to, decorating the shelves with stones and vases. This design technique should be applied in moderation, otherwise it will not look organically. It is also worth taking care that in the process of using open shelves did not have to bend too much or lift heavy objects almost from the floor level. Open shelves - a great place for spices, fruits and vegetables. It is not worth buying or making islands only with open shelves, and even a great height. It is wasteful use of space. However, modern multi-level devices (containers, trays, sections) can compensate for these shortcomings and eliminate chaotic clutter. The main advantage of open shelves is to save time when cooking.

The size and shape of the island

The main types of island structures in the form:

• island chest of drawers;
• transformer;
• in the form of a crescent;
• rectangle or square;
• circle or oval;
• narrow long stand.

Island-chest is still moving. Externally similar to it is the island buffet and the showcase. All of these options are designed for a room of modest size. The "Transformers" have mobile sections, for example, the edges of the table top. The crescent island has a large area of ​​contact around the perimeter. On a rectangular table is best to keep order. This is a classic, time-tested option. The oval shape of the island is one of the most stylish. The island - a bar counter is a symbiosis of two independent structures. The ideal width at which it is convenient to work on an island does not exceed 1.5 meters. Most often this indicator is in the range of 1-1.5 meters. The height of the tabletop depends on the destination. If the bar is not, then 85 cm from the floor - perfect. There are combined options, as well as high tables (about 110 cm), behind which it is convenient to sit on chairs or work while standing on a small platform. The width of the free space around the island structure should not be too large, but not less than 100 cm.

Varieties of layouts

The shape and size of the island must be coordinated with the dimensions of the room and the configuration of the furniture set. Kitchen layout is U-shaped, angular (L-shaped), linear, two-row. A typical island kitchen has a linear configuration, but there are U-shaped and angular options. A large kitchen with a headset with the letter "P" provides for the possibility of placing a rectangular island of the most elongated shape. With the facade of the angular form optimally combined G-and T-shaped island structures. In the second version, the "upper" side is made longer. If the headset is a straight line, then any form of the island will be ergonomic. It all depends on the size of the room. If it is small, standard constructions are recommended, but when it comes to a large kitchen, then you should not limit yourself to the usual regular forms.

In this case, the islands of non-standard configuration are relevant:

• diamond shaped;
• annular;
• round;
• the letter "X".

Stylistic direction of the interior

The presence of the kitchen island is provided by some designer trends. Each of them implies a different appearance and functional benefits. The island in the classical style consists of elements of a purely decorative nature. A modern style table will have all the necessary elements for cooking. Any coloring is combined with this stylistic direction. Immediately four styles - loft, Provence, country and Scandinavian admit the presence of rough edges. The first of them consists of similar rough accents, and such as country and Provence use scuffs to complement the image of a soft cozy atmosphere. The appearance of the island structure should be consistent with the latter, which is expressed in the presence of small furniture parts. Islands in the American style are characterized by a large size and a significant amount of free space on the surface. Practically each of the styles used for kitchen design allows for the presence of a stone, natural or artificial, in the design.

In classic style

Classic in the kitchen implies a desire for luxury, but at the same time a certain academic character. The main materials of the classic interior are wood, stone and steel: the presence of carved furniture and wide stone worktops are welcome. Open and closed arch-shaped shelves and balusters in the sides of the island are worthy of attention. The hood over the island structure should be of a fireplace type. Not far from the island hang a lamp with artificial candles. Also, a large number of glass surfaces and stained glass will fit into the interior. The decor is without excesses, and for the completeness of the image you should use aged things. The color scheme is calm, soft. There is a more modern version of the "classics" in which they use much more metal and glass and less wood and stone.

In modern style

The style of our time does not provide any restrictions regarding color. In the course can go catchy shades, variegated color mixes and monotonous segments, occasionally replacing the dominant tone. Modern design tends to abstract forms, smooth or smooth, large sizes. The island in the kitchen should simultaneously comply with two rules: to maintain a maximum of free space and at the same time have a large work surface with large elements. This applies to the hob, sink, chairs, and if necessary, the bar. The shape of the table should not stand out against the background of its content and functional benefits. However, the island with all the possible appliances for the kitchen is too much in terms of functionality. In the modern style, you must "include" such areas of decor (you should combine at least 2 different directions):

• eco;
• fusion;
• high tech;
• techno;
• Contemporary

Provence style

It is an island in light or brown colors with elements in the same color range. The space under the working surface is equipped with closed sections with panel doors. Open shelves are either missing or are made in small quantities. The style is characterized by the old. The dominant colors are cream, beige and pastel shades. The size of the table can not exceed a certain value at which it will seem cumbersome. The priority of the provincial atmosphere is comfort. That is why the presence of saturated cold colors - blue, violet-blue is unacceptable. However, this does not apply to blue, muted purple and violet without the predominance of blue pigment, as well as shades of purple with a shift to red and pink tones. The island must be decorated with flowers and baskets. Directly above it you can build a hinged structure for various utensils.

The materials used in the Provence style:

1. Fake diamond.
2. A natural stone.
3. Granite and terracotta tiles.
4. Plastic imitating wood.

Country style

This stylistic direction is in many ways similar to Provencal. The difference is that country is the style of the American province, and Provence is French. The island can be tiled or made of wood. Natural stone is also widely used. Muffled pastel or faded tones are selected. Ideal beige, gray, light yellow, pumpkin, pale green. The priority is the color of natural wood, if the furniture is actually made of wood. The use of bright shades of red is unacceptable. In general, it is desirable that sunlight falls on the island. If the kitchen is large in size, you can safely create a large island and large accents on it. Multi-colored patterns can decorate the table top and chairs. On the sides of the island you can put the shelves. Do not overload the surface of the island structure.

Loft style

The island in the style of "industrial glamor" - a large structure of the correct form with a careless, but restrained design. The style has no special restrictions on materials, so there is a place for metal, wood, brick, glass, leather (preferably artificial), plastic. Так как главным акцентом всего стиля является имитация кирпичной кладки, то все элементы обстановки предпочтительно подбирать с этой чертой. Хаотичное размещение кухонной утвари на островном столике, внутри и над ним только приветствуется. Цвета - приглушенные; древесные или холодные.The island may be covered with a small layer of plaster. For lovers of "lofts" and a minimum amount of unnecessary parts there is an alternative. It is expressed in a combination of minimalist and loft styles. At the same time, the working space is as free as possible.

Design in the style of a loft is difficult in technical terms, so it is recommended to seek help from specialists in this style.

Scandinavian style

Island table is made of natural materials. The color palette is mostly light, and the main color is white. The design should be decorated with bright dots - small objects like books, small vases, etc. However, these objects can not act as luxury items. The islet is made in any of the cold or warm colors; both in muted tones and bright ones. The style of scandi "loves" various inserts, so a white table with multi-colored plates on the shelves will fit perfectly into the interior. In general, the table in the Scandinavian style is not much different from its counterpart in the spirit of minimalism. Scandi can be emphasized by various hand-made crafts. Relevant to the style of horns, stumps and snags. They can also decorate the island. We should not forget that designs in the form of an oval will be inappropriate, since they break the combination of strict lines.

American style

For traditional American styling, a kitchen island is actually a must-have item. In the US, this piece of furniture completely replaces the dining table. The island construction is usually made monotonous or with inclusions. In the second case, we are talking about striped wood, as well as stone countertops with inclusions of minerals and semi-precious stones. The main quality of an American-style island table is practical use, and everything else is subject to this principle. American style has no time frame, it is a certain set of features from modern design trends or retro. The table in the center of the kitchen usually has a paneled surface. The color scale is presented by any shades, except acid. Brown, gray, blue, beige and white are the most popular colors in the American style.

Conclusion

An island in the kitchen is an attribute of a well-equipped room, where nothing constrains movement. Designing an island design is a difficult task, but it is justified by improved ergonomics and expansion of the working space. Compactness, as the main advantage, provides increased comfort and lack of bustling movements along the facade. Islands of large size are designed to accommodate the hob, sink, surface for cutting, shelves and sections for storing food and utensils. They are recommended to equip more and dining area. In some cases, there will not be an extra bar counter. Small island constructions are unable to provide such advantages, but they also organize space well, such as, for example, a mobile island on wheels. Kitchen islands presentable look in such styles as classic, scandi, loft, country, Provence and American.