Ask any homeowner what they want most from a new kitchen and the answer is almost always the same: a bigger island. It's where breakfast happens, where homework gets done, and where guests inevitably gather at every party. At Creo Interiors, a well-planned island is the starting point for nearly every bespoke kitchen we design, whether the rest of the room is sleek and contemporary or classic and traditional.
1. The Contemporary Waterfall Island
For a modern kitchen, nothing makes a stronger statement than a waterfall island, where the worktop wraps seamlessly down both ends to the floor. Paired with a handleless matte or lacquered finish and an engineered stone top like Dekton, it creates an almost sculptural centrepiece.
Adding an induction hob or a built-in sink lets the island become the true workhorse of an open-plan kitchen, allowing the cook to face the room rather than the wall.
2. The Classic Painted Island
In a traditional Shaker kitchen, the island is often where we introduce a contrast colour. A deep navy or forest green base against soft cream perimeter cabinetry gives the room a real focal point without overwhelming it.
Turned or fluted legs, a solid wood or marble-effect worktop, and traditional cup handles complete the look, giving the island a furniture-like quality that feels timeless rather than trend-led.
3. Built-In Seating and Storage
An island should always work harder than a simple worktop. We regularly build in features such as pop-up plug sockets, wine fridges, open shelving for cookbooks, and deep pan drawers on soft-close runners.
For families, an overhang on one side with space for three or four stools turns the island into an everyday breakfast bar, freeing up the dining table for evenings and weekends.
4. Getting the Proportions Right
The biggest mistake we see in kitchen planning is an island that's either too small to be useful or too large for the room to breathe. As a general rule, we recommend at least 900mm of clearance on every side for walkways and appliance doors.
During your design consultation, Kasia and Tomek will take precise measurements of your space to make sure your island is generously sized without crowding the rest of the kitchen.
Ready to Design Your Own Island?
Whether you're drawn to a bold contemporary waterfall design or a classic painted Shaker island, Creo Interiors can bring it to life with fully bespoke joinery built around your space.
Contact Creo Interiors today to book a design consultation at our Celbridge showroom and start planning the heart of your new kitchen.