Kitchen with wall island: advantages and disadvantages

How many of us, watching the great Hollywood cooking movies, thought about how great it would have been to have an island in the kitchen, an additional countertop with a thousand features that aims to enhance one of the most beloved spaces of the house. Now it is no longer just a dream but rather several companies are focusing on a modern design that includes islands or peninsulas, thanks to the high demand of the public. But is it really the best choice for your project? To answer this, we have gathered a series of advantages and disadvantages in choosing a kitchen with a wall island, evaluating both design aspects and purely functional and practical ones. 

All the Pros

1) Fluidity of spaces: The peninsula or island that fits perfectly to open spaces, creating a feeling of continuity of space without a wall or an arch to divide the kitchen from the living area. The spaces are no longer clearly divided and the affected area shows itself to the whole house giving an air of greater freedom and enhancing the space available. 

2) Greater freedom of movement: the flexibility of a peninsula makes it suitable for different situations making the soul of the kitchen even more alive, one of the favorite spaces in which to spend time. From breakfast to a quick lunch, arriving at the aperitif, the island allows you to devote more space to the living room, maybe avoiding to include huge tables or bases.

3) Expand the space: thanks to the open space offered by a kitchen with a peninsula, Not only will the environment be more comfortable in terms of organization and movement but also the optical effect will create a feeling of greater room width thanks to the optimization of every detail.

4) Cooking in company: we usually have in front of us a wall when cooking, a perspective that is instead upset thanks to the island that allows you to have more autonomy and to cook or immerse yourself in the art of cooking without being completely excluded from family life.

5) Best freedom of furniture: the island as a whole becomes an integral part of the furniture and can take up the kitchen furnishings or stand out in tones and colors from the rest, this time creating an element of contrast that divides the spaces and makes the design unique.

All the Cons

1) Electrical cables and pipes : the wall island is distinguished from the classic kitchens by having an element detached from the wall section. If it serves as a support base or table the problem does not occur while if you opt to equip the island with a sink or a hob will have to design in advance even water, electricity and gas systems.

2) Do not add too many elements: to be functional, the island must have a specific purpose: counter, worktop or hob. Combining different functions could make the whole thing uncomfortable and could lead to a worse experience in the kitchen.

3) Sizes and space: between the wall furniture and the island you need the right space to be able to move in peace as well as the island itself must be large enough to be used in comfort ( at least 70x120cm).

4) The lighting: when you have a plan detached from the rest of the furniture it is important to think about enhancing specific points of light, perhaps with spotlights or LED strips, to be able to use the table top in any occasion without the work being compromised by low lighting.