An island kitchen is the heart of the modern home - a place to prep, perch, entertain and connect. Get the proportions, clearances and lighting right, and your island becomes both beautiful and brilliantly functional. Eco Squared designs, supplies and installs European-style cabinetry across the Sutherland Shire & surrounds, including Miranda, Cronulla, Gymea Bay and Sylvania Waters, tailoring islands to suit real homes and real routines.

When an island works best

Open-plan spaces where the kitchen flows into living and dining.
Homes that want extra prep space and informal seating in one zone.
Renovations that can support clear walkways on all sides of the island.

Rule of thumb: If you can’t keep comfortable circulation, choose a peninsula instead — it often delivers the same benefits with less space.

Island sizes & clearances that feel effortless

Walkways: aim for 1000–1100 mm on working sides; ~900 mm can work on light-traffic edges.
Seating overhang: 250–300 mm depth; allow ~600 mm width per stool.
Length: even a compact 1800–2100 mm island can seat two and add serious prep space.
Power & services: plan outlets early for appliances, charging and pop-ups.

Choose the right island type

Prep-focused island
Clear bench, drawers below, bins nearby. Ideal for keen cooks.
Seating island
One long overhang for stools; keep hot zones away from knees.
Multi-task island
Prep + sink + seating. Offset fixtures so two people can work comfortably.
Statement island
Waterfall ends, fluted panels or book-matched stone to anchor open-plan rooms.

Storage that earns its keep

Wide drawers (900–1200 mm) for pots, pans and containers.
Integrated bins (recycling/organics) beside prep.
Appliance drawers or a concealed appliance garage with power.
Open shelves on the living side for cookbooks or display.
Wine or beverage drawers for entertainers.

Sinks, cooktops & safety

Island sink: great for prep and social cooking; add a pull-out spray and position bins close.
Island cooktop: keep generous clearances, strong extraction and no seating directly behind heat.
Waterfall edges: consider eased profiles for comfort where people sit.

Lighting that makes the island glow

Pendants: one large or two–three smaller pendants centred over the island; dimmable.
Under-bench LED strips: soft glow for night use and a floating effect.
Under-cabinet/task lighting on surrounding runs so the island doesn’t carry all the load.
Keep colour temperature warm-neutral (3000–3500K) for flattering light.

Materials & finishes (luxury that lasts)

As an authorised Oppolia partner, Eco Squared specifies low-emission board options, premium melamines, matte/satin lacquers, warm woodgrains and aluminium-framed glass, all with soft-close hardware.

Popular island looks:

Timber-wrapped island + light perimeter for warmth and contrast.
Stone waterfall (porcelain/sintered or natural) for durability and drama.
Fluted or reeded panels for texture without visual clutter.

Small rooms: island or peninsula?

Choose a peninsula if clearances are tight; it preserves flow and still adds seating.
If you do add an island, keep it compact, drawer-heavy and visually lighter than the perimeter.

Good / Better / Best island paths

Good: Compact island, wide drawers, seating for two, pendants + toe-kick LEDs.
Better: Prep sink, integrated bins, timber panels, dimmable pendants.
Best: Statement waterfall island, appliance drawers/garage with power, beverage storage, scene-controlled lighting.

Common mistakes (and easy fixes)

Cramped walkways → reduce island depth or switch to a peninsula.
Cooktop beside seating → move heat to the perimeter or offset the zone.
Too many pendants → scale lighting to island length and ceiling height.
No power → add discreet pop-ups or side-mounted outlets during planning.

Transform Your Space with Eco Squared

Embrace the elegance and functionality of European design with Eco Squared. Our Oppolia partnership provides access to premium materials and cutting-edge manufacturing, tailored for the way Sydney lives.

Get a Free SMART QUOTE

Film a quick 360° video and Text/WhatsApp 0466 119 712 (no home visit required).
Prefer email? info@eco2.com.au

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FAQs

What size island do I need?
Aim for 1000–1100 mm clear walkways on working sides. A 1800–2100 mm long island can seat two and add prep space in many homes.

Is an island better than a peninsula?
Only if you can keep clear circulation on all sides. In tighter rooms, a peninsula often works better and still delivers seating and prep space.

Can I put a cooktop on the island?
Yes, but plan strong extraction, generous clearances and keep seating away from heat. Many homes prefer cooktops on the perimeter with the island as prep/seating.

What lighting is best over an island?
Dimmable pendants centred over the island, supported by under-bench LEDs and perimeter task lighting. Keep colour temperature 3000–3500K.

What materials work best for island benchtops?
Porcelain/sintered stone and natural stone handle heat and spills well; choose eased edges where people sit.

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