Kitchen Designs With Preparation And Storage In Mind: Islands And Prep Tables

By Author: Carina Evison
Total Articles: 7
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Many elements make up the planning of a kitchen; the design, layout, appliances and paint colours are just a few of them. Amongst the important topics to discuss, deciding on whether extra storage and preparation space will be needed is vital. Kitchen islands or preparation tables are popular solutions for these issues, however it is not always easy to decide which is the most suitable or practical.

The choice is entirely a personal one, of course. It’s important to remember that there are as many design options for kitchens as there are clients; it depends entirely on the type of room, who uses it and what they use it for.

The first factor to consider is that of space. Those who would like a kitchen island in the initial planning stages don’t always appreciate the size of room needed to house one; it is best to seek advice from a kitchen designer first if your kitchen is modest in size.

Islands are often designed to mirror the style of the main kitchen. Those who are planning a bespoke country house kitchen might like to choose the same door detailing, ...
... colour, ironmongery and worktop material used elsewhere in the room to maintain continuity and symmetry. People who favour contemporary kitchens however, may prefer to choose a bold or clashing colour or a different worktop material and handles to provide a stark contrast.

If you are thinking about using an island to increase preparation space and storage, peninsulas are also worth considering. Like islands, they can provide more hidden storage space than a preparation table, and stools can be positioned down one side so you can catch up with friends and family whilst cooking. They also give you an ideal area where children can sit and do their homework or have breakfast.

Islands and peninsulas are extremely versatile and can house not only kitchenware but appliances too. For those without a useable utility space, they’re a perfect place to store washing machines and tumble dryers, or if you entertain regularly, keep a second oven to cope with extra cooking. Unfortunately this is an area where preparation tables fall short; however they do have advantages where islands and peninsulas lack.

Preparation tables, known as ‘prep tables’, are essentially a piece of freestanding furniture. They are easy to move and have drawer and shelf options to store dry ingredients, cutlery, cooking equipment or crockery. A well-designed prep table can add character and flexibility to a kitchen, incorporating materials that you would not traditionally use for an island or in the main body of the kitchen.

Plain English makes freestanding wooden work tables with slatted bases which are ideal for extra ‘open’ storage and preparation areas and they can have a wonderful distressed antique look if finished with a reclaimed Pitch Pine worktop. Although this material may not be as stain resistant as some of its stone or composite competitors, it is perfect for country style kitchens, if left to age and mark.

To help you make up your mind, there is nothing better than visiting a showroom and seeing examples of products and designs close up. You can take your time to interact with the various styles and imagine how each one would work in the day to day running of your kitchen.

About The Author:

Carina Evison is the author of this article. Carina works for Plain English, a traditional joinery company that specialises in the design of bespoke kitchens, ranging from country house kitchens and shaker style kitchens to contemporary kitchens. Using the time-honoured Georgian techniques of furniture making, their designs are simple and long-lasting, with cupboards handmade and hand-painted in Suffolk from the finest quality materials.