Counter intelligence

Kitchen islands and counters have become a fixture in many homes. Here’s what to know about selecting and installing them.

On top of providing a focal point, a kitchen island creates a natural flow in the space, making it easier to move around in. It can also help separate your cooking and cleaning areas and give you extra counter space and storage. Counters also help elevate the look of a kitchen, and provide an excellent surface for preparing food and storing kitchenware and appliances.

What should you consider before installing either? Here’s what we found out.

Islands and counters are not the same

Islands and counters have become an essential consideration in kitchen designs and renovations, but they are not the same, says Low Yilin, Manager, The Alchemists Design.

“Islands are typically positioned in the centre of the kitchen, whereas counters are generally installed against a wall or as an extension of existing cabinets and counters, rather than as a freestanding unit.”

 

They are functional and can enhance your kitchen

“Both islands and counters provide innovative storage solutions, offer plenty of worktop space for food preparation, improve the workflow in the kitchen, and may function as an additional dining area,” says Yilin.

“If you have a smaller, new build, you may be more inclined towards an open-concept design, and having a kitchen island or counter can be a great way to demarcate the space. They also foster a communal atmosphere where cooking and socialising can coexist. ”

Size and placement matter

“The size of your kitchen may be the greatest influence on your decision to install an island or counter,” says Yilin.

In small kitchens, for example, a centralised island may not be feasible. In such cases, Yilin says that a small counter on the side, against the wall, may be a more practical alternative.

If you intend for the counter to function as a bar, Yilin recommends fabricating it at a height of above one metre to accommodate barheight chairs. Conversely, if the counter is to serve as an additional workspace, she suggests installing it at the same height as the kitchen cabinetry.

Your design options are practically limitless

A popular design trend is the multifunctional kitchen island or counter. Yilin says that you can integrate storage options, seating and appliances to maximise the functionality of the unit.

Combining the kitchen island with your dining table, either perpendicularly or as a continuous stretch, is another great design idea.

“You can differentiate the two by varying their heights, with the island positioned higher than the dining area,” Yilin points out.

“This design creates a seamless transition between the cooking and dining areas, making it perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying family meals. The dining table extension can be designed to match the island, creating a cohesive look in the kitchen.”

Mixing materials and finishes allows you to express your personal style and create a unique kitchen centrepiece.

“Design-wise, I typically incorporate open shelving at the corners of a kitchen island, with rounded edges to differentiate them from the standard kitchen cabinets,” Yilin notes.

“I also often add decorative groove lines on the front sideof the island or counter (the side that usually faces the living room), transforming the unit into a stand-out design feature.”

If the size and positioning allow, Yilin suggests going for a fluid-shaped island, which lends movement and dynamism to the space without looking too stark. Rounded corners improve functionality and flow while helping to soften the look of the island or counter, she adds. It is also a more child- and elderfriendly option.