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The kitchen island has become a central feature for modern kitchens in the UK combining function and style. At Cookhouse Design York we believe designing an island is as much about how you use your kitchen as it is about creating a beautiful kitchen island.
In this post we’ll guide you through the key considerations, from size and location to layout, storage, appliances and aesthetics.
Find all the tips and advice you need to design a kitchen island that suits your space and lifestyle.
Before we get to measurements and materials ask yourself:
What will you use it for? Is it a prep zone, a cooking hub, a casual dining space or a social space?
Who uses it, and how often? Is it a space where the whole family cooks together, or more of a hub for homework and morning coffee?
What fits the kitchen layout? The kitchen layout plays a big part in whether a kitchen with an island is possible. An L-shaped kitchen often allows for a standalone island, a galley kitchen may require a slimmer option.
Design your kitchen around your household’s day-to-day life; this is the secret to a successful kitchen island.
When planning a kitchen with an island always consider the island’s size in relation to the overall kitchen layout to ensure balanced proportions.
A good rule of thumb: your island should be no more than 10% of your total kitchen floor area. When planning your kitchen island size consider how much space you need around the island for comfortable movement and seating (aim for at least 1 meter of clearance on all sides).
The island’s size should be balanced with the overall kitchen layout to ensure both functionality and aesthetic harmony. Too big and it dominates the room, too small and it’s pointless. A good size kitchen island can be around 2-3 meters long and 1.4-2.2 meters wide.
Leave at least 1m clearance on all sides (enough for comfortable traffic, appliance doors swinging) and the kitchen work triangle (sink, fridge, hob) remains intact. Make sure to leave enough space and some extra space around the island for easy movement and efficient use, especially in busy kitchens. If the island includes seating leave at least 4 feet (120cm) free around it for ease of movement.
Rectangular islands are versatile and suit most kitchen layouts, they’re one of the most popular kitchen island shapes.
Galley kitchens benefit from long, slim island shapes aligned parallel to the worktops, maximising efficiency in narrow spaces.
Open-plan spaces can accommodate double islands or L-shaped units. Considering different island shapes can help you tailor the design to your kitchen’s needs. A properly sized kitchen island with ample countertop space and integrated sink can accommodate multiple people cooking at the same time, improving collaboration and food prep.
Minimum 60 cm (24 in) deep for prep-only islands.
For islands with appliances or a sink aim for 91–107 cm (36–42 in) deep.
106 cm (42 in) space between island and kitchen cabinets.
Standard worktop height 91 cm (36 in); bar-height counters for seating 107 cm (42 in)
61 cm (24 in) width per seat, 45–61 cm (18–24 in) seat depth.
12–18 in (30–46 cm) overhang for comfortable legroom.
Islands are great for extra cupboard space, drawers, pull-outs or open shelving. Well-placed cupboards can really make the kitchen island work for you by providing accessible storage for frequently used items and improving the overall workflow.
Sinks in islands free up prep space at the perimeter and work well for entertaining.
Hobs create sociable cooking zones - This can involve plumbing, electrical or extract requirements.
Wine fridges, microwaves, dishwashers can all go under the counter. You can integrate appliances into the island to maximise efficiency and create a cohesive look.
A well-designed kitchen island can turn your kitchen the central hub where family and friends naturally congregate. By including a breakfast bar or seating area in your kitchen island design you create the perfect spot for casual dining, morning coffee or catching up with guests while you cook.
Bar stools are popular as they offer extra seating without taking up too much floor space. When planning your island consider how many seats you’ll need
A kitchen island with seating is especially useful in larger kitchens, providing extra seating for the whole family and making the island the focal point of the room. The worktop overhang is key for comfort, giving guests a place to put their legs and relax. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just having a quick breakfast, the right seating arrangement can make your island the perfect spot for everyday living and entertaining.
Beyond seating, a kitchen island offers extra worktop space for food prep, cooking and serving. This makes it ideal for those who love to entertain as you can cook while still being part of the conversation. The island surface is perfect for laying out snacks, drinks or even a buffet spread, everything within easy reach.
To get the most out of your island consider adding electrical outlets for small appliances or charging devices and think about incorporating a sink or dishwasher to make clean-up easier. With clever storage solutions you can keep utensils and other appliances close to hand and keep your kitchen tidy and efficient.
When planning your new kitchen island, set a realistic budget from the start. The cost of a kitchen island can vary greatly depending on the materials, design and features you choose. Freestanding kitchen islands are often cheaper than fitted islands but prices will still depend on the worktop, cabinets, appliances and number of electrical outlets. Don’t forget to factor in installation costs especially if you’re hiring professionals to get a perfect finish.
Several factors will impact the final cost of your kitchen island. Premium materials for worktops and cabinets and high-end appliances will increase the cost. Labour is another big factor especially for custom designs or complex installations. Additional features like deep drawers for storage, integrated appliances or statement pendant lights will add to the cost. By understanding these cost factors you can make informed decisions and create a kitchen island that fits both your needs and your budget, perfect for food prep, cooking and entertaining in your kitchen.
Use a combination of task lighting (pendants or downlights over prep areas) and ambient lighting to set the mood. The right light makes the island look and work better and creates a focal point in the kitchen.
For hob-equipped islands invest in a high-quality extractor hood.
Plan GFCI-protected sockets: UK regulations generally require an outlet every few metres but islands often benefit from 2-3 well-placed sockets. These outlets are essential for food prep with small appliances like blenders or mixers, adds convenience and flexibility.
Two-tone islands (base colour contrast) look great and make the island stand out.
Natural materials like wood or stone add warmth typical of Cookhouse designs.
Waterfall edge on countertops is a modern trend that adds sophistication.
Rounded corners soften the look and feel friendlier.
Multi-level islands, or islands with breakfast bars, add visual interest and define zones.
Curved kitchen islands create a more social space than traditional straight-line designs.
Keep surfaces clear for prep flexibility—style with functional pieces like a statement fruit bowl.
Open shelving or display niches for cookbooks or decorative items.
Here’s our top tips for designing the perfect kitchen island. Use this checklist to make sure you haven’t missed anything:
Island purpose: prep, cooking, dining, storage?
Clearances (minimum 1m)
Dimensions: depth, width, height match lifestyle
Seating: number, comfort, exact legroom
Storage: drawers, appliances, accessory pull-outs
Plumbing/electrics planned with correct protection
Lighting and extraction aligned to zones
Coordinated materials and finishing touches
Designing a kitchen island that really works is all about planning. Whether you’re building from scratch in a York home or updating your existing kitchen, follow these steps and your island will be the hub everyone loves.
At Cookhouse Design York we can help you make it happen, from CAD layouts to material selection and installation. Get in touch today to start designing your island.