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Tiny Kitchen Islands Take the Floor
What these kitchen islands lack in size, they make up for in hardworking function
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
Not so long ago in the kitchen design world, bigger was better. In addition to massive range hoods and long walls of floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, you'd find an island the size of an aircraft carrier. These days, trends have swung toward downsizing, and that includes small-scale islands that work hard enough to offset their reduced surface and storage space. Check out the successful strategies below.
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Islands on casters are common, but this little stroke of genius goes one better: It slips beneath the countertop when it's not needed. In a small kitchen, such flexibility makes all the difference in function.
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by Teri Turan
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| Talk about teeny! At first glance you might think there's no way to squeeze an island into this compact kitchen. I don't know how much room this homeowner has to walk around it, but the extra storage and prep space would be worth it for me. |
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| I love the way this little red number blends decorative appeal and functionality. As a bonus, the rug picks up the color of the island base and carries it into the room. |
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| Small islands earn their floor space when they're cleverly designed. Drawers, baskets and shelves house sundries, and there's even room to tuck in a stool that can be pulled out for a guest to perch on. |
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| This petite island's top has just enough overhang to accommodate a single seat. Note too how the transparent stool adds little visual bulk, which helps preserve an open feel. |
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| This kitchen probably could have accommodated a bigger island, but the diminutive blue version gives the space extra breathing room. |
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| A towel holder on one end puts this cottage-style island to work. |
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The end of this island could have languished as wasted space, but the owners jumped on the opportunity to tuck in a microwave. This is a great solution when you have kids old enough to warm up snacks or zap leftovers.
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Here's repurposing at its best. An old sewing table is transformed into a little island, with one-of-a-kind character that absolutely makes the kitchen.
More:
Kitchen Solution: The Open Island
More:
Kitchen Solution: The Open Island
Ideabook published on May 16, 2012.
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Some of these islands are so tiny I don't see how they could provide any practical function. I need a larger surface to work. I'd just go sit at a kitchen or dining room table to do some kitchen chores, i.e., dicing and chopping, rather than trying to manage it on a tiny surface.