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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To want a kitchen island (floor plan included)

42 replies

Angeldust747 · 17/10/2019 21:27

Hi, after 5 years in our home we are finally going to be getting the kitchen replaced next year!! We are improving the layout as it's very awkward at the moment, and I have my heart set on an island. Not a fixed one, more like a freestanding ikea one so I can sit and face DH and chat while he makes dinner etc.
DH says an island won't work in the space we have because of the (soon to be) patio doors at the bottom and the back door at the top. But I think you will have the same problem even with a table and chairs, so why not let me have my island
What do you think, AIBU to put an island here (blue rectangle)?
p.s. Apologies for my drawing on top of the photo!

To want a kitchen island (floor plan included)

OP posts:

ChevalierTialys · 17/10/2019 23:11

I came for the floor plan. Was not disappointed.

Don't think it will work in the space, but by all means have a go and update us with pics...

justasking111 · 17/10/2019 23:12

Patio doors and a random back door will look visually so out of balance. I would go for bifolds right across you can have a door put in them. Or just central patio doors and brick up the sides to window height.

SafetyAdvice0FeedWhenAgitated · 17/10/2019 23:12

I turned my window into french door and back door into a window. If you do the same, you can have a counter there with bit of overlap, maybe even small "peninsula" so you can sit there

DramaAlpaca · 17/10/2019 23:16

I don't think you have space. It would get in the way & annoy you. I'd love one too, but it won't work in my kitchen either.

SafetyAdvice0FeedWhenAgitated · 17/10/2019 23:16

Something like this.

Fatted · 17/10/2019 23:23

Don't get an island. We have an island table in the middle of our current kitchen and it's a bloody nightmare. It wasn't too bad with just two of us, but with two kids as well now, it's just a hindrence. We need to have a clockwise system in operation at all times to get round the kitchen.

Thankfully we are moving soon and our new house doesn't have one.

PickAChew · 17/10/2019 23:26

You'd have permanent bruises.

Aus84 · 17/10/2019 23:38

Inward opening doors to the patio removes a lot of options inside space wise. What about French doors opening to the outside, bi-folds or even a big sliding door?

Original poster

Angeldust747 · 18/10/2019 06:49

Thanks everyone! Yes the doors would have to open outwards, I'd love to do doors straight across to the back but it would be very expensive at the moment the fridge would go by the back door, if I brought the units round where the back door is currently I'm not sure where it would go...
DH will be very pleased to win the island argument, but I'm just glad to be getting my new kitchen at all

OP posts:

Newuser123123 · 18/10/2019 08:08

You could swap the patio doors for a large picture window with seating then build in seating / table on the other sides (making a U shape) which would make a sociable, cosy space for you to sit and chat whilst cooking?

StanleySteamer · 18/10/2019 21:10

Not even considering the movable island idea then?

ChicCroissant · 18/10/2019 21:19

Like Stanley how about a moveable island? I had a unit which was an extending table with a couple of drawers which two stools fitted underneath on castors, they still sell similar. No room for it in our current kitchen but it was handy in our old one.

I think you'd need to move it around in your kitchen because of all the doors - anything fixed would really get in the way.

StanleySteamer · 18/10/2019 21:55

Hey @ChicCroissant, nice to see you are in the groove! Only thing that makes sense in her existing kitchen without rebuilding the whole ffing thing!

Original poster

Angeldust747 · 19/10/2019 07:23

A moveable island does sound like a good idea. I wasnt planning on a fixed one anyway, but didn't realise you could get them on castor. I will suggest it to DH and see what he thinks, also need to have a think about what to do with the existing back door. Thanks everyone!

OP posts:

speakout · 19/10/2019 07:34

Isn't a moveable island called a table?

If your kitchen table is becoming full of clutter right now why do you think an island would be immune from "stuff".
I don't see the point of an island unless it contains services- a hob, cooking area or sink.
If it is just to be used as a surface or table then I would just have a table, far more flexibility- can be moved or removed for entertaining etc.

StanleySteamer · 19/10/2019 07:41

...or you could MAKE a movable island! Depends on DP's or your carpentry skills, but a bit of matching worktop, or two back to back, or even a different top altogether, on top of a solid frame at the right height, with whatever you want underneath...
You can buy castors, even lockable ones, at places like B & Q, but obviously thery would increase the height of a standard thing. but if you bought a kitchen unit carcass it has tons of room underneath to put castors instead of the placcy legs they come with. you could also get finishing "deco" panels to go around it or on the sides where you do not have cupboards or drawers. In fact i nearly made exactly that, but we found a trolley that does the same far cheaper at Aldi, if it ain't no good we'll chuck it and I'll end up making one anyway!

CheeryB · 19/10/2019 07:51

What about a small drop-leaf table or unit that will live against a wall and you can lift temporarily when you want it? I've a fairly large kitchen and I really wanted a small island so got one on castors. Unfortunately all it did was get in the bloody way. Was such a relief to get rid of it.

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