Am I the only person who doesn’t like kitchen islands?

[VenusClapTrap]

Currently in the middle of redoing our kitchen. Quite a major job involving taking walls out and so on. The kitchen will be quite big. Everyone and his dog is asking “Ooh, are you having an island?” and then reacting with surprise when I say no.

Am I THAT odd not to want an island? I don’t hate them in other people’s houses, I just don’t want one in mine. I prefer to sit on normal chairs round a normal table, than perch on a bar stool at something that doubles as a kitchen work surface. And I like rooms to feel spacious - I find islands get in the way, as you end up having to walk round them all the time.

Anyway. Just wondering if I’m alone!

Me too. I'd just end up keep bashing into the damn thing!

I don't like them but they work in some kitchens like the Gran Designs ones where the kitchen is about the size of a row of houses.

I don't like bifold doors especially crittal type ones, but I like cosy cottage type houses.

No I don't like them either. They can't be moved like a kitchen table.

I’m not a fan unless you have a huge kitchen

No, I hate them too.

I would have to have an extremely mahoosive kitchen before I considered having an island.

I like the fact you can work at them whilst looking into the room, instead of at the wall.

It’s not a sub for a table.

I like a big kitchen table with chairs round it but I have a small galley kitchen with no space for a table or island

I have disliked almost every kitchen with an island I’ve ever seen.

depends on size of island and size of kitchen.

I love ours (lights are not that bright IR)

No, they're hideous. Ruin the flow of a room and they always look a bit 'plonked'.

My friend has a massive one and I feel like I'm about to play table tennis whenever I'm standing near one.

Agreed. Same for breakfast bars.

I don’t like them at all. Would not be averse to buying a house with one but it would come out (then new flooring may be required). I like to sit not perch. I like to cook without getting spills on a surface used for anything but cooking. I absolutely hat ‘bar stools’.

I do understand they give great storage area.

They are great in the right space. If you have a big room it makes sense to introduce more work surface opposite units to reduce walking. A low table is also not practical for food prep.

I agree about sitting at them though. They are great for perching at with a drink or snack whilst chatting to the person cooking but ideally a seperate dining table is also available for meals.

Hate them

My brother has a mahoosive kitchen and it works, he also searched high and low for one on wheels, so when they need to they can push it against the wall for buffet style food.

It is the only island I would countenance. However my kitchen is tiny and it is never going to happen.

I've just had an island put in although I wasn't keen to start with. We had a big open space to fill but we're very limited for wall space so it was that or a C shaped kitchen/ breakfast bar. As the objective was a bigger brighter space the island won & I love it. We do also have a proper table though and enough space to extend to 10 people so we will rarely use it for perching at x

I don’t like them either but in a large space they are absolutely essential otherwise you could be walking 5-10m with hot pans to the dining table. Or running around like a blue arsed fly from prep area to sink to hob to fridge.

I will def have one in my renovation, but I’m putting a hob on it and using it as a prep space rather than a wanky dining table lol

No, I'm in my 30s and hate them despite it being very much the "in" thing with most of my friends bar one who also hates them.

My parents have a massive kitchen, its absolutely enormous and they went for a penninsula which they also hate and regret being talked into. It's just a massive barrier and blockage in the middle of the room. There'd be so many more options for parties and dinners etc if it wasn't there and it's not as comfortable to use or easy to clean as a dining table and chairs. I'd agree it blocks the flow of the room.

I need a new kitchen and there is no way in hell I'll be talked into an island. I have enough counter space and I want options for entertaining that an island would ruin and make impossible.

@ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba

depends on size of island and size of kitchen.

I love ours (lights are not that bright IR)

Love the cabinets. Where did you buy from?

Hurrah! I am not alone. I was beginning to wonder if I should reconsider. I am now reassured. Thank you.

@Ozanj

thanks. they are from Wren

Hah, despite starting a thread asking if I could fit one in my kitchen, it's very much a compromise to get enough workspace and units in an awkwardly shaped kitchen, I'd much rather a nice big dining table and chairs. It feels so much more homely imo.

@LittleOverWhelmed wow gorgeous kitchen! Love your floor too- please could I ask what make and colour it is? Am looking for some LVT flooring just like this!