Since the middle of the last century, designers began to think about improving working area kitchens. The monotonous cooking area, stretched along the wall, already seemed like a kind of relic, but no other placement option was known until the idea was born to move the work area with the stove and sink to the middle of the room. And now the idea of creating a kitchen with an island is considered one of the main achievements in design.
The kitchen island came to apartment kitchens from restaurants, where chefs cook on tables standing in the middle so that there is access from two sides.
Island in the kitchen
The island is furniture design, standing separately, most often in the middle of the kitchen, can be any size.
It can play the role of both main and additional workspace. If it plays an additional role, it is installed opposite the main working area.
The undoubted advantage of the design is that it can be used in different ways: both as a working area and as a dining area. The island is also convenient because several people can cook on it at once without interfering with each other.
It can play the role of a bar counter. In this case, it will be a two-level island, the second level of which is made higher than the first, it will be a bar counter, and the lower one, the first, will be a direct work area. The option of a wide second tier is popular, then the space under it can be used as a convenient storage area for items and utensils that are constantly used during cooking. You can find out about fittings for bar counters.
The island in the kitchen looks very stylish and modern
There are no clear design requirements here: it could be a long work surface with numerous equipment, a low cabinet with a countertop, a mini-stand, and so on. The island fits well into all interior styles.
There are few disadvantages:
- difficulties may arise with water supply and drainage: you will have to raise the floor to ensure the slope of the pipes, for example, using a podium for part of the kitchen,
- It is appropriate to install an island only in kitchens larger than 10 square meters, at a distance of more than one meter from the rest of the furniture, convenient for a country house;
- If the sink is on an island, then it is impossible to place a dish dryer above it.
The island looks best in a square kitchen.
How to equip
Equipping a kitchen island is not entirely difficult, but you need to take into account the features of such a layout
The island can be of any shape. The most traditional are rectangular and square options. But round, oval, triangular, and trapezoidal are also possible. It depends on the purpose of the island, the size of the kitchen, etc. Any island provides many opportunities for both installing equipment and storing utensils.
In a large room
In a large kitchen, the kitchen island looks great
A large island is installed in the spacious kitchen. As a rule, two work surfaces are equipped here, one traditional, along the wall, the second parallel to it on the island. In the first working area there remains a stove, a sink, and a work surface; a cutting and frying surface and a second sink are equipped on the island. The dining table can be either an extension of the island’s work area or installed separately. You can find out about adjustable legs for the kitchen.
In a small kitchen
You won't often find an island in a small kitchen.
In such kitchens, the island is the main workspace. It can be in several versions:
- only the work area located opposite the sink and stove;
- work surface combined with dining area;
- work area with a stove and possibly a sink;
- a work area with a stove combined with a dining area.
In small kitchens, small islands on wheels are convenient, which can even be taken out of the kitchen if necessary.
On a combined
For a combined kitchen, it often serves as a boundary between zones
If the kitchen and living room are combined, then the island is most often installed on the line dividing the two spaces. With this combination, the shape and size of the island is chosen in accordance with the interior of the living room. In this case, the island can be visually divided into two zones with different design: The side facing the kitchen may look different than the side facing the living room. To visually separate the kitchen and living room, you can install a peninsula connected to the main work surface.
Transformable cabinet
A transformable cabinet will save space in the kitchen
This design can easily transform from a work island to a dining or bar island. Retractable countertops are installed on them, which, if necessary, can cover frying and cutting surfaces, hide the stove and sink. On such a cabinet, part of the surface can be raised to turn into a bar counter. The dining area is located on the sides of the work area, and the wings of the tabletop in this case are lowered down during cooking.
We create with our own hands
An interesting option for an island is a cupboard with compartments
The size of the island depends on the size of the kitchen, and its appearance depends on the chosen style.
Step-by-step creation of the island:
- first, the island is drawn taking into account its shape and in accordance with the type of kitchen;
- then a drawing is made taking into account the dimensions of the island;
- then gets selected required material, it may be different, let’s assume that the parts will be made of chipboard;
- Now you can start cutting out parts of the island: side panel of the central cabinet: 1 piece, side panels: 4 pieces, rear wall, 3 doors, shelves, table top: 2 pieces, base panel;
- two parts of the tabletop are glued into one so that it is thicker, the glue is evenly distributed on one of the workpieces, then the second is laid on it and tightened with clamps; when the glue dries, the protruding residues are cleaned with coarse sandpaper; but it’s better to buy a countertop in a store;
- first, the central one is assembled, the parts are fastened using corner ties on screws and screws: first of all, the rear and side ones, then the shelves are installed and tightly fixed, they are made not removable in order to give rigidity to the cabinet as a whole;
- Now the side cabinets are attached to the central one, connecting their walls, and the side ties are precisely installed;
- shelves are installed in the side cabinets;
- when the structure has become rigid thanks to tightly installed shelves, the panels of the first base are installed, they are secured in the cutouts of the side walls using short bars with screws and glue;
- the tabletop is screwed with through screws and glue on the side walls of all cabinets;
- Now all that remains is to decorate the island laminated plastic or other material;
- The final touch will be the installation of doors on mortise hinges; magnetic latches and handles are attached to each door.
Kitchen island makes the kitchen more modern
The facades of the island should be the same as the facades of the set, but the color should be half a tone lighter or darker.
What to pay attention to
Incredible beautiful kitchen island
Having installed the island, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:
- if the island has a stove or frying surface, a hood is needed above it;
- it is important to think about the lighting: it could be a chandelier, a lampshade over the dining area, or low-hanging lamps with shades over the work area;
- a trash can can be built into the island;
- a kitchen island can be made from expensive types of wood, marble and granite, or from wood board and plastic. And about kitchen folding oval tables can be found out .
An island can be an interesting accent for the kitchen.
If the shelves of the island are equipped with lighting, then the facades should have transparent or translucent doors.
Modern styles very often use kitchen islands
The island is often used in elegant, classic-style kitchens
Make a choice: kitchen island is fashionable and stylish solution for modern kitchens
An island is the dream of any housewife, but this dream is feasible due to the abundance of options for both the island itself and the ways of placing it. In our other articles you can familiarize yourself with the choice and.
The dining area in the kitchen plays an important role in the life of any family. Shared meals and gatherings with friends help a person relieve stress and find harmony. Therefore, it is important that the place for eating is convenient and comfortable and clearly demarcated from the food preparation area.
One of the ways to organize dining area the kitchen island protrudes. This is a piece of furniture placed separately from the main set closer to the center of the room.
A kitchen island with a dining area can be either part of a set or an independent piece of furniture - it can always be purchased separately.
Types of designs for a kitchen island with a dining area - what can be represented
Kitchen island with table
The dining area in the island can be represented either by the entire structure or by part of it. Most often this rectangular table impressive size. There are designs in which the place for a meal is represented by a full-fledged corner with sofas.
What shape can an island with a dining table have?
Depending on the shape, kitchen islands with a dining area can be:
- straight - in this case dining table is a continuation of the island. This design turns out to be too long, so it is suitable for stretched rooms;
- corner - the table joins the island at an angle of 90 degrees and forms with it a small furniture complex in the shape of the letter “L”. This option is ideal for square kitchens;
- T-shaped - in them the dining table is perpendicular to the base. It is important that the space in the furniture joint area has a functional purpose. For example, you can embed there hob, sink or work surface.
Types of table designs combined with a kitchen island
When choosing an island special attention given to the dining table. First of all, you need to decide on its size. The dimensions of the dining area largely depend on the number of people for whom it is designed, the size of the kitchen and its layout.
To choose the right island with table, follow these rules:
- the optimal size of the product area per person is 50x40 cm;
- There should be an area of at least 20 sq.cm in the center of the table. – this is necessary for placing common items.
The traditional dimensions of the dining surface are:
- width – from 80 to 120 cm;
- length – from 90 to 120 cm;
- height – from 75 to 80 cm.
According to the method of attachment to the main table, they can be:
- attached - these are stationary structures that are installed close to the island. They are best suited to replace a full dining area;
- built-in (roll-out) - this model is hidden in the body of the island and pulled out if necessary. This option is ideal as an additional option if the kitchen already has a table.
Transformable tables are well suited for large families. From small structures designed for 2-4 people, they can easily be transformed into an area for a large family and guests - up to 10 people.
What materials are countertops made from?
Particular attention should be paid to the tabletop - that is, the surface of the dining table. In order for furniture to last a long time, it is necessary to give preference to reliable, heat-resistant materials that are not prone to rapid failure. After all, a table for eating must withstand not only the weight of the dishes, but also dishes with hot food, exposure to moisture and coloring products.
The best value for money is a countertop made of artificial stone or MDF.
Although products made from laminated chipboard look beautiful and are not expensive, they quickly deform and fail.
Furniture from natural wood or stone with a special coating suitable for creating luxury interiors, But high price makes it not very popular - basically, islands with stone or wooden countertops are made to order.
Island with dining area in the form of a kitchenette
Island with kitchen corner on the other hand, this is one of the most practical solutions in organizing the dining area. This design is an island in the form of a long tabletop, on the reverse side of which there is a sofa.
Thus, on one side of the island there is a space for relaxation, and on the other, chairs are installed - and a full-fledged place for dining is ready.
For one-room studio apartments There are even options with a sofa designed for sleeping and relaxing.
Shapes and sizes of kitchen island with sofa
Modern furniture manufacturers offer various modifications to the kitchen island. The most popular of them are:
- L-shaped - ideal for large kitchens. This dining area can comfortably accommodate up to 8 people;
- U-shaped - they use a straight tabletop and a corner sofa;
- “restaurant” option - in this case, the sofas are located on both sides of the main tabletop, made in the shape of the letter T.
The dimensions of sofas for such designs are:
- length – from 100 to 200 cm;
- depth – from 50 to 70 cm;
- height – 40-50 cm (seats) and 80-95 cm (backs).
Kitchen sofas are usually complemented by niches for storing dishes, food and textiles. Most convenient option– these are drawers or a rising seat.
Types of sofas built into a kitchen island
Comfort and durability of seats kitchen sofas largely depend on its upholstery and internal filling.
For upholstery use:
- leather is the most expensive, but at the same time high-quality option;
- leatherette is budget option upholstery that is not wear-resistant. If you decide to purchase leatherette furniture, then choose eco-leather - according to operational properties it is almost identical to natural;
- fabrics - jacquard, tapestry, microfiber. The advantage of fabric upholstery is that it is easy to change if necessary.
But most practical option is velor. It is ideal for daily use, retains its attractive appearance for a long time and is not afraid wet cleaning soap solution.
But it’s better to avoid upholstery in the form of velvet or artificial suede - these materials wear out quickly and there is a risk that within six months the furniture will take on an untidy “bald” appearance.
Kitchen sofas can be either soft or hard.
Soft ones use spring filling - it is not pressed through and the furniture retains its attractive appearance for a long time.
And in hard ones there is a layer between the seat and the upholstery thin layer soft material. It could be:
- foam rubber – polyester foam;
- batting – brushed cotton yarn;
- padding polyester - polyester fibers.
Some furniture manufacturers use very expensive and even exotic fillers. For example, seaweed or horsehair. However, in terms of performance they are identical to their more budget counterparts and there is no point in overpaying.
Additional functionality and equipment of the island with dining area
Typically, a kitchen island with a dining area also serves additional features. So, it could be:
- work surface - in this case dining table top combined with a more practical table designed for cooking;
- a module for embedding appliances - often the dining table is combined with a hob, sink or other necessary appliances;
- storage system - cabinets are installed under the countertop to accommodate kitchen utensils with folding, hinged or gas lift doors.
Please note that to install an island that combines a dining area and household appliances, it must be possible to connect communications to the place of its installation.
Features of placing a kitchen island with a dining area - rules and requirements for the room
This is the so-called "work triangle". The triangle has three vertices, which indicate the housewife’s areas of greatest activity.
The main point of the “work triangle” is the washing area, where 40-60% of the time is spent. The second two points are the stove and refrigerator. The ideal layout option is to place the sink in the center of the triangle, the stove is no further than 1200-1800 mm from the sink, and the refrigerator is 1200-2100 mm away.
What can be placed on a kitchen island, layout options
Let's look at the basic solutions for equipping an island in the kitchen, on which you can place a hob, sink, and cutting area in various combinations.
On work surface The islands have a hob and a sink, the distance between them is at least 300 mm.
The island has a large sink and cutting area, but, of course, in this case there will be no drying cabinet above the sink.
The fourth option is to place a hob, a cutting surface and a small sink with a diameter of 380 mm on the island, with the main sink next to the wall.
The island has a compact sink and cutting surface.
Problems with communication lines on the kitchen island
Sometimes a dishwasher, an oven, a mini refrigerator, if the main one is located far away, and a wine cooler are built into the island.
Moving kitchen equipment to the island is associated with the transfer of communications, that is, water supply, electricity, gas and sewerage, which will be costly.
Water drain and water supply will go above residential apartments floor below, you need to get permission for all this, do reliable waterproofing. To hide a sewer drain with a diameter of 50 mm and at the same time make it with a slope of 0.03, you will have to raise the floor level by 10-15 cm.
As for gas, then gas pipe must be accessible for inspection by gas service specialists; it will be necessary to leave it in the floor screed open channel 80 mm deep, which is covered with a removable grille.
Electrical location hob, ovens, household appliances on the island will not cause any difficulties if you think through the wiring diagram in advance, select the cable cross-section, and plan the placement of sockets.
A hanging decorative shelf above the island looks impressive, sometimes complete with a hood and lighting.
Ergonomics of an island in the kitchen
Optimal sizes of a kitchen with an island
Optimal sizes kitchen premises with an island are at least 4.5 m wide and 15-20 m2 in area.
The minimum distance between the island and the main kitchen countertop and the wall is at least 1 m, in this case it is easy to move and convenient to use.
The optimal dimensions of the island are 850-950-100 mm in height, 1800 mm in width and 900 mm in depth. The minimum width is 1200 mm; it is no longer worth making an island in the kitchen smaller.
Island hood
The island hood should be mounted at a height so as not to touch your head. The wider the island, the wider the hood should be.
The air from the hood should preferably be discharged into the ventilation shaft; operation in the filtration mode will not provide the required air purification efficiency.
But here's what to do with the air duct to the island. The solutions offered include installation multi-level ceiling, false beams, air ducts are hidden in them.
 |
|---|
 |
|---|
| Rice. 12-13. Air ducts to the island hood are hidden in decorative boxes |
If the ceiling is high, then for this case there are models of hoods with a long chimney.
Ergonomics is the science of creating a comfortable, safe and functional workplace that allows you to act with maximum efficiency, without loss of energy.
Where do women with family burdens spend the most time at home? It's not hard to guess. This is why kitchen ergonomics is so important - because culinary masterpieces, despite the variety of modern household appliances, are still created by hand and require a lot of effort.
How to plan a process so that the person working in the kitchen does not feel exhausted after preparing dinner?
What is correct kitchen ergonomics? Work triangle
Creating proper ergonomics in the kitchen relies on the so-called “work triangle”.
This concept was introduced by the German architect Ernst Neufert in the 40s of the last century. He suggested optimizing movement between the three main kitchen areas:
- a refrigerator as the main place for storing food;
- stove, where they undergo culinary processing;
- a sink that allows you to remove dirt from cooking products and kitchen utensils.
Work triangle in the kitchen If all three zones are connected by imaginary lines, they should form an equilateral triangle. This kitchen layout is considered optimal. The length of each side can vary between 1.2 - 2.7 m.
When the stove, refrigerator and sink are located too close to each other, the housewife is constrained and afraid to turn around again. In tight spaces, she runs the risk of bumping into a corner or hitting open doors. lower cabinets.
If the working areas are too far away, you will have to move much more during the cooking process and fatigue will set in faster. It doesn’t matter whether we are talking about a spacious or a very small kitchen, it is advisable to follow the “triangle” rule everywhere. This will save 70% of the time spent on cooking and make 60% fewer unnecessary movements.
The work surface, where preparatory and final culinary operations are carried out, is placed between the three main zones, or placed in a separate “island” in the middle of the room, if the size of the room allows it.
Correct kitchen ergonomics is the key to ensuring that the owners will be comfortable; there will be a place for everything. And most importantly, you will be able to combine functionality and comfort.
Basic principles of ergonomics
There are a few more important points, which should be taken into account when planning your kitchen.
Usually, when building a working triangle, they focus on the kitchen stove, since the most stringent requirements are imposed on its placement:
- It is not advisable to install a gas hob near a window - a blow of wind can extinguish the fire. Distance between plate and outer wall kitchens must be at least 50 cm. This does not apply to electric or induction models;
- The angular location of the stove is also not the best option: the walls will be covered with a layer of fat and soot, and cleaning them will be very problematic;
- There is no place for the hob or at the entrance to the kitchen - this is dangerous, especially if there are small children in the family. Note that better protection Children will be protected from burns by a screen made of heat-resistant plastic, which is installed on all types of stoves.
Refrigerator and heating devices shouldn't stand next to each other.
How to correctly position the stove and refrigerator according to the rules of the working triangle The stove and sink should also be separated so that splashes do not extinguish the fire.
It’s good when the hob is located opposite the dining area - the hostess does not have to carry hot dishes across the entire room.
The sink should be installed at a distance of no more than 3 m from the sewer riser.
Ergonomics of the kitchen set They try to place the refrigerator in a corner - either at the entrance to the kitchen, or near a window, in an area where there is no natural light. With another installation method, you will have to break the continuity of the worktop, which is undesirable. Exception - if the built-in refrigerator is small, this will a good decision, if the kitchen is small and the goal is to save space, but the owners do not plan to make large food reserves. This option is suitable for a single person or a young couple who prefers to have lunch and dinner outside the home.
Kitchen ergonomics with corner furniture arrangement
When kitchen set installed along two adjacent walls - this is both rational and aesthetically pleasing at the same time. Compared to other layout options, ergonomics corner kitchen considered optimal. Here it is easiest to follow the rule of the working triangle: its vertices are located on two mutually perpendicular lines, which is very convenient.
Ergonomic corner kitchen The corner arrangement of the furniture set is equally suitable for a kitchen with a large or small area.
There is one secret here. It is more correct to use corner sections with a beveled facade - they are much more spacious due to the additional volume and look elegant. In this case, the housewife needs to determine the depth of the module in advance, establishing at what value she can easily reach the joint of the walls and carry out cleaning.
Comfortable kitchen with beveled facade Most often, the corner is given over to the sink. In spacious kitchens, a stove or cabinet with a hob is placed at an angle. You can also use a tall pencil case to solve the problem of storing food, dishes and household appliances.
Kitchen with a U-shaped layout: proper ergonomics
The ergonomics of a U-shaped kitchen differs little from the previous version, although it has its own characteristics. Arranging furniture along three adjacent walls does not contradict the conditions of the “working triangle”. However, this technique can only be used in spacious kitchens, so as not to impede movement. The dining group is made either near the window, using a work surface under the tabletop, or taken out separately to the dining area.
The distance between the extreme points of the floor cabinets located opposite each other should be 1.2 - 1.5 m. A passage that is too narrow or too wide between kitchen modules will interfere with the productive activity of the housewife in the kitchen.
Sometimes the sink, refrigerator and stove are placed linearly on one side, and the other is completely “given over” to the dining area. The ergonomics of a U-shaped kitchen should be carefully considered. Therefore, it is advisable to involve a designer or do the calculations yourself, taking into account our tips on zoning space and arranging furniture in the kitchen.
Conveniently planned small U-shaped kitchen no refrigerator. Ergonomic kitchen with linear layout
Arranging furniture along one wall is usually used in kitchens with limited area, although it is also suitable when combining the cooking area with the living room.
Ergonomics of a linear kitchen: recommended dimensions With a linear layout, the working triangle rule is observed as follows:
- in the center of the composition there is a sink, the far corner is occupied by a refrigerator, and a stove is installed near the window, separated from the wall by a narrow pull-out cargo cabinet. The order of placing household appliances at the extreme points may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the kitchen;
- with this option, the housewife’s movement from one zone to another is accomplished with minimal costs energy. First, she takes the necessary products from the refrigerator, then washes them and finally puts them on the stove. All three zones are united by a worktop, where auxiliary operations are performed, dishes, necessary household appliances, containers with seasonings, and so on;
- The dining area is located in the corner or against the opposite wall.
Convenient linear kitchen, photo Ergonomics of a kitchen with an island
It is advisable to equip an additional work area, called an “island,” in kitchens with an area of at least 15 m². The width of the room must be at least 4.5 meters. These dimensions are guidelines, but we recommend that you listen to them if your goal is to create an ergonomic kitchen space.
Island kitchen The distance between the island and the countertop should not be less than a meter. If the layout does not allow this, then you should think about whether you have chosen the right kitchen layout.
The size of the island should be calculated individually, taking into account the height of the person who cooks more. With average height, the height of the island is 85 – 95 – 100 cm. Depth is 90 cm. Width is not less than 120 cm.
A multifunctional table located in the center of the kitchen will have to be walked around on all sides, so the distance from it to the rest of the furniture should be 90 - 120 cm. A sink or hob is built into the tabletop, which is very convenient for creating an ergonomic “triangle”; sometimes a dining room is also built here zone. In this case, it is correct to choose a corner set for the room.
If you decide to place the hob on the island part, then the hood must be mounted in such a way as not to touch it with your head.
Another point that we recommend paying attention to is that the hood on the island is located not only directly above the stove, but also above another surface. The following rule of ergonomics in the kitchen works here: the wider the island part, the wider the hood should be used.
Kitchen island with hood The air from the hood must be discharged into the ventilation shaft, because the use of one filtration mode is not able to effectively clean the air.
How to bring the air duct into this kitchen area? Indeed, in addition to functionality, it is necessary to take into account overall design premises. There are solutions - to hide this device using a false beam or, if the height of the room allows, to use a multi-level ceiling.
You definitely need to think about lighting the island. As a rule, the lighting provided by the hood is not enough. Therefore it is necessary ceiling lights over this zone. Which ones to use - built in suspended ceiling or prefer spectacular models with long cords, depends on the height of the ceiling and the overall design concept.
An island is often used to separate a kitchen combined with a dining room or living room.
Ergonomics of a small kitchen. We save usable space
In rooms with a small area, it is necessary to save space, but at the same time take care of ease of movement, so that you do not have to hardly squeeze between piles of furniture.
The linear or angular arrangement of the furniture set is relevant.
For the dining area in a very small kitchen, use a folding table and chairs. An alternative is a folding tabletop mounted on a free wall.
Small kitchen with a retractable worktop, photo They try to choose household appliances with a combined function, for example, food processor, rather than a separate mixer, blender and juicer, or an oven with a microwave function instead of a stove and microwave. Large electronic “helpers” are arranged in height, and small devices are placed on special shelves above the work area.
Comfortable layout small kitchen The drawers of the lower cabinets are equipped with roll-out or retractable mechanisms to increase their capacity.
The ergonomics of a small kitchen requires the use of furniture with sliding rather than hinged doors. This reduces the risk of injury when opening in a narrow space. For the same reason, it is better to choose furniture with rounded corners.
The refrigerator door should open towards the wall. In order to save space, this household appliance can be placed in the hallway or next room. Yes, in this case the triangle rule will be violated, but sometimes such a solution is necessary.
Layout of a large kitchen - use the space rationally
In a spacious kitchen, creating an ergonomic space is sometimes more difficult than in a small one.
Ergonomics of a large kitchen, photo It is important that the stove, refrigerator and sink, which are part of the working triangle, are located compactly and the housewife does not have to travel long distances while cooking. On the remaining area they place lunch group And additional systems storage
For a large kitchen, the most ergonomic is the U-shaped layout, combining the unit with an “island” or corner options with a bar counter.
Large U-kitchen: creating comfort We organize storage spaces and arrange household appliances
To avoid getting lost in large space, it is necessary to properly organize storage areas. Again, tips on kitchen ergonomics will help with this.
Heavy frying pans and pots, as well as vegetables and large packages of food, are placed in the drawers of the lower tier.
Dishes that are frequently used during cooking, as well as small household appliances, should be stored closer to the work surface. It is recommended to install several sockets in this area so that you can turn on your kitchen “helpers” without interference.
On the upper shelves of wall cabinets, formal table textiles, rarely used dishes and containers with dry products are placed.
It is better to place the microwave next to the refrigerator or above it, built into a single pencil case. Having taken out the food, you can immediately defrost it.
It’s worth hanging several rails in the work area so you don’t have to look for knives and other cutlery while cooking.
The best place for washing and dishwasher- next to the sink.
A TV, if there is one in the kitchen, should be hung so that you can watch it while cooking without turning your head.
Kitchen furniture parameters
The hood should be located at a height of 75 cm from the hob - then its operation will be as efficient as possible.
The level of the worktop is determined by the height of the hostess. On average it is 85 – 110 cm.
The distance from the working surface to the bottom of the wall cabinets must be at least 50 cm. This will allow you to freely use household appliances and will protect the owner from impacts on open doors.
It is not advisable to place sockets near the sink.
The depth of the tabletop is usually from 60 to 80 cm.
The height of the dining table is 75 cm. It should be located at a distance of at least 100 cm from the sink and 90 cm from the work area.
The distance from the sink to the stove must be greater than 50 cm, otherwise there is a risk that splashes could extinguish the gas and thereby create a dangerous situation.
When paying attention to kitchen design, you should not forget about its comfort. An ergonomic space cannot look unesthetically pleasing. But if the storage areas are not organized correctly or the furniture is poorly arranged, the room will be in disarray, which will ruin the impression of both the luxurious furniture set and the fashionable wallpaper.
The idea behind the kitchen layout with an island is functional comfort and compactness - what is needed in this area should be placed at arm's length. Standard sizes island furniture complex: height 900 mm, width - over 1 meter, length - 0.6-1.5 meters or more.
A traditional island in the kitchen should be placed if the total area of the room is more than 20 square meters. For a relatively small room of 15-20 sq. m, compact, folding or mobile options are selected, such as in the photo below.
Details about dimensions
A kitchen with an island is convenient due to the creation of another work area in the room. By installing an island element, up to 25% of the usable working area is added. In addition, here you can display electrical sockets and install appliances, position the oven or sink.
The total space occupied by the island should not be more than 10% of the total area of the kitchen, and the passages around it must be at least 1 m wide - otherwise the room will be overloaded and it will be difficult to move around it. Therefore in small kitchens The island can be made mobile rather than stationary - on wheels.
So, the main dimensions of the island must comply with the following rules:
- Standard table height is 92 cm;
- If work that requires effort is often carried out in the kitchen (for example, kneading dough), then the countertop is made lower - 76 cm;
For housewives who often prepare baked goods, good option there will be a two-level island.
- If the island replaces the dining table, then minimum distance between the seat of the chairs and the top of the tabletop - 300-320 mm. The length of the island table top can be calculated according to the principle of 600 mm per seated person.
And in order to use the island conveniently, you need to follow the rule of the working triangle - the stove, refrigerator and sink should be located at a distance of 1.5 meters, and these points should form a triangle when connected.
Kitchen island shapes
A kitchen layout with an island can include central elements of the following shapes:
- A rectangle is the most traditional and common shape for an island; it fits perfectly into small elongated spaces.
- A square island is placed on, or if the headset is arranged in a U-shape .
- The semicircular shape is perfect for an island with a bar counter, while the rounded part should be on the side of the bar counter, as shown in the photo.
- The most convenient island in the kitchen is a U-shaped or open circle table, since it allows you to place everything you need within walking distance.
- There are also completely round and oval island tables.
In general, the shape can be any - from zig-zag to hexagon. But their height is approximately the same - 90-92 cm.
Large kitchen islands can be made visually lighter by equipping them with open shelves and boxes with glass facades or even choose a table without decorations, and of course, white will make it significantly less bulky.
