Eclipse: The Perfect Kitchen Island

A gathering place, a homework space, and a hub for preparing meals – the kitchen island is all about functionality and flexibility, totally transforming your kitchen and making it a cohesive space.

Modern kitchen islands can add great versatility but require careful planning and proper execution. The aim is to combine form and function elegantly in order to create a design that suits the specific needs of your home.

Whether you are planning your new kitchen or renovating your kitchen, with an island in mind, these guidelines should assist you in achieving the best result according to your specific requirements.

Function first

The most important aspect of designing your kitchen island is to first understand what works best for your kitchen and to decide on the main function of your island. Your specific needs should be taken into careful consideration to ensure that the island works well. Will the island be used for cooking, preparation of meals, entertaining, or informal dining? Do you need additional storage space?

Size and space

It is important to work within the existing space constraints of your kitchen and to ensure that the island is proportional to the size of your kitchen. A kitchen island needs to be optimally designed to create good workflows and should therefore only be used if there is sufficient space (a good space is around 1200mm). If the spaces between cabinets and the island are too small this will result in an awkward flow, especially in a busy kitchen with more than one person in it.

Preparation and cooking considerations

A kitchen island that works as a cooking station can incorporate necessary appliances into its design, including a hob, dishwasher and perhaps even a small fridge. If the island will mainly be used for cooking, make sure that there is enough worktop space around the hob for preparation. A preparation area of a minimum of 900mm wide is recommended for the space next to the hob.

AMBIA-LINE knife holder and film & foil dispenser can be stored in a drawer on the island where food preparation takes place.

If your kitchen island works as a cooking station consider incorporating a dishwasher into the design

If your kitchen island works as a cooking station consider incorporating a dishwasher into the design.

If sinks are too far away, then a prep bowl should be installed to have water close by for cleaning vegetables.

Keep your utensils, spices and cooking oils in your cooking and preparation areas and consider including a waste/recycling station nearby.

Drawers with waste recycling bins are practical for an island.

Cabinet for spices and bottles eg. Cooking oils

Smart storage

Islands provide extra work space and create more storage space under the countertop. Choose clever cabinet solutions for your island that optimise the available space under the countertop, such as drawers equipped with inner dividing systems. Being able to see all your items and access them with ease makes workflow easy as you do not need to bend down to reach into a shelved cabinet.

Pot drawer with ORGA-LINE inner dividers.

Drawer with ORGA-LINE inner dividers to store chopping boards and bottles safely and within easy reach.

U-shaped sink drawer provides ideal storage space.

Plan your kitchen island carefully so that it complements the style and function of your whole kitchen.

Specify Blum to your kitchen designer or installer. The Blum range is available from any of the Eclipse branches nationwide in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth.

Contact 0861 eclipse (325 4773).

For more visit Eclipse.