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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This kitchen probably could have accommodated a bigger island, but the diminutive blue version gives the space extra breathing room.
A towel holder on one end puts this cottage-style island to work.
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.
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
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.