Designers reveal how to make a kitchen island work in a small space

A charming country-style kitchen featuring a white marble-topped island with wooden stools. The space includes open shelving, brass hanging rails, and a backsplash with a herringbone tile design.
(Image credit: Rehome)

Having a small kitchen doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to those kitchen island ideas you’ve been coveting. With the right compact design, even a modestly sized space can benefit from the functionality and appeal of a kitchen island.

With thoughtful planning and clever design, small kitchen islands can deliver the same perks as their larger counterparts – all while being perfectly proportioned for your space. Whether you’re after a sleek, narrow island that blends seamlessly into your existing layout, or you’re open to creative alternatives like peninsula kitchens and mobile trolleys, there’s bound to be a solution to suit your space.

Headshot of Tony Collier from Wickes
Tony Collier

Tony has over 20 years of expertise in the kitchen and bathroom industry. His role as Senior Product Manager involves identifying future trends, developing innovative products, and delivering customer-focused solutions to the market.

Paul Richardson

Paul Richardson is a showroom stylist at Wren Kitchens. In his role, he offers valuable tips on kitchen design, storage and organisation.

Gabriella Dyson
Interiors journalist and contributing editor

Gabriella is an interiors journalist and has a wealth of experience creating interiors and renovation content. She was Homebuilding & Renovating's former Assistant Editor as well as the former Head of Solved at sister brand Homes & Gardens, where she wrote and edited content addressing key renovation, DIY and interior questions. 

She’s spent the past decade crafting copy for interiors publications, award-winning architects, and leading UK homeware brands. She also served as the Content Manager for the ethical homeware brand Nkuku.

Gabriella is a DIY enthusiast and a lover of all things interior design. She has a particular passion for historic buildings and listed properties, and she is currently in the process of renovating a Grade II-listed Victorian coach house in the West Country.