1) PERSONAL BAR / COFFEE COUNTER

Love to have your personal home bar counter to wind down from a busy work day? The combination of the raised seating counter and classic bar stools can visually restyle the simple island into a chic bar counter. You can also take it a step further by introducing open-hanging cabinets to conveniently store and display your alcohol collection and bartending equipment.

Featured Project: Serangoon Green | Modern Eclectic Interior Design Singapore | The Interior Lab

For avid coffee lovers, a similar concept can be applied in crafting your very own home cafe. Should you wish to have a dedicated coffee counter, the island can serve as a means to separate your coffee-making space from the usual kitchen activities. By including a sink at the counter, you can cater for easy cleaning and washing of used cups and saucers.

Featured Project: Punggol Sapphire | Modern Industrial Interior Design Singapore | The Interior Lab

2) WATERFALL KITCHEN ISLANDS TO EXPAND SPACE

As its name suggests, waterfall kitchen islands have a cascading look from the counter down, where the sides of the counter is made from the same material as the surrounding floor area. The island hence perfectly blends into the rest of the interior, creating a sense of continuity throughout the open space.

Featured Project: Pinnacle @ Duxton | Modern Contemporary Interior Design Singapore | The Interior Lab

In this project, the front of the kitchen island extends to the shoe cabinets, of its reflective surface acting as a mirror that reflects light from the living room windows. This also acts as a brilliant way to visually expand of the overall living space and guests of the home will be greeted by a brightly-lit entryway.

Featured Project: Pinnacle @ Duxton | Modern Contemporary Interior Design Singapore | The Interior Lab

3) DOUBLE-UP THE ISLAND AS A DINING TABLE

If having both the island and a separate dining table may not be feasible in your home, why not consider having a 2-in-1? Longer kitchen islands will grant sufficient seating room for the family during chowtimes, and perhaps even including some additional storage spaces at the side. The island is instantly transformed into an attractive centrepiece in your home, while allowing for a seamless transition of spaces between the kitchen and living area.

Featured Project: 404 Serangoon | Modern Farmhouse Interior Design Singapore | The Interior Lab

4) STORAGE CORNER FOR BULKY FURNITURE

Following the theme of small spaces, kitchen islands are also ideal for hiding bulky electronics that you may have at home, while providing you with the extra workspace on top of it. Many homeowners have a penchant for a clean overall home aesthetic, and this would be the perfect, functional island if you have limited home storage areas.

Featured Project: One North Gateway | Scandinavian Interior Design Singapore | The Interior Lab

5) SEMI-OPEN KITCHENS WITH BREAKFAST BARS

Whilst it is not entirely a kitchen island, the idea of a breakfast bar may be more practical in view of space constraints, as opposed to a standalone island in the centre of the kitchen. By carving a space in the existing wall instead of knocking down the entire structure, kitchen equipment such as a cooker hood can be installed for cooking activities. This facilitates interaction between the kitchen and dining room, with the dining bench placed directly in front of the kitchen, and a semi-open kitchen is created without compromising the existing space.

Featured Project: Skyparc @ Dawson | Modern Contemporary Interior Design Singapore | The Interior Lab

6) WALL-E - VINTAGE INDUSTRIAL INTERIOR DESIGN

On the other hand, if you have a spacious kitchen and love cooking at home, having both a breakfast bar and a kitchen island may be the perfect solution for you. The integration of both the bar and the island reaps all the benefits of both design features, providing you with more flexibility to play with form and function in the kitchen.

Featured Project: 618 Yishun Ring Road | Modern Scandinavian Interior Design Singapore | The Interior Lab

With a simple switch-up on the colours, materials, and accessories used, breakfast bars and kitchen islands can be integrated into any interior style to fulfill the unique needs of each homeowner. Regardless of a house party with friends or cosy dinner with your loved ones, a kitchen island chosen right can be that perfect piece of furnishing that is tailored suit your living habits!