Sociable Kitchen Islands Designed to Bring People Together
All-in-a-line stools facing a kitchen island can present problems that out-of-the-box designs solve in an instant
Kitchen islands are mainstream inclusions in kitchen renovations now but there are more ways than one to tackle this modern marvel. A line of stools facing the cook isn’t always the best way to go. In fact, this arrangement has several downsides. Whoever is working in the kitchen has to stand and get tired feet while family members or guests sit back and take it easy; and when onlookers are all in a line, it’s awkward for them to talk to anyone other than whoever is seated directly beside them, thus thwarting the sociable aspect you were seeking from adding the island in the first place. These practical and stylish island alternatives solve these issues brilliantly.
View our gallery of popular kitchen designs for more inspiration
View our gallery of popular kitchen designs for more inspiration
A cantilevered island makes it even easier for people to get on and off their stools, particularly for the person working in the kitchen – they can easily get up and check the roast or stir the risotto in between bouts of seated conversation.
Hay About a Stool AAS32
Hay About a Stool AAS32
There’s no reason facing stools have to be at one end of an island if it makes more sense for the opening to be in the middle. Add another stool on the other side of this streamlined concrete benchtop, and just tuck it under the bench out of the way when you need more room to move.
This set-up is ideal for families with two children, couples wanting to connect at the end of the day, or for someone who loves getting together with a friend for meaningful connection over coffee. Get real about how you’d rather spend your time – do you really need four or more stools along your island or does this kitchen feel more like you? Limiting the stools to two means the island can be more useful for storage, too. The shelves in this island are practical, but they also give the space a welcoming, lived-in vibe.
Onda bar stool | DWR
Onda bar stool | DWR
Rethinking the shape of the island can solve the problem, too. This curved number makes it easier for everyone to see each other.
See more of this kitchen
See more of this kitchen
Kitchen islands don’t get much more sociable than this, and those extra soft chairs guarantee guests will linger in comfort longer, your kids will hang out there with their friends, and the family can truly come together over breakfast or casual meals.
This kitchen island is designed for togetherness at any time of day. Again, comfortable chairs and face-to-face contact is the secret to its success.
See the rest of this colourful modern Queenslander
See the rest of this colourful modern Queenslander
If you have a small family and you’re more of a one-on-one socialiser rather than someone who thrives on having big gatherings, an island like this could be the way to go. It’s intimate, fun and practical, all at the same time.
See more of this kitchen
See more of this kitchen
If you do have a large family or find yourself entertaining more than a few people at a time, you can still get around having an impersonal line of stools along a kitchen island. This six-seater design skirts the problem by rethinking the shape of the island completely.
Calacutta marble benchtop: Gitani Stone
Calacutta marble benchtop: Gitani Stone
An island that allows stools to wrap around the corner brings everyone face to face, and still means the island can provide some of the storage you need.
Find a kitchen designer in your area
YOUR SAY
How is your kitchen island configured? Would you do things differently if you had your time again? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Designing Your Kitchen Island
My Island Home: 10 Kitchen Islands for Families
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
Find a kitchen designer in your area
YOUR SAY
How is your kitchen island configured? Would you do things differently if you had your time again? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Designing Your Kitchen Island
My Island Home: 10 Kitchen Islands for Families
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
CH56 bar stool by Carl Hansen & Hans Wegner