Kitchen Islands, But Not as You Know Them

When clients picture a kitchen island, they start with a large rectangular design featuring a worktop, storage, and perhaps a few bar stools. 

And while there’s nothing wrong with the classic kitchen island, there’s plenty of room to think differently. 

At Audus Kitchens, we love finding creative ways to make a kitchen island work harder, look different and bring something special to the overall design. 

Here are three of our recent projects that do just that. 

1. A kitchen island with a space for the family dog

Who says kitchen islands are just for people?

In this contemporary kitchen, the central island provides all the practical benefits you’d expect, including additional worktop space and breakfast seating.

But look a little closer, and you'll spot something rather different: a specially designed space for the family dog bed. 

It’s a clever little detail that gives the family pet a comfortable spot right in the heart of the home, without compromising the kitchen’s design. 

2. A kitchen island that makes a statement 

Kitchen islands don’t always have to be straight lines and sharp corners. 

In this stunning kitchen, curved, slatted panels introduce a softer shape, breaking up the linear cabinetry and creating a real focal point as you enter the room. 

Finished with beautiful 20mm Calacatta Quartz worktops supplied by Algarve Granite, the island feels more like a bespoke piece of furniture than a conventional kitchen island.

It’s a great example of how introducing curves and texture can completely transform a kitchen design.

3. A kitchen island with a raised breakfast bar

Sometimes it’s the simplest design details that make the biggest difference.

This contemporary kitchen combines Sand Concrete cabinetry with crisp Blanco Snow Quartz worktops, but it’s the addition of a contrasting oak breakfast bar that gives the island its character.

The oak, which sits above and overhangs the main worktop, creates a dedicated seating area while adding warmth and texture to the overall design.

It’s a practical way to introduce a more relaxed dining space without needing a separate table.

Whether it’s incorporating an unexpected feature, experimenting with different shapes or introducing contrasting materials, there are so many ways to make a kitchen island unique.

At Audus Kitchens, we believe the best designs go beyond the obvious and consider how you really want to use your kitchen.