Why you should consider installing a kitchen island

Offering an extra surface for food preparation, storage and somewhere to eat, a kitchen island can be used to divide an open-plan room into distinct areas. To fit one comfortably, your space should be at least 3.5m x 3.5m with a metre gap between the island and base units, allowing room for cupboard doors and walking around.

At its simplest, the island can include a mix of cupboards, drawers and open shelving areas but adding a hob, microwave oven, sink or dishwasher will work the design to the max.

A hot water tap and pop-up electrical sockets for the worktop are useful extras. Good lighting is essential – consider recessed downlights, a stylish pendant light for decorative effect or both. Plinth lights create an atmospheric wash of light across the floor.

To make it a distinctive focal point, choose a contrast colour for the island or team natural materials such as wood and stone with steel, glass or granite. Incorporating curved ends will soften the shape.