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Make the most of your U-shaped kitchen with island with these stunning new approaches to this classic design.
It has withstood the test of time and has been hailed as a classic, yet the U-shaped kitchen with island is often a polarising design trope. Some homeowners will swear by its practicality, while die-hard minimalists may find this design a hard pill to swallow. Or some are sitting on the fence, unsure of which side to bat for.
We, at DesignCafe, believe that a U-shaped kitchen with island scores high on popularity for a reason. It is a maximalist’s dream come true. Flexibility and practicality aside, this kitchen layout aces both form and function. Read on to know how to make the most of the U-shaped kitchen with island design.
The Kitchen Work Triangle In A U-Shaped Kitchen With Island
Kitchens have to be warm and inviting. They also have to be efficient. Unfazed by the number of guests, or time on hand, they should as easily feed a small family of four or a crowd of twenty.
Designers use the ‘kitchen work triangle’ principle to make any kitchen efficient. The kitchen work triangle is the space between the cooking range, the sink and the refrigerator. These three areas make the kitchen efficient if they are close together. With three walls and a couple of corners, the U-shaped kitchen with island is a designer’s delight to create a functional space.
Maximise Storage In A U-Shaped Kitchen With Island
No kidding, here. It is a cakewalk to streamline storage in a U-shaped kitchen with island, even in the smaller ones. The three-walled layout allows for ample space for the numerous kitchen appliances and various pots and pans.
Convenient, yes, but this design runs the risk of giving a feel of a closed-in pantry. To break the monotony of the cabinets, you can use open shelves or those with glass fronts. You could make clever use of these shelves by placing cute planters or interesting crockery. So, you still have storage without being boring.
You could also own the storage game by opting for floor-to-ceiling cabinets that make for a clean facade. What about the corners, you ask? Lazy susans, specialty cabinets and pull-outs provide easy access to these challenging spaces. Nothing is wasted in a U-shaped kitchen with island.
Design Styles To Complement A U-Shaped Kitchen With Island
These are important decisions — the colour and materials of your U-shaped kitchen will make or break the space. Avoid woodwork as it overwhelms the space. Try to break up the row of cabinets. An easy way to do this is by using one colour for cabinets above the counter and another for those below. Incorporate texture by using a carved range of wood or a patterned backsplash. These also provide a sorely-needed focal point to draw the eye away from all the cabinetry. Use interesting pendant lights for jazzing up the vertical space.
Pros And Cons Of A U-Shaped Kitchen With Island
The U-shaped kitchen with island provides maximum countertop and storage space; both are cherished in any kitchen. It allows for unchallenging workflow and multiple users simultaneously. The countertops can be used resourcefully — for storing everyday appliances and food prep. Cabinets can be used for other items that aren’t used regularly.
Small U-shaped kitchens with island aren’t advisable, but they are possible. This design isn’t advisable for spaces where the footfall is high as people might feel boxed in. Another drawback is the expense. More cabinets will cost more money. But with DesignCafe’s modular cabinetry, this issue can be taken care of.
The Importance Of The Island In A U-Shaped Kitchen
The kitchen island is the epicenter of the modern kitchen. It is where people congregate and connect. It is versatile as the island can be used for storage, dining space or as a workstation.
The kitchen layout will decide whether your kitchen is cluttered or neat, cramped or expansive. It is the single most crucial decision you will ever make concerning your kitchen. You don’t need acres of space to make this area of your home feel airy and spacious. With intelligent layouts like the U-shaped kitchen with island, there is perfect harmony between the ergonomics and the design.
