A kitchen island is more than just a beautiful feature — it’s often the heart of the home where family, cooking, and socializing come together. With smart planning, it provides extra workspace, storage, and a natural gathering place for family and friends.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to consider when planning your kitchen island. And of course, when you plan your kitchen with us at Nordiska Kök, we’re here to help you create the perfect kitchen island tailored to your needs. Below we've listed 5 things to keep in mind when planning your kitchen island.
1. Space for family & friends
Few things are more enjoyable than bringing together family and friends around the kitchen island while dinner is being prepared. The kitchen island naturally becomes a central gathering point in the home — a place to connect, chat, and share moments. If your kitchen allows, it's well worth prioritizing seating around the island to make it even more inviting.
By considering both function and design, you can create a kitchen island that is practical and personal.
Adding seating around the island makes it easy to socialize while cooking.
Let your kitchen island become a natural, central gathering spot in your home.
2. Maximize storage with your kitchen island
No matter the size of your kitchen, a kitchen island can add valuable storage space. In smaller kitchens, opt for a compact island with open shelves or cabinets to keep essentials within reach without taking up too much room. This extra storage helps keep your kitchen organized and your countertops clutter-free.
A smaller island can provide extra workspace and smart storage, especially in compact kitchens.
Tailor the island to fit the room, making it feel like a seamless part of your kitchen.
A properly sized kitchen island creates balance and makes the most of your space without feeling cramped.
3. Let the kitchen island feel like furniture
A kitchen island that blends into the room feels more like a natural part of the space—almost like a piece of furniture. Add an open shelf or a small display cabinet on one side to create that softer, more inviting look. This works especially well in open-plan spaces where the kitchen connects to living or dining areas.
Soften the look by incorporating open shelving or decorative touches.
A kitchen island that feels like a piece of furniture brings harmony and warmth to the space.
At Nordiska Kök, we’re here to help you choose the perfect materials and colors for your island to create a cohesive kitchen design.
4. Electrical outlets
If possible, install electrical outlets in your kitchen island. Plugging in a hand mixer, blender, or stand mixer directly on the island makes cooking and baking much smoother—no need to move across the room. Also, plan for good lighting. Pendant lights are both practical and stylish, helping you see clearly while prepping food.
Proper lighting makes cooking easier and sets a welcoming mood.
We recommend installing electrical outlets in the island for easy access to hand mixers, blenders, and other kitchen appliances.
Function and style blend seamlessly through smart electrical solutions and thoughtful design.
5. Maintenance and cleaning
Choose materials and finishes for your kitchen island that are easy to clean and maintain. Smooth surfaces and durable materials ensure your island stays beautiful and functional for years to come.
Matching the countertop on your kitchen island with the rest of the kitchen creates a harmonious and cohesive look.
Choose materials and finishes for your island that are easy to clean and maintain.
With durable materials, your island will remain both elegant and functional over time.
Some kitchen islands need to be anchored to the floor to avoid the risk of tipping over. We will inform you about this if that is the case.
Find more kitchen island inspiration.
Here we have also collected kitchen inspiration, kitchen furnishings, worktops, appliances, tips for kitchen renovation and guides on how to think when planning the kitchen.