It’s been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and the heart of the kitchen is the kitchen island bench, for those fortunate enough to have one. When carefully selected, your kitchen island bench will be the perfect blend of good design and functionality.

But not just any bench will do. Before deciding on the right kitchen island bench for your space, here’s what you need to know:

1. Space matters

Space around the kitchen island bench is one of the most important consideration when designing the perfect kitchen island bench.

  • You don’t want a kitchen island bench that everyone can’t move around or that is too small for your needs. The bench space needs to be practical and allow enough space for you to stand to prepare snacks and meals as well as store items. Best recommendations from designers suggest that your bench should have around 1 metre of floor space to prepare efficiently.
  • You don’t want a kitchen island bench that’s too big either and interrupt the flow of traffic. Plan for a minimum of 900mm of space between the island and any other benchtop, wall or appliance within the kitchen.

2. Utility matters

For some homes, the island will serve solely as a space to make meals. For others, it will serve multiple purposes, like as space for an extra sink or informal dining.

If you’re going to be using the island bench as a dining space, you’ll have to consider the size to seating. The bench should allow for a minimum of 60 centimetres per person.

The material you choose for the top will also depend on how you plan to use the island. If it’s going to be a space mostly for food preparation, you’ll love our Duropal benchtop which is easy to wipe down and keep clean. Chefs, on the other hand, may appreciate an industrial Caesarstone surface for that luxurious feel.

3. Shape matters

The classic kitchen island bench is a rectangular block sitting in the middle of your kitchen (hence the name). But depending on your kitchen’s layout, a different shape may be better. Explore your options and look at kitchen island benches with an oval, T- or L-shape.

4. Placement matters

Traffic flow aside, where you place your kitchen island bench should also complement what you want to use it for. Using it primarily for food prep? Make sure it’s set near your appliances and outlets. If it’s going to be mostly used for enjoying meals and setting out snacks, keeping it close to the dishwasher and garbage will be best.

5. Looks matter

Your kitchen island bench will be the focal point of your kitchen. You want it to have visual appeal while also enhancing the surrounding architecture and tone of your space.

The best way to accomplish this is through colour and material. While light-coloured kitchen island benches are a top choice, unique styles like concrete are seeing a surge in popularity. As for the benchtop material, you can never go wrong with the many colours and patterns you’ll find available in our Motivi, YDL Quartz Stone, and Caesarstone benchtop selections.

Build a Beautiful Quality Kitchen with Zesta Kitchens

Take advantage of years of kitchen design expertise with Zesta Kitchens! We offer a variety of kitchen island benches that are suitable for kitchens of all size and colour combinations.

Visit our website at www.zestakitchens.com.au to find a showroom near you, and call to book a free in-home kitchen design consultation on 1300 100 555.