Cook up a Quirky Kitchen With an Unconventional Island
Looking for a kitchen less ordinary? See how a daring island bench can turn the space into something special
If you want a functional kitchen, but also hope to add an idiosyncratic feature, why not consider an kitchen island that shows some personality? Surprise with colour, texture or unusual materials in a standalone benchtop to give your kitchen a point of difference.
First, look at the functional side – you may want to integrate a sink, cooktop, dishwasher and microwave into the kitchen island. Then, ask yourself if there is enough room for prepping and seating? After that, it’s time to plan the design – this can be daring, unconventional, original or even whimsical. Here are some wild flights of fantasy to inspire your search for the perfect island.
First, look at the functional side – you may want to integrate a sink, cooktop, dishwasher and microwave into the kitchen island. Then, ask yourself if there is enough room for prepping and seating? After that, it’s time to plan the design – this can be daring, unconventional, original or even whimsical. Here are some wild flights of fantasy to inspire your search for the perfect island.
2. Raw appeal
Curvaceous lines and mixed materials make this island a real one-off. Note the wooden chopping board that naturally wraps around the raw concrete. Designed as a raised bar in English ash, the unit doubles as a functional island and a slick cocktail bar. For an extra edge, the island is beautifully illuminated by a dramatic chandelier.
Curvaceous lines and mixed materials make this island a real one-off. Note the wooden chopping board that naturally wraps around the raw concrete. Designed as a raised bar in English ash, the unit doubles as a functional island and a slick cocktail bar. For an extra edge, the island is beautifully illuminated by a dramatic chandelier.
3. Novel idea
Looking for a one-off piece? Check out this San Francisco kitchen designed by William Wurster in 1939. The island’s tactile, bulbous shape was actually inspired by the novel, In Praise of Shadows, by Japan’s Junichiro Tanizaki. It adds real personality and quirkiness to the kitchen, and it may inspire you to come up with a similar concept. Looking for similarly strange and organic ideas? Perhaps it’s time to start going through some Dr Seuss books!
Looking for a one-off piece? Check out this San Francisco kitchen designed by William Wurster in 1939. The island’s tactile, bulbous shape was actually inspired by the novel, In Praise of Shadows, by Japan’s Junichiro Tanizaki. It adds real personality and quirkiness to the kitchen, and it may inspire you to come up with a similar concept. Looking for similarly strange and organic ideas? Perhaps it’s time to start going through some Dr Seuss books!
4. Suspended over the stairwell
When an island on the upper level juts out over the stairwell, it adds drama and elegance to the space, and even appears to levitate. The vertical timber slats under this unusual island beautifully mirror others further into the room, while the tactile timber and rattan elements give the space a breezy, coastal feel. Not only is the long island sleek and elegant, it provides plenty of room for prepping. Now that’s form and function.
When an island on the upper level juts out over the stairwell, it adds drama and elegance to the space, and even appears to levitate. The vertical timber slats under this unusual island beautifully mirror others further into the room, while the tactile timber and rattan elements give the space a breezy, coastal feel. Not only is the long island sleek and elegant, it provides plenty of room for prepping. Now that’s form and function.
5. Sculptural base
More of an artwork than an island bench, this unit is anchored by a striking timber base which is both fluid and organic. But it’s not just a sculptural work; plenty of seating can be added to turn the island bench into a dining zone. Its curvaceous lines are echoed throughout the kitchen, making the space feel light and spacious.
Read through more kitchen design stories
More of an artwork than an island bench, this unit is anchored by a striking timber base which is both fluid and organic. But it’s not just a sculptural work; plenty of seating can be added to turn the island bench into a dining zone. Its curvaceous lines are echoed throughout the kitchen, making the space feel light and spacious.
Read through more kitchen design stories
6. Fashionable unit
If you’re keen to add some real style to a kitchen, this is the way to go. Here, the cabinetry from a fashion boutique has been repurposed into a striking island, with a selection of kitchenware and napery on display. Best of all, it’s easy to find everything when cooking. It also gives the owner the chance to show off any eclectic, vintage finds.
If you’re keen to add some real style to a kitchen, this is the way to go. Here, the cabinetry from a fashion boutique has been repurposed into a striking island, with a selection of kitchenware and napery on display. Best of all, it’s easy to find everything when cooking. It also gives the owner the chance to show off any eclectic, vintage finds.
7. Artistic front
Unleash your artistic creativity by converting the island’s front into a personal artwork; this can easily be done with wallpaper, tiles or even a laser-cut screen. While it may be tempting to add vibrant hues, graphic elements in monochrome tones make the island front visually appealing and won’t clash with other accessories, such as vibrant artworks, stools or glassware.
Unleash your artistic creativity by converting the island’s front into a personal artwork; this can easily be done with wallpaper, tiles or even a laser-cut screen. While it may be tempting to add vibrant hues, graphic elements in monochrome tones make the island front visually appealing and won’t clash with other accessories, such as vibrant artworks, stools or glassware.
8. Instant bake-off
For those who love whipping up cupcakes and fresh bread, this is a nifty addition to the island bench. The wheeled baking station tucks seamlessly under the benchtop, and marble is used on both surfaces. At a lower height, it’s also ideal for kids learning how to cook, as well as two cooks putting together a feast. The bespoke unit is cleverly designed so the wide drawers fit perfectly.
For those who love whipping up cupcakes and fresh bread, this is a nifty addition to the island bench. The wheeled baking station tucks seamlessly under the benchtop, and marble is used on both surfaces. At a lower height, it’s also ideal for kids learning how to cook, as well as two cooks putting together a feast. The bespoke unit is cleverly designed so the wide drawers fit perfectly.
9. Country style
Practicality is key when it comes to this country-inspired kitchen. The island is timber to make it sturdy with an old-school edge. However, wheels have been added so it can be moved to a different area – ideal for when there’s a large gathering. Stainless steel elements at the bottom of the island add an industrial feel to the space, and provide easy access for pots and pans.
Practicality is key when it comes to this country-inspired kitchen. The island is timber to make it sturdy with an old-school edge. However, wheels have been added so it can be moved to a different area – ideal for when there’s a large gathering. Stainless steel elements at the bottom of the island add an industrial feel to the space, and provide easy access for pots and pans.
10. Diverse seating
For many cooks, it’s easy to feel left out when slaving in the kitchen. This dilemma is solved by adding plenty of functional – and super-stylish – seating around a central island. Here, versatility is the operative word. Two backless stools at the extended timber end create a small, informal eating area – ideal for a quick snack any time of the day. Meanwhile, the addition of more formal stools along the side of the island make this space a central hub, ensuring family and friends can relax and dine together with the cook.
See more social kitchen islands
For many cooks, it’s easy to feel left out when slaving in the kitchen. This dilemma is solved by adding plenty of functional – and super-stylish – seating around a central island. Here, versatility is the operative word. Two backless stools at the extended timber end create a small, informal eating area – ideal for a quick snack any time of the day. Meanwhile, the addition of more formal stools along the side of the island make this space a central hub, ensuring family and friends can relax and dine together with the cook.
See more social kitchen islands
11. Comfort zone
It isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a multi-functional kitchen island, but in a tight space, an island that merges into a low-lying sofa can be a welcome feature. The one pictured here is cleverly designed to demarcate the kitchen and living area, with a raised barrier added so a saucepan won’t land on the couch. While it’s a real space saver, the cook may be a little miffed when they’re doing all the hard work and their partner or family members get to lounge around.
It isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a multi-functional kitchen island, but in a tight space, an island that merges into a low-lying sofa can be a welcome feature. The one pictured here is cleverly designed to demarcate the kitchen and living area, with a raised barrier added so a saucepan won’t land on the couch. While it’s a real space saver, the cook may be a little miffed when they’re doing all the hard work and their partner or family members get to lounge around.
12. Mini-library unit
Rather than hiding away books and magazines in cupboards, here they are celebrated with the conversion of an open space into a mini-library. While it’s handy to store cookbooks and much-loved novels, the unit can also work as an easily accessible bookcase for kids. And when it’s time to take five with a cuppa, there are shelves of magazines for your reading pleasure.
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Which of these island designs most appeals to you? Let us know in the Comments section below.
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Browse more photos of kitchen islands
Rather than hiding away books and magazines in cupboards, here they are celebrated with the conversion of an open space into a mini-library. While it’s handy to store cookbooks and much-loved novels, the unit can also work as an easily accessible bookcase for kids. And when it’s time to take five with a cuppa, there are shelves of magazines for your reading pleasure.
TELL US
Which of these island designs most appeals to you? Let us know in the Comments section below.
MORE
Browse more photos of kitchen islands
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