Island benchtops have become a staple in luxury kitchen design. They afford a certain sense of freedom to a kitchen area, especially when it’s otherwise cramped for space, and provide an excellent epicentre for the comings-and-goings of daily family life. In many ways, the breakfast bar is the social hub of a house. So why not ensure you’ve got a good one?
1. Plenty of space
Kitchen islands can give the illusion of more space but the crucial thing to remember is to keep them clean. Ideally, you want a bar space which isn’t housing too many items or decorations. Its usefulness lies precisely in this emptiness - what other surface needs to be called upon at the drop of a hat to support bills, car keys, cookbooks, party snacks, wine glasses and the rest of life’s little messes? Keep the cornflakes in the cupboard.

Image

Image
2. The right accessories
Thanks to an increasingly innovative kitchen design industry, it’s becoming easier and easier to incorporate cool appliances into kitchen structures without compromising on their surface space. Many islands will sport dishwashers and microwaves beneath the bench or even in-built blenders and toasters up above. A coffee machine is one thing which has earned its place on the bench, though.

Image

Image3. Convenient lighting
Overhead lighting is a must in any modern kitchen - it’s simply so much more suited to the realities of kitchen spillages and much more helpful when it comes to the delicate accuracies of knife-wielding. In-ceiling heat lights are a popular option for keeping breakfast bars well-lit but there is some room for individual taste in the many lampshades and fittings available.

Image

Image
4. Stylish seatware
The bar stool is a humble yet strangely glamorous accompaniment to the breakfast bar. Height is paramount: there’s nothing like towering over the rest of the household to kick start a good day at the office. Cane and timber are especially favoured choices.

Image

Image

Image
5. Hidden storage
Would anyone say no to more kitchen storage? Ultimately, despite all of your wildest ‘dream home’ fantasies of in-built ice-cream and sushi makers, functionality does have to come into the equation. Many breakfast bars offer inconspicuous opportunities for storage, such as in cavities, drawers and cupboards. Installing a benchtop garage is a great way to keep your most-used items - for example, coffee mugs - close but out of sight.

Image

Image
Planning a kitchen renovation can feel overwhelming. Luckily Service Central can connect you with top-quality tradespeople and services in your local area. Just post your job to receive three free no-obligation quotes today.