• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Homes and Lifestyle Logo Black

Homes and Lifestyle Toronto

Real Estate, Luxury & Style

  • Homes
  • Lifestyle
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Travel
  • Wellness
  • Education
  • Advertising Info

Island Getaway: Choosing the Right Kitchen Island

by Preferred Publishing

The kitchen has always been the hub of the home, playing host to family and friends, inviting work and play in equal measure. And at the centre of every great kitchen is the island. Think of it as the heart of the home. Much more than just a surface for prepping, cooking, eating and entertaining, the kitchen island can also make a style statement. Needless to say, a kitchen island is an investment when it comes to the fashion and function of your space, and choosing the right one goes beyond just colour and countertop. Here are some factors to take into account.

Let’s first look at the logistics of the modern kitchen. Whether it’s a brand-new build or a renovation, kitchens today are oftentimes part of a larger, open-concept space that’s open to the living and dining area, and sometimes the front entrance. That means the kitchen no longer exists as solely a utilitarian space, with pots, pans and chaos hidden from view. The kitchen has become a showpiece, and the island is that key transitional element, leading from the living and entertaining areas into a beautiful yet practical work space.

Let’s break these down.

Function is critical to every great interior, and especially so in the kitchen. This room happily takes the brunt of your daily tasks, from cooking and dining, to homework, R&R and storage. Your interior designer will factor your needs into the island configuration and the overall kitchen design. The size of the kitchen will dictate the dimensions of the island. An island that’s too big will interrupt the traffic flow. Ensure you leave at least four feet around it to manoeuvre comfortably, with easy access to the sink, fridge and stove – your “work triangle.”

The island itself should measure at least three feet wide by five feet long. Anything smaller will not be sufficient to accommodate seating, integrated appliances or storage space. If an island of this size doesn’t fit into your kitchen with a four feet buffer, question whether the space might be better suited to a table or a cart, or perhaps left empty.

When it come to your island’s style, let your home’s overall aesthetic guide you. This is key, particularly when working in an open-concept interior. Make your island “pop” by using a contrasting colour or countertop. For example, a kitchen with white cabinetry can look stunning with a dark, dramatic island. Lighting also serves as a practical but beautiful element, drawing the eye and illuminating this focal point within the greater space.

As a designer, I believe the kitchen is the most significant room in any home, and it’s also the most expensive to renovate. Ensure you do it right the first time by working with a professional designer. An experienced designer will have hundreds of kitchens under their belt, and hopefully your vision for the space – and the finished result – will be one that meets your practical needs and aesthetic goals for many years to come. 

Jennifer Backstein is the Creative Director and Principal Designer for Jennifer Backstein Interiors. The Toronto design firm has excelled for over a decade creating thoughtfully curated stylish bespoke designs. The firm offers a diverse range of full scale design services throughout Toronto, and GTA and Canada.

jenniferbacksteininteriors.com

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Homes Tagged With: design tips, interior design, jennifer backstein, jennifer backstein interiors, kitchen, Kitchen Design, kitchen tips, Toronto Interior Designer

For Advertisers

Connect To Your Ideal Audience With Homes & Lifestyle Magazines.

Have your ad featured in 300,000 printed lifestyle magazines per year, delivered to high-income homes & retail locations throughout Toronto, Muskoka, Mississauga, Oakville & Burlington. To get started, contact us today.

Content & editorials are distributed in print magazines, digital magazines, various blogs, social media channels & proprietary email databases.

Learn More

Footer

Check out our latest issues available now in Toronto, Muskoka & West GTA.

Cayman Marshall West GTA
Grace & Co Homes Toronto
Cayman Marshall Muskoka

Below Footer

If you are interested in receiving printed and/or digital copies of any of our magazines please contact us today.

© 2023 · Luxury Real Estate & Lifestyle Magazine Publishing By Preferred Publishing

  • Homes
  • Lifestyle
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Travel
  • Wellness
  • Education
  • Contact Us