Highgate Kitchen

8. This breakfast bar sits at a lower level than the kitchen counter, instead of the usual design where the breakfast bar is a few inches above the island countertop. The change in colour and material gives an interesting twist to the dynamic of the room.

7. …or take it down a notchIf you don’t have room for both a table and a breakfast bar, why not try this clever idea? The lowered surface allows for standard-height seating while taking up little space. The change of colour and material define the breakfast bar, while choosing a dark wood that matches the window frames and shelf make it look less of an afterthought and more of a design detail.

Tip: If you’ve got limited real estate on your island, increase your counter space by creating a table extension on the side.

Handleless islands The handleless option is also available for kitchen islands. As well as creating a sleek, modern feature, this style can be helpful in keeping the walkway around the island clear, with no handles on which to snag your clothing.For islands and kitchen end-return panels – the visible ends on a run of units or on the sides of an island – you have the option to continue the channel handle all the way around the side of the island and onto the back face. The end panel doesn’t touch the floor or the worktop above, and as such is called a floating end panel. It creates the effect of the worktop floating above the island for a sleek and sophisticated finish, as seen here.Browse through pictures of island kitchens

Lower plane for diners on island

shiny cabinet next to window look

Since the island will be in the doorway to the living room, can we get extra space to the side? Cute idea.