Space between island and counters in kitchen: what is the best choice?

The space between island and counters in kitchen directly affects the organisation, practicality and comfort of the spaces in the room where food is prepared.

When choosing to include an island it is important to consider how it will interact with the rest of the furniture and what the optimal proportions are to allow people to move naturally between the various pieces of furniture and furnishings.

What do you need to know about the space between island and counters in kitchen?

When designing a kitchen with an island, one of the most important aspects to consider is the distance between the central island and the wall units and base units that form the basic structure of the room.

Whether it is in the centre of the kitchen or slightly off-centre, the island characterises the space and directly affects the functionality of the location. Consequently, ensuring ease of everyday use and the correct perception of space is essential. And in this, the distance from the furniture plays a decisive role!

As a general rule, the minimum recommended space between island and counters in kitchenis approximately 90 cm. This space is sufficient to allow a person to pass through easily and to open any doors, drawers or appliance doors with ease. In short, it is a space that avoids creating clutter.

In larger kitchens or those with doors on both the island and wall units, this space can be increased to 120-130 cm. This more spacious layout is also ideal when two people want to work at the same time. It is also excellent when you intend to install a functional island that integrates the hob or sink.

Any other comments on the space between island and counters in kitchen? Even in larger kitchens, it is not advisable to exceed a distance of 150 cm. Why? Because excessive space between the island and the kitchen risks creating a sort of visual disconnect between the elements and can compromise the functionality of the room, making meal preparation more laborious.

As a rule, respecting the recommended minimum and maximum distances is not only good for ensuring proper passage and smooth movement, but also for improving the overall ergonomics of the environment.

What should be considered when deciding on the space between island and counters in kitchen?

A well-designed kitchen obviously takes into account the habits of those who live in it, the actual size of the space and the functions required of the island. This is precisely why the design phase plays a central role. In fact, accurately assessing distances from the outset means achieving a balanced, practical and harmonious kitchen, i.e. one that combines aesthetics and comfort in a lasting way.

When considering the space between island and counters in kitchen, it is always essential to start with a careful analysis of the available space and how the environment will be used on a daily basis. The overall size of the room is the first thing to consider. Want a rule of thumb? In a large kitchen, distances can be managed with greater flexibility. On the other hand, in smaller spaces, it is necessary to find the right balance between functionality and space, avoiding solutions that overly restrict freedom of movement.

Another key aspect to consider is the function of the island. An island designed solely as a support surface or snack area has different requirements than a working island that houses a sink, hob or appliances. In the latter case, distances must be calibrated more carefully to allow for the simultaneous use of different areas.

It is equally important to consider how the space around the island is organised. For example, the presence of storage drawers, hinged doors, fitted columns or dishwashers directly affects the distance required to avoid creating obstacles.

The workflow within the kitchen itself must also be taken into account. Good design must necessarily analyse daily movements between the different working areas in order to make the routes as fluid and intuitive as possible.

How can the space between the island and the kitchen be best organised?

When moving on to the operational phase, organising the space between the island and the kitchen in a functional way translates into solutions that can really improve the daily experience.

A good starting point? Optimising the so-called work triangle, i.e. the area between the washing area, the cooking area and the food storage space. If the island is functional and incorporates a sink or hob, the distance from the kitchen must be sufficient to facilitate movement and minimise unnecessary travel.

The case is different for an island that serves primarily as a countertop, preparation area or social space. In this case, the operational requirements are less stringent and the distance can be slightly more flexible. However, it should remain within the recommended limits so as not to lose visual and functional continuity.

It is important to remember, however, that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, the space between island and counters in kitchen can and should vary depending on the type of island, the habits of those who use the space and the family’s daily lifestyle.

In some cases, the best solution may be to consider alternatives. We are referring to peninsulas, more compact islands or hybrid solutions. This is especially valuable when space is limited. The ultimate goal, in fact, is not only to comply with standard measurements, but to create a design that has an optimal space between island and counters in kitchen. And one that combines balance, functionality and conviviality at the same time.

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