Kitchens
There's no ideal height for island pendants, instea consider many factors from the pendant itself to the sightline height of the kitchen’s users. In general, pendants should be 75 to 100 centimetres above the island benchtop. Measure from the top of the island’s bench height instead of the ceiling as ceiling heights differ.
Uplighting creates a source of ambient kitchen lighting when the space above the cabinetry is left open. Note: light reflects best off the ceiling when there’s a minimum space of 30 centimetres between the top of your cabinetry and the ceiling,otherwise it can create a halo effect above the cabinets. LED strip lighting is effective at avoiding the halo effect and providing an even distribution of light.
Curves soften the lines of this long, narrow kitchen. The curve of the tall breakfast table echoes the curve of the cabinet by Lewis Alderson & Co. Both distract the eye from the otherwise long, straight shape of the space. The cabinet’s rounded edge also allows space for a walkway around the table.
Slim shelves over narrow bench leaves room for appliances below and doesn't block window view or feel cramped.
Swap in some secret floor storage This cool kitchen has a wine-storage area built into the floor. Sometimes when you want to add a little more storage to your kitchen, you have to think outside the box.
Consider a central stove and range hood. Positioning your stovetop and range hood on an island or peninsula, rather than against a wall, doesn’t necessarily free up space. However, it does mean you can use a central fan, which leaves your cabinet wall without a large obstacle in the way of your storage cabinets. This set-up leaves the centre of the room still relatively open not blocking conversation and sightlines, and allows for uninterrupted upper cabinets on the main walls of your kitchen for plenty of storage.
Pull-out chopping station Some days you need a bit more bench space than others, and when there are extra vegetables to chop, a dedicated chopping station can be super helpful. A clever pull-out chopping station, complete with a chopping-block top, can be integrated into a set of drawers so you have it handy when needed and tucked away when not in use.
Under-cabinet shelves This kitchen uses a small niche created by a change in wall depth (to the right of the stove) to create a little storage zone for spices. A shallow shelf under a stretch of upper cabinets can be a great spot to stash small items including spice jars, salt and pepper, or tea. This works especially well if you use the shortened bench space below to store other items rather than using that place for meal preparation (so none of these items are really in your way).
Add drawer organisers. While drawer and cabinet organisers are a handy luxury in any kitchen, they are especially important in a smaller kitchen. Squeezing in as much storage as possible isn’t helpful unless that storage is functional. Breaking up drawers into compartments allows you to store more objects, more effectively.
Open up a pass-through One very effective way to make your kitchen feel bigger is to open up a partition wall to create a pass-through window or servery space. If you build a benchtop around the opening and extend it a little on the side opposite your kitchen, you can enlarge the functional size of your kitchen by borrowing space from the adjacent room.
Scandi characteristics – blonde timber and a lack of fuss – combine with hero elements such as a statement range hood, for a great local take on Scandi style.
Use a mirrored splashback in a small butler’s pantry to create a sense of depth. Open shelving above bench height is a great addition as it allows you to see everything and there’s no risk of bumping your head when opening overhead cupboard doors. Use drawers wherever possible for pantry storage as they help maximise storage space and ensure items are easy to find.
Future proof - incorporate new innovations such as induction cooktops, energy-saving fridges, touch screens, power outlets with USB chargers and clever pull-out pantries.
Dramatic teal island, rest is muted colours.
Mirrored underlighting makes caesarstone bench appear to float.
Clever use of space - suspend island over stairs. The kitchen island is cleverly integrated with the staircase. Timber slats rise up from downstairs and fold over the staircase with the island bench on top.
Large square island with heaps of storage on all sides
Storage on work area side of curved bench
Verde Bamboo granite with drawers
Amazing granite - but no storage.
Love the curves
Before & after
Timber panel island front adds texture while matching black cabinets.
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