Many contemporary kitchen designs emphasise open planned, flowing spaces, incorporating living/dining and kitchen spaces.

Today’s families use their kitchens not only to cook, but also to dine and entertain. An island in the kitchen creates a social, open space for preparing food, informal eating, and doing homework.

A design with an island makes for easy flow in the kitchen. The island allows two entry/exit points, creating more room for your busy family to come and go. Place your fridge next to one of the entry points, and grab a snack without having to walk through the kitchen.

An island also makes for better ergonomics. Hard to reach corner units are eliminated. No corners means you can reach all work surface areas without having to press up against a wall. You can place all of your items in easy-to-reach locations. Easy-access pull-out drawers contain 30% more storage than cabinets. No overhead cupboards along most island benches creates an open, easy to use space.

Contemporary kitchen design favours the use of island work areas because they offer multiple functions for an evolving family life. Island designs change the way the kitchen functions, and the way it integrates with living spaces in the home.

Note: Although practical, stylish and multifunctional, island designs do require a generous floor plan. You must have the space for a kitchen island. A free standing island, plus a minimum of 900mm access on either side, must be able to fit in the length of your kitchen with clearance of at least 1000mm to the bench top behind it.