ᐅ What size should a kitchen island be, and what are the recommended clearance widths for walkways?

Hello everyone,

we have already ordered a kitchen, but we can still choose the dimensions fairly freely. The idea was to finalize the kitchen island size once the shell construction was completed. Next week, the screed will be poured, and we are now starting to think about the size of the kitchen island. Currently, the plan shows the maximum possible size. The saleswoman said the dimensions "fit the space." We are not sure and were actually aiming for a maximum width of 2.7m (9 ft). We would also reduce the depth to a maximum of 1.1m (3.6 ft). What do you think? Should it be smaller or left as is? Should the distance between the kitchen counter and the island be increased to 1.2m (4 ft)?

Whether we set up the living or dining area on the right or left side of the plan will only be decided after moving in. We plan to take our simple furniture first and test the space for a while. On the left side, there is direct level access to the small terrace.

Best regards

I find them clearly too deep. They look bulky and like a disruptive element. We have the classic design: 95cm (37 inches) deep (60cm (24 inches) deep cabinets on the front, 35cm (14 inches) at the back), and I have trouble cleaning/wiping from just one side.

I would probably keep the length but reduce the depth by 10 or 15cm (4 or 6 inches) and place it a bit closer to the kitchen units. One meter (39 inches) is actually ideal, unless you are very large or have wide-opening doors planned. The space in front of the staircase should be a bit more generous.

Wait until the screed is in place, then mark it on the floor with chalk or, even better, set it up using moving boxes exactly as shown in the plan. This way, you can see if it feels too bulky for you or not.

Maybe it was actually enough to reduce some of the depth...
But this is how I’ll do it: I still have some leftover floor insulation. I’ll use that to build the block.

@fyaylmf How does the kitchen line along the lower part of the plan look? Are those tall cabinets?

If the distance between this kitchen line and the island is chosen so that the dishwasher door can be opened at the same time and is positioned directly opposite the preferred dish cabinet/drawer, it significantly speeds up unloading. This works with pull-out drawers opposite an under-counter dishwasher, for example, starting from an aisle width of 1.15m (45 inches).

With an island depth of about 117cm (46 inches), standard-depth base cabinets can still fit on both sides – which obviously provides much more storage space compared to 35cm (14 inches) deep base cabinets. Another consideration: if the kitchen line consists of tall cabinets, then a deep island also offers very usable countertop space opposite the sink/cooktop – assuming these are all located on the island. It’s possible that a fully automatic coffee machine or portafilter espresso maker will be placed there later, which takes up additional countertop space. I enjoy the space at my island every day—3.70m x 1.17m (12 ft 2 in x 46 in) plus an aisle width of 1.25m (49 inches).

Addition: And yes, a kitchen island like the one shown in the plan is no longer inconspicuous. It will definitely dominate the sense of space, especially considering the surrounding room available for DINING and LIVING. I would definitely position the dining table on site temporarily, including chairs, which in real life are never tucked completely under the table. I am somewhat concerned that it could be quite tight here. However, I do think the basic room layout with the island in the center as a way to zone the space works very well.