Kitchen Islands: Beautiful Designs & Practical Ideas for Homes in Norfolk & Cambridgeshire
Why Kitchen Islands Are So Popular
Across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and the wider East Anglia region, more homeowners than ever are transforming their kitchens with a beautifully designed island. And it’s easy to see why.
A kitchen island becomes the heartbeat of the room, the place where breakfast happens, homework gets done, weekend coffees are shared, and visiting friends naturally gather with a glass of wine.
In many of the homes we design across Norwich, Cambridge the island is often the feature clients are most excited about. For some, it’s a bold design statement. For others, it’s about creating a more practical, efficient way of living with better storage and clearer zones in an open-plan layout.
A well-designed island blends lifestyle and function:
- More workspace for cooking
- A social spot for family and guests
- Extra storage
- A breakfast bar
- The perfect place to prep, cook, chat and entertain all at once
- It isn’t just cabinetry, it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
Types of Kitchen Islands
Each home we design has its own character, and the island should complement the space rather than overwhelm it.
Standard Rectangular Island
Ideal for both modern townhouses and period homes in Norfolk villages, the classic rectangular island offers flexibility, balance and generous workspace.
L-Shaped Island
Perfect for larger open plan kitchen, particularly popular in barn conversions and extended family homes
Long Galley Island
A striking choice for spacious kitchens or open-plan living areas often found in new-build homes
Multi-Level / Breakfast Bar Island
Great for family living, giving you dedicated zones for prep and dining.
Prep-Only Island
Ideal for passionate cooks or bakers who want their kitchen workflow to feel effortless.
Appliance Island
Sink, hob, wine fridge, bins, this layout is perfect for modern living in busy homes.
Best Uses for a Kitchen Island
We see a wide variety of living styles across East Anglia, and islands adapt beautifully, whether you’re creating a sociable family kitchen or a sleek entertainer’s space.
- Prep Space, More room to cook, bake and plate, ideal for busy evenings.
- Social Seating, Guests naturally gather around the island, especially in open-plan homes
- Breakfast Bar, Perfect for kids grabbing a quick breakfast or adults enjoying a peaceful morning coffee
- Storage, A significant priority for many homes, islands provide deep drawers, hidden bins and double-sided units.
- Integrated Appliances, Wine coolers, dishwashers, ovens, hobs, designed to fit your lifestyle.
- Decorative Features, Feature panels, shelving and waterfall worktops add a high-end finish often seen in our bespoke designs.
Storage Options for Islands
- Deep drawers
- Double-sided cabinetry
- Hidden bin systems
- Pull-out storage
- Pan drawers
- Towel rails
Island Worktop Options
Worktop choices vary depending on the home, quartz for busy family kitchens, Mistral for seamless curves, Dekton or Lapitec for premium finishes.
- Quartz
- Dekton
- Lapitec
- Mistral
Many of our quartz and Mistral island designs pair beautifully with a sink and Quooker tap, keeping the worktop streamlined while offering instant boiling water for cooking and entertaining.
Minimum Room Sizes for an Kitchen Island
Measurement guidance is essential when planning a kitchen island, and many homeowners find it helpful to get tailored advice through our kitchen design service.
- 900mm minimum walkways
- 1200mm ideal walkways
- Island width: 900–1000mm standard, 1200mm+ premium
- Island length: 1800mm–3000mm
- Overhang: 250–300mm for seating
- Ideal room size: 3.5m x 4.5m+
