Open-plan kitchen with cooking island: Modern and functional kitchen
The open-plan kitchen with an island is a trend that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It combines the functionality of a kitchen with the sociability of a living room, creating a space that invites you to cook, eat, and linger. The kitchen island is the centerpiece of the open-plan kitchen, offering not only additional storage but also a generous work surface. In this article, you'll learn how to design your open-plan kitchen with an island in a modern and functional way. We'll take a look at various design ideas, the advantages of such a kitchen, and provide you with practical tips for implementation.
Design ideas for the kitchen-living room with a cooking island
Designing a kitchen-living room with an island offers countless possibilities to make the space both functional and aesthetically pleasing. One of the first considerations should be the choice of style. Whether modern, Scandinavian, industrial, or classic – the style of your kitchen-living room should harmoniously blend into the overall look of your home.
A modern style is characterized by clean lines, minimalist shapes, and the use of materials such as stainless steel, glass, and high-gloss surfaces. These materials give the kitchen an elegant and contemporary appearance. Combined with a neutral color palette of white, gray, or black, a harmonious overall look is created.
The Scandinavian style, on the other hand, focuses on light colors, natural materials like wood, and a cozy atmosphere. An island made of light wood, combined with white or pastel-colored cabinets, creates an inviting and warm environment.
For lovers of the industrial style, materials like concrete, metal, and dark colors are ideal. An island made of concrete or with a metal surface can be a real eye-catcher and gives the kitchen an urban touch.
Besides the style, the layout of the kitchen is also crucial. An open design, where the kitchen seamlessly transitions into the living area, promotes communication and creates a sense of spaciousness. The island can act as a room divider, visually separating the cooking area from the living area.
Lighting also plays an important role. Pendant lights above the island highlight it skillfully and create a pleasant lighting atmosphere. LED strips under the wall cabinets or integrated into the countertop provide additional light and emphasize the modern design.
Finally, functionality should not be overlooked. Sufficient storage space in the form of drawers and cabinets in the island, as well as easily accessible work surfaces, make everyday cooking easier and ensure order. With these design ideas, you can individually design your kitchen-living room with an island and make it a real highlight in your home.
Functional aspects of an open-plan kitchen with a cooking island
The functionality of an open-plan kitchen with an island is a crucial factor that can significantly ease daily life. A well-thought-out plan is essential. First, the size of the island should be adapted to the room's dimensions. An island that is too large can make the space feel overcrowded, while an island that is too small may not fulfill its function optimally.
A key aspect is the work surface. The kitchen island provides additional space for preparing meals, which is particularly advantageous for larger families or when guests are visiting. Additionally, the island can be equipped with a cooktop or a sink, which shortens work paths and increases efficiency.
Storage space also plays an important role. Drawers and cabinets in the kitchen island offer space for cooking utensils, dishes, and supplies. This keeps the kitchen tidy and everything is quickly at hand. Clever solutions also include integrated shelves or open compartments that provide additional storage space while also being decorative.
Another functional aspect is the seating at the kitchen island. Bar stools or high chairs invite you to linger and make the island a social gathering point. Here, you can cook, eat, or simply chat together.
The arrangement of appliances should also be well thought out. A refrigerator near the kitchen island makes work easier, as ingredients are quickly accessible. The oven or microwave can also be integrated into the island to optimize the workflow.
Ventilation should not be forgotten. A powerful range hood above the kitchen island ensures that odors and steam are quickly extracted, keeping the air in the kitchen fresh.
Finally, ergonomics should also be considered. The height of the work surface should be adjusted to the user's height to allow for comfortable working.
With these functional aspects, the open-plan kitchen with an island becomes a practical and comfortable space that eases daily life and invites you to linger.
Tips for Designing Your Modern Kitchen-Living Room
Designing a modern kitchen with an island requires careful planning to consider both aesthetic and functional aspects. Here are some tips to help you implement it.
First, you should be clear about the layout. An open design, where the kitchen flows into the living area, creates a sense of spaciousness and encourages communication. The kitchen island can serve as a central element and structure the space.
When selecting materials, you should focus on quality and durability. High-quality materials such as granite, marble, or quartz for the countertop are not only robust but also give the kitchen an elegant appearance. For the cabinets and fronts, materials like wood, glass, or stainless steel can be chosen depending on the style of the kitchen.
Color design also plays an important role. Light colors like white, beige, or pastel shades make the room appear larger and create a friendly atmosphere. Dark colors like anthracite or black can set accents and give the kitchen a modern touch.
Another tip is the integration of smart devices. Modern technologies such as an induction cooktop, a steam oven, or a refrigerator with internet access can increase comfort and efficiency.
Lighting should not be neglected either. A combination of direct and indirect lighting creates a pleasant light atmosphere. Pendant lights above the kitchen island highlight it, while LED strips under the cabinets provide additional light.
Decorative elements such as plants, pictures, or vases can give the kitchen a personal touch and create a homely atmosphere. However, care should be taken to ensure that the decoration does not appear too cluttered and does not impair the functionality of the kitchen.
With these tips, you can individually design your modern kitchen with an island and make it a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Kitchen-Living Room with Cooking Island
A kitchen-living room with an island offers numerous advantages that affect both functionality and aesthetics. One of the biggest advantages is the additional workspace that an island provides. This is especially useful when several people are working in the kitchen at the same time or if you enjoy preparing elaborate dishes that require a lot of space.
Another advantage is the additional storage space. The island can be equipped with drawers and cabinets that provide space for kitchen utensils, dishes, and supplies. This helps keep the kitchen tidy and have everything within reach.
The island can also function as a room divider, visually separating the cooking area from the living area without compromising the open design. This creates a clear structure in the room and promotes communication, as the kitchen seamlessly transitions into the living area.
Additionally, the island offers the opportunity to integrate seating. Bar stools or high chairs invite you to linger and make the island a social meeting point where you can cook, eat, or just chat together.
Last but not least, a well-designed kitchen-living room with an island contributes to the property's value increase, as it is considered a modern and functional element that is equally popular with buyers and tenants.
The planning of the size of a kitchen island depends on several factors that should be considered to ensure optimal use of the space. First, the size of the room is crucial. In a small kitchen, the island should not be too large to avoid overwhelming the space and restricting freedom of movement. In larger rooms, the island can be designed more generously to offer more workspace and storage.
Another important aspect is the function of the kitchen island. Should it primarily serve as a workspace, or do you also want to integrate appliances like a cooktop or a sink? In this case, the island must be planned larger to provide enough space for the appliances and the workspace.
The number of people using the kitchen also plays a role. If you often cook for many people or like to entertain guests, a larger island can be advantageous to have enough space for food preparation and cooking together.
A good guideline is that the kitchen island should be at least 90 cm deep and 120 cm wide to provide sufficient workspace. The distance to the surrounding cabinets and walls should be at least 90 cm to ensure comfortable freedom of movement.
Ultimately, the size of the kitchen island should be adapted to your individual needs and the conditions of the room to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution.
When choosing materials for a kitchen island, both aesthetic and functional aspects play a role. The countertop is particularly important as it is subjected to heavy use daily. Materials such as granite, marble, or quartz are very popular because they are not only robust and durable but also lend an elegant appearance. These natural stones are heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean, making them ideal for use in the kitchen.
For the fronts and cabinets of the kitchen island, materials like wood, glass, or stainless steel are suitable. Wood gives the kitchen a warm and natural look and is available in various finishes, from light woods like maple or oak to darker varieties like walnut or mahogany. Glass fronts can give the kitchen a modern and elegant touch, while stainless steel is particularly easy to maintain and hygienic.
Concrete is also a material that is increasingly used in modern kitchens. It gives the kitchen island an industrial look and is very durable. However, concrete should be sealed regularly to prevent staining.
Ultimately, the choice of materials depends on your personal taste, the style of the kitchen, and the functional requirements. It is important that the materials are durable and easy to maintain to withstand the daily demands in the kitchen.
Integrating appliances into the kitchen island can significantly enhance the functionality of the kitchen and optimize workflow. First, you should consider which appliances you want to incorporate into the island. Cooktops, sinks, dishwashers, or ovens are often integrated into the kitchen island.
A cooktop on the island offers the advantage of allowing you to oversee the room and communicate with guests while cooking. It is important to ensure a powerful extractor hood to effectively remove odors and fumes. This can be implemented either as a ceiling hood or as a downdraft ventilation integrated into the cooktop.
A sink in the kitchen island is also practical as it shortens work paths and makes washing dishes or food easier. Here, you should ensure good sealing and sufficient water supply.
The dishwasher can also be housed in the kitchen island, which is particularly useful in open kitchens to reduce noise levels.
The oven can also be integrated into the island, with attention paid to installing it at an ergonomic height to protect your back.
When planning appliance integration, it is important to consider the connections for electricity, water, and wastewater early on and plan accordingly. A well-thought-out arrangement of appliances can significantly enhance comfort and efficiency in the kitchen.
Lighting plays a crucial role in the design of a kitchen-living room with an island, as it covers both functional and atmospheric aspects. Well-thought-out lighting not only provides sufficient brightness for cooking but also creates a pleasant atmosphere for lingering.
First, the work surface should be well-lit. LED strips are ideal here, which can be integrated under the wall cabinets or into the countertop. These provide even illumination of the work surface and are also energy-efficient.
Pendant lights over the kitchen island are not only a decorative element but also offer targeted light for cooking. They should be installed at a height that neither dazzles nor obstructs the view.
For general room lighting, ceiling lights or recessed spotlights are suitable, providing even basic brightness. These can be equipped with a dimmer to adjust the light intensity as needed.
Indirect lighting can also be used in the kitchen-living room to create a cozy atmosphere. LED strips placed on shelves or behind furniture provide soft light and create accents.
When planning the lighting, it should be ensured that the various light sources harmonize with each other and create a coherent overall picture. A combination of direct and indirect lighting can bathe the kitchen-living room in pleasant light and meet both functional and aesthetic demands.
Integrating seating options at the kitchen island is a popular way to make the kitchen a social gathering spot. There are various options that can be chosen depending on the style and function of the kitchen.
Bar stools are a classic choice for the kitchen island. They are available in various designs and materials, from modern models made of metal or plastic to classic versions made of wood. Bar stools are space-saving and can easily be pushed under the island when not in use.
High chairs are another option, particularly suitable for families with children. They offer a higher seating surface than regular chairs and are usually equipped with a footrest for added comfort.
For a cozier atmosphere, upholstered chairs or armchairs can also be placed at the kitchen island. These offer more comfort and invite you to linger longer. However, they require more space and should therefore only be used in larger kitchens.
When selecting seating options, make sure they match the style of the kitchen and provide enough legroom. The seat height should match the height of the kitchen island to allow for comfortable seating.
Ultimately, the choice of seating depends on your individual needs and the available space. It is important that they are functional and comfortable to make the kitchen island an inviting place.
The decoration of an open-plan kitchen should be carefully planned to avoid compromising functionality while creating an inviting atmosphere. A good starting point is selecting decorative elements that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
Plants are an excellent way to bring freshness and color into the kitchen. Herb pots on the windowsill or kitchen island are not only decorative but also useful for cooking. Hanging plants or small succulents can also add accents without taking up much space.
Pictures or artworks on the walls can give the kitchen a personal touch. Care should be taken to ensure they are not placed in areas that are heavily used, such as above the stove or sink.
Textiles like dish towels, table runners, or cushions on seating can also serve as decorative elements. They should be color-coordinated with the rest of the furnishings and can be changed according to the season or occasion.
Decorative bowls or vases on the kitchen island or dining table can also add accents. However, they should not be too large to avoid blocking the workspace.
When decorating the open-plan kitchen, it is important to find a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The decoration should not overcrowd the space or restrict freedom of movement. With a thoughtful selection of decorative elements, the open-plan kitchen can become a stylish and inviting space.
Optimizing storage space in a kitchen-living room is crucial to maintain order and ensure functionality. A well-thought-out plan can help utilize the available space efficiently.
A first step is to use the vertical space. Wall cabinets that reach up to the ceiling offer additional storage for rarely used items. Open shelves can also be used to keep frequently needed utensils within reach while displaying decorative elements.
The kitchen island itself offers numerous opportunities for storage optimization. Drawers with full extension allow easy access to the entire contents and can be equipped with divider systems to maintain order. Cabinets with pull-out shelves or carousels are also practical for making optimal use of storage space.
Another tip is to use cabinet doors. Hooks or small shelves on the inside of the doors provide space for spices, cleaning supplies, or kitchen towels.
Organizing drawers can also contribute to storage optimization. Cutlery trays, spice holders, or pot inserts help keep the contents organized and use the space efficiently.
Last but not least, multifunctional furniture pieces can also contribute to storage optimization. A dining table with integrated drawers or a bench with storage under the seat offers additional space for dishes, tablecloths, or other utensils.
With these tips, you can make optimal use of the storage space in your kitchen-living room and ensure order and clarity.
by Amelia Ford
Amelia Ford blends aesthetics with craftsmanship – not only is she a passionate interiors writer, she’s also a trained specialist in textiles and materials. For Amelia, room design begins with touch: How does a fabric feel? How does a surface reflect light?Her articles explore the sensory impact of materials – from the soft elegance of velvet to the cool clarity of glass and the grounded texture of natural stone. By pairing these elements with different interior styles – from classic British to Scandi-inspired – she creates concepts that are both functional and emotionally engaging. For Amelia, decoration is never just an afterthought – it’s an essential part of a well-balanced space.
Off-duty: Amelia lives in a lovingly restored Victorian terrace in Manchester. Her walls are adorned with carefully selected artwork, and her shelves are filled with fabric swatches, design books and handmade decorative pieces. She loves travelling to Scotland to discover new materials and connect with local craftspeople.
Transparency note: Amelia Ford writes her articles with lots of love – and a little help from AI.