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

Created on: 8 Aug 2024 14:21
F
fyaylmf
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
Grundriss: Wohnen, KĂŒche und Essen mit Treppe und Lastenaufzug
C
Costruttrice
10 Aug 2024 13:27
Our island measures 3.10 m by 1.17 m (10 ft 2 in by 3 ft 10 in).
The length of 3.10 m (10 ft 2 in) was chosen because using a single slab of Dekton would have been difficult otherwise, according to the kitchen studio.
The width of 1.17 m (3 ft 10 in) allows for standard base cabinets—or in our case, drawers—to fit comfortably on both sides. I think this is perfect. In my previous kitchen, the island wasn’t as deep, so I had to be very careful when handling dishes.
The distance to the cabinet wall is just under 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in), which lets the dishwasher and the drawer opposite open fully without any issues, with some space left in between. I would definitely do it this way again. Although it’s rare for drawers directly opposite each other to be opened at the same time, it does happen occasionally.
My husband and children are not very careful and don’t pay much attention, so I learned from previous experience—and some scratches—to leave enough clearance.
F
fyaylmf
10 Aug 2024 14:37
I believe the current dining area is too small, and we should create a seating nook or something similar there. A sofa area with a TV could then be set up in the gallery above. However, my wife sees it differently. She thinks a narrow but longer table or a corner bench would work fine.

The kitchen unit includes the sink and the rest of the components, except for the cooktop, which is planned for the island.

Attached is a sketch of the kitchen. For now, we probably won’t install pendant lights there either but instead recessed spotlights, as they are more affordable. Unfortunately, everything is still a bit more expensive than expected.
Moderne KĂŒche mit grauen SchrĂ€nken, dunkler Arbeitsplatte, Insel und drei geometrische HĂ€ngeleuchten.
C
Costruttrice
10 Aug 2024 14:45
If the kitchen wall is not fully lined with cabinets, I would definitely make the island deep enough to fit standard base cabinets on both sides to maximize storage.

What are the dimensions of the area currently marked as the dining space?

Some friends of ours have a table extending from the island, which has a Dekton countertop, while the table itself is made of wood.
But again, it depends on the available space.
B
Bertram100
10 Aug 2024 15:24
I would place the cooktop slightly off-center rather than in the middle to gain more countertop space. You have enough tall cabinets: are you considering installing the dishwasher at counter height? I find that really practical.

What isn’t visible in the photo: if you have many tall drawers, carefully think about what you want to store in them. With tall drawers, items often need to be stacked (except for trash bins, bottles, and kitchen appliances). That can be annoying. Inner drawers are possible but require an extra step to pull out, which can also be frustrating (at least for me).
D
Dahlbomii
10 Aug 2024 16:02
How large will the stove be? With the range hood, probably around 80-110cm (31-43 inches)? I would also position it slightly offset as suggested by Bertram, in the base cabinet grid 2+3 from the left in the front view. For both cabinets, you might lose the top drawer, depending on the size of the base unit.

Using moving boxes to create a 3D model is much more valuable than shifting things 10cm (4 inches) back and forth on plans. Drawing on the floor or walls is helpful, but usually, you don’t have enough spatial imagination for it to be really accurate in the end.

A bit off-topic: How is the building envelope constructed? Are those aerated concrete blocks adjacent to the neighbors? I find the construction interesting; it looks to me like a reinforced concrete frame with infill. To the architects here, is this common in residential construction?
F
fyaylmf
10 Aug 2024 16:23
On the inside, the kitchen planner designed 3 drawers each 1m (3.3 feet) wide. The drawer under the cooktop will be removed. Instead of the drawer, electrical outlets will be installed there.

I also considered relocating it. However, it can only be divided into thirds. So, either the left, middle, or right third. It is a Bora Pure cooktop with a round extractor in the center (76x56.5cm (30x22 inches)).

The dining area is only about 2.7m (8.9 feet) wide at the top left of the plan, next to the stairs up to the exterior wall. It might feel a bit wider because the sliding patio door starts after 60cm (24 inches) and is slightly offset outwards.

We were required by the structural engineer to install several reinforced concrete columns. This also increased the cost somewhat. I was a bit frustrated with the structural engineer, as so much steel was needed, and the construction workers even commented that it was quite a lot of supports/concrete/steel. In between, normal filled 36.5cm (14 inch) bricks were used for masonry.