11 Kitchen Island Design Ideas For Singapore Homes

Planning to get a kitchen island for your HDB home? Kitchen islands bring about many benefits, such as more storage space, an eating area and possibly room for some appliances. However, you should go through your routine, budget and other factors before setting your sights on one.

Here are some factors you should consider before purchasing a kitchen island: 

• Think about whether a kitchen island will disrupt the work triangle layout of the sink, refrigerator and stove. 
• Will getting a kitchen island fit into your budget? If built from scratch, it can cost between S$75 and S$180 per sq ft.
• Consider whether you’ll need to run water, gas or electric lines to your island if installing appliances into it. This will cost extra as well.

For kitchens big or small, here are 11 types of kitchen island types and design ideas you can incorporate into your home!

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1. Movable Kitchen Island

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If you need a small and versatile space for secondary cooking prep, get a movable kitchen island! You can also place this anywhere outside of your kitchen, or tuck it away when you don’t need it. 

A more affordable option is a small-sized movable kitchen island that acts just like a piece of furniture. It is usually priced under $1000, while stationary kitchen islands can cost around $3000 to $5000.

You should also decide whether you want your wheels to be hidden and whether you want them to be lockable.

If you are looking for movable extra storage for snacks or commonly used groceries, trolleys are a great option too,

2. Consider A Kitchen Peninsula

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A kitchen peninsula is an extension of the existing kitchen cabinets and counters, unlike an island that stands alone and has space around it. 

It is easier to build as structures like cabinets can be built upon an existing row of cabinets or kitchen wall. On the other hand, a normal kitchen island will require more labor as it will need to be placed properly in the existing floor space and then built from the floor up. Thus, a peninsula may be a more affordable option.

If you’re going for an open concept kitchen, having a kitchen peninsula will be useful to divide your living room and kitchen!

Also check out on StyleMag: 11 Living Room Design Ideas For Small Singapore Homes

3. Curved Kitchen Island

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Another way to suit your open-concept kitchen is to get a curved kitchen island! Besides defying the norm of a rectangular shape, its round shape brings about a sense of calm, making the kitchen look more relaxing. With an inviting style, a curved kitchen island makes a captivating focal point that can tie the room together.

4. Rounded Edge Kitchen Island

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If the curved kitchen island is too bold for your taste, incorporate calming curves by getting an island with rounded edges instead. For an elegant look, pair it with fluted wood panels.

5. Kitchen Island Dining Table

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If you have a small home, consider combining your dining room and kitchen with a kitchen island that doubles as a table. Just add bar stools! This is especially perfect if you want guests to interact with you whilst you cook, or simply need a place for a quick bite.

6. Pullout Cabinet/Shelves In Kitchen Island

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Utilise storage in your kitchen island by installing pullout cabinets! Here are some examples of items you can store in them for easy retrieval:

• Flat items stored upright (baking tray, chopping board etc.)
• Utensils 
• Dustbin
• Sauces and oils

Interior Design Tip: Get a built-in chopping board and just slide it out when you need it!

7. Open Shelf Display In Kitchen Island

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On top of pullout cabinets, you can store items with open display shelves and racks as well! Here are some examples of things you can display:

• Cookbooks and magazines
• Wine collection on a wine rack
• Jars of herbs, spices and other dried goods

8. Integrate Appliances Into Island

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Integrating electrical appliances into your kitchen island can save space in the kitchen, but you’ll have to consider other factors as well. For example, if you’re installing a stove on your island, remember to make space for an exhaust hood or vent where needed. Plan carefully and check if installing appliances will disrupt your routine or kitchen layout.

You will also have to take into account the budget you need to run water, gas or electric lines to your island.

9. Waterfall Kitchen Island

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The usual kitchen island design is a single horizontal surface that ends at the edge of the island, while a waterfall design drops vertically down the sides, creating a continuous flow to the floor. This unique feature will add a modern and minimalist touch to your kitchen.

10. Concrete Kitchen Island

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An artfully sculpted concrete kitchen island will make your kitchen stand out. Besides its industrial look and feel, it is heat resistant and very durable if sealed. 

11. Double-Tiered Kitchen Island

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Looking to cater to both cooking and eating at the same time? That’s a double-tiered kitchen island for you! The tiers help to separate the two functions, such that cooking is done on the lower level and eating on the higher, vice versa. Having a higher-tier counter can also provide a bar-like dining area.

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Which kitchen island design are you thinking of for your home? Let us know in the comments!