Are Kitchen Islands Becoming A Thing Of The Past? Our Design Expert Weighs In

Families have gathered around kitchen islands to share food and laughter for years. They are a staple in homes everywhere thanks to their versatility. Kitchen islands provide additional countertop space perfect for plating meals, chopping up vegetables, and storing cookware. Kitchen islands with contain breakfast bars even extend seating space for guests and larger families. Even with a kitchen island's many uses, it's worth questioning whether they are becoming outdated as trends in kitchen design have changed significantly in recent years. According to Arsight founder & principal designer, Artem Kropovinsky, kitchen islands are here to stay. However, they are being modernized.

"Kitchen islands are in the process of change and not vanishing," Kropovinsky explained while speaking exclusively to House Digest. "The concept of the modern kitchen is based on the idea of flexibility and multi-purpose. Islands are getting modular and embracing the utilization of mobile units or extension characteristics to satisfy various demands and spaces." This is perhaps no surprise given the unusual kitchen layouts that are emerging. A mobile or otherwise modified version of a kitchen island is more likely to suit these more nontraditional spaces. They are a good option for making the most of a small kitchen with little storage, too.

Kitchen islands may never go out of style, but Artem Kropovinsky shared a few alternatives that are gaining popularity. An integrated dining table is an innovative option that is just as versatile as a kitchen island. "Dining tables that are integrated have come in vogue," he explained while speaking exclusively to House Digest. "They create a smooth link between the food preparation area and the dining room, thus providing a more communal and interactive area."

Kitchen peninsulas are another alternative that offers many of the same benefits as a kitchen island. In fact, they are nearly identical. However, unlike a kitchen island, a kitchen peninsula is attached to the end of a kitchen countertop to form an "L" shape. "Peninsulas provide a good substitute especially in smaller kitchens," Kropovinsky shared. "They perform the same role as islands but are more compact since they can be accessed from three sides." This option is also a great choice for those who want an additional bar stool seating area but do not have enough room for a kitchen island with a breakfast bar.

In addition to kitchen peninsulas, mobile kitchen island alternatives are also ideal for small spaces. For example, you can move a high table on wheels into the kitchen area when you need extra countertop space for food preparation or a special gathering. It can simply be stored out of the way when not in use. Kropovinsky shared more insight on these mobile options while speaking exclusively to House Digest. "Freestanding furniture such as a butcher's block or an antique table is a great addition to the kitchen, it provides storage, workspace, and style," the design expert shared.

Kitchen islands are often less common in small apartments or tiny homes. People living in such spaces may benefit from these floating workspaces because they provide the benefits of a kitchen island without occupying too much space. "Novel solutions for smaller kitchens include floating workspaces or pull-out counters," Kropovinsky explained. "They are the island with no permanent footprint." These choices are also extremely versatile because they can double as alternate furniture pieces in different rooms. An antique table, for example, may be rolled into a kitchen to use for food preparation and stored in a living room for decor.