3 Pro Tips for Designing a Kitchen Island

So, you’re embarking on a kitchen renovation or new build kitchen design and an island is at the top of your design wish list. This is a common request when I begin my design process with new kitchen design clients and for good reason. 

Islands provide additional workspace and storage as well as seating to enhance entertaining. From an aesthetic perspective, islands can also create a beautiful focal point in the kitchen.  With this in mind, there are many important factors to consider when including an island that is both beautiful and functional in your kitchen design.

Muskoka Cottage Kitchen. Design by McCarthy Design Studio. Photo by The North Studio Photography. 

Here are 3 pro tips for including an island in your kitchen design: 

1. Optimize the design to fit your kitchen space

As a thoughtful and thorough designer, functionality is my main priority in any design. If proper clearance around an island can’t be achieved due to space restrictions, we have creative alternatives so you’re not missing that kitchen island experience and aesthetic. 

So, you ask, why can’t every kitchen have an island? The main reason is that an island requires adequate circulation space and varies in size depending on the usage. This requirement stems from both adherence to the Ontario Building Code (OBC) as well as functional kitchen design and planning standards. 

To accommodate unobstructed passage, there should be a minimum of 36” between the island and an adjacent wall. The space between the island and the adjacent perimeter cabinets needs to be even greater. For example, if there is typically one cook in the kitchen, 42” is a minimum recommended distance between the island and the perimeter cabinets. If there are two or more cooks using the space, this dimension increases again. This requirement ensures that all appliances and cabinets can be used to their fullest while others are passing through the space.

Muskoka Cottage Kitchen. Design by McCarthy Design Studio. Photo by The North Studio Photography. 

Seating at the island also dictates the dimensions around the island. At McCarthy Design Studio, we determine the exact spacing requirements through a comprehensive assessment process that evaluates the available space, design standards, and design goals and needs for your lifestyle. 

Remember: If a kitchen island is not right for your space, do not despair, we have several creative solutions up our sleeve!

2. Decide on the function of the kitchen island

Whether you want your island to be a working island with an appliance, to be used for food preparation, or to function as a gathering and dining space, each of these uses will dictate different dimensions for your island. 

For example, each appliance has different recommended set down spaces adjacent to it. So if you want a sink in the island, you will need at least 18” on one side of the sink and 24” on the other. As a result, most islands with appliances need to be a minimum of 72” to function adequately. 

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen. Design by McCarthy Design Studio. Photo by The North Studio Photography. 

A range or cooktop in the island will have different requirements again. In addition to the set down space beside the appliance, the depth of the island will also be influenced by the inclusion of a range or cooktop. Considerations such as whether there will be seating on two or more sides or cabinetry on the backside will further influence the size requirements. 

At McCarthy Design Studio, we will guide you through this decision-making process and ensure you have the appropriately sized island to complete your functional and fabulous kitchen!

3. Maximize views and sightlines from your kitchen island

What do you want to look at while working at your island? What do you want family members or guests to look at while seated at the island? These are some of the detailed questions we ask when completing our full design assessment of your goals and needs.

Mississippi River Valley Residence. Design and build by Sustainable 9 Design + Build. Architecture by Unfold Architecture. Photo by Spacecrafting Photography. Image cropped to focus on view.

With all other clearance and usage factors considered, the location of an island might not make aesthetic sense. For example, in a past project the only location for the island had the homeowner looking at two interior doors, one to a bathroom, the other to a storage room—not exactly the ideal view! A window or even a solid wall adorned with beautiful artwork, a fireplace, or additional cabinetry provide a more pleasing sightline.

As a parting word, don’t underestimate the power of a peninsula! A peninsula can meet many of the same needs as an island and requires less circulation space.

Refined Contemporary Kitchen. Design by McCarthy Design Studio. Photo by The North Studio Photography. 

I hope these tips will help you with your ideal kitchen design. For more tips along your renovating journey, contact us, join our mailing list, or follow us @mccarthydesignstudio.