A lot of kitchens these days have an island or a bar, which is something that transcends style because there are so many amazing designs to select from, as well as so many intriguing ways to personalise your own kitchen with bespoke furniture and accessories.
The only fundamental difference between a kitchen island and a kitchen bar is that an island is a separate countertop space, whereas a bar is attached to either an existing countertop or a wall.
Even if it appears to be the same thing, a kitchen island with seats is not the same as a bar. Check out some of our favourite island and home bar concepts below and see if you can spot the differences.
A kitchen can also be used as a room divider
A kitchen island is frequently used as a barrier between the kitchen and the dining room or the living room. The same may be stated for a kitchen bar, however the circumstances are a little different in that case. CVI Design was in charge of this lovely kitchen.
Versatile designs can serve numerous purposes at the same time.
As previously stated, both a kitchen island and a bar can have seats, and a kitchen island can sometimes serve as a bar even though it technically does not meet the design criteria. This kitchen, created by Lisa Teague Studios, exemplifies how adaptable these ideas can be.
There are always options for small areas
You might be asking when a kitchen bar, rather than an island, is preferable. A bar is typically used in kitchens that are long rather than square, or in small kitchens where a conventional island would be too large. Of course, there are alternatives, such as this little bar-style table in this kitchen by Asun Antó of Coton et Bois.
More storage can be added to this area with the addition of a kitchen island or bar.
An island and a kitchen bar both serve the purpose of adding storage and utility to the space, as well as giving additional counter space for various tasks.
That’s why the names are often used interchangeably, and why some designs are hybrids containing elements from both categories. Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole of Kandrac & Kole Interior Design created this kitchen.
A large island or bar expands the kitchen’s counter space
Whether you choose a kitchen island or a bar, the concept is the same: greater counter and storage space, the ability to add seats, and the ability to create a physical barrier between the kitchen and the rest of the space, which commonly includes the dining room and living room. The Design Studio finished this job in this example.
It is feasible to have a kitchen island and a bar in the same space.
Is it even necessary to have both the kitchen island and the bar, given how similar they are in appearance yet how distinct they are in terms of design and structure?
Obviously, it is dependent on the situation. It has to do with the amount of space available, how it’s used, and the wants and tastes of the people. As an example, have a look at Weber Design Group’s intricate kitchen.
A built-in kitchen and some storage are examples of additional beneficial amenities.
This lovely coastal kitchen features a huge and elegant island that doubles as a home bar. On one side, there’s bar stool seating, and on the other, there’s a built-in sink and plenty of storage. The arrangement is completed by three dangling pendant lighting. This is a Stephen Alexander Homes project.
In an open floor design, an L-shaped bar helps to frame the kitchen
Even when part of a big open floor plan, a bar may neatly round off a kitchen and give it a complete and orderly aspect. This stunning kitchen, created by Mary McWilliams of Mary Mac & Company, is a great example. The bar provides a sense of privacy by framing the kitchen and continuing the countertop.
With hybrid designs, you can have both an island and a bar
Hybrid designs that combine the finest of kitchen islands and home bars are viable and even ideal in some situations, as we previously noted.
Studio Martha’s Vineyard Interior Design, for example, designed this gorgeous kitchen with a freestanding island and two distinct countertop heights. One side serves as a standard kitchen island, while the other serves as a fantastic bar.
If you add seating on one side of the island, it can be used as a bar.
This kitchen has a warm and inviting feel to it, thanks to the huge island in the centre, which features bar chairs on one side and a perfectly functional work area on the other.
There’s a built-in sink that frees up more counter space along the main wall, as well as a large island countertop that completes the look. Jennifer Allison Design is the creator of this piece.
To have an island or a bar, you don’t need a large kitchen
Sarah Bartholomew, an interior designer, demonstrates that you don’t need a large kitchen to install a home bar. In fact, kitchen bars are most popular in tiny rooms, which are typically long and narrow.
In the proper situation, two matching islands could work
This huge kitchen has two islands, thanks to Studio Tracery Interiors. The plan was to have the kitchen run the length of one wall and be framed by two matching islands with seating. Each island can be used in a variety of ways and for a number of different purposes.
Most of the functionality can be retained in smaller islands and bars, or a larger version can be used
As you can see, the elements of a kitchen island and a bar may be mixed and matched, and you can even have multiple islands/bars if the space allows. But what about kitchens with a smaller space?
Many times, a kitchen appears to be too tiny for an island, but it’s all a question of perception. Blue Ladder Studio’s design is fantastic. It demonstrates how adaptable the concept is.
When it comes to decorating your kitchen island, you have a lot of options for mixing designs
Studio Steidley has created a really pleasing and harmonic composition in this kitchen by combining rustic and modern design elements.
The island has a white countertop that complements the rest of the workplace and furniture, as well as a wooden surface on the opposite side. The stools are small enough to fit under the counter and don’t have backrests, allowing for a more fluid and open look throughout the open space.
Bar stools that fit beneath the island make the space appear larger and more open
Stools that fit beneath the kitchen island counter or bar are a good idea, especially if the kitchen opens onto the dining room or living room and you want to create a strong link between these areas. Take a look at this room designed by Jenny Madden Design.
More than one side of a kitchen island or bar might be used for seating
Normally, a kitchen island or bar would only have seats on one side, but that isn’t always the case, as this beach house built by Lindsey Cheek of Gathered shows. The counter was somewhat cantilevered on all sides, allowing bar chairs to be spread out.
Projects and ideas for a DIY kitchen island and bar
Changing the ambiance with a kitchen island makeover
Whether it’s on purpose or not, the island is usually the focal point of the kitchen and plays a key role in setting the tone for this area of the house.
Related: 20 Ideas for Creating a French Country Kitchen
With that in mind, giving your kitchen’s island a makeover is an excellent way to give a fresh touch. Changing the colour scheme might sometimes help. For further inspiration, check out the transition from black to a wonderful duck egg blue nuance found on kitchen appearance
A little island with trash cans created in
When certain amenities, such as a built-in garbage storage system, are included in the design, the size of the kitchen island becomes immaterial. Shades of blue interior has presented a design that contains a lot of amazing ideas that you may use.
It’s designed to be both compact and functional, as well as attractive. We love this approach since it’s so convenient to just sweep everything into the bin while preparing or cooking food. It is also space-saving.
Making a kitchen island out of a bookcase
If you don’t have a kitchen island or want to replace one that you do have with something different, repurposing a bookshelf is a great option.
Look for one that is the right size and shape for you, and the transformation will happen. Check out the project on little glass jar to get a sense of how much work goes into something like this.
A handcrafted wooden kitchen island
If you have a specific vision in mind for your dream kitchen island or bar, starting from scratch may be the simplest and most reliable method to make it a reality.
The best material for this is definitely wood. It’s extremely adaptable, simple to use, and accessible. If you want to try your hand at this project, check out the build-basic instruction.
Individual modules can be used to create an island
An easier option than creating the island or kitchen bar from the ground up, structure and all, could be to use existing individual modules.
You may arrange two or three cabinet modules together that are the same height and compliment each other, then tie them together with a countertop. That’s the premise of the project highlighted on classy clutter, so take a look if you’re interested.
How to make a kitchen island bigger or more personalised
In your kitchen, there’s a good chance you already have an island or a bar. It’s also possible that you’re not quite satisfied with the way it looks or the features it provides.
With a little effort on your part, both of these issues can be resolved. On Kitchen appearance, you’ll find some really unique and innovative ideas for expanding an island, adding more storage, or giving it a whole new design. It’s not as difficult as you might imagine, but keep in mind that each project is different and has its own set of needs.
Making a kitchen island out of an old desk
Some furniture items, when you think about it, are pretty similar to one another. A desk, for example, is comparable to a kitchen island, and in this case, certain designs are better than others.
This DIY from my old country house demonstrates how simple it is to transform an old desk into an island by just adding a new countertop and adding wheels. Of course, a fresh coat of paint may make a big difference in the transition.
