Kitchen islands are no longer a distant fantasy or a luxury reserved for large homes. They have become a highly desired functional and design element, and today it’s hard to imagine a modern kitchen without them.
The island is much more than just a cooking space. It’s where people cook, host, chat – and it serves as a central focal point in the home. It’s a place for entertaining, doing homework, enjoying morning coffee, casual conversations, and more.
Sabrina Totchani, kitchen designer at Semel Kitchens and one of the company’s owners, explains how the island has become a MUST for clients today. “Even in small and medium kitchens, it’s the first thing they ask for, even if it comes at the expense of a dining area,” she says. She adds, “It’s not surprising. The island is the heart of the home and the new gathering spot. It also allows for simple separation between spaces.”
Natural Materials and Advanced Technology
What has changed over the years? Quite a lot, it turns out. In the past, islands were mostly made of wood or veneer, but today natural materials lead the popularity charts. What does this mean? Nowadays, we see increased use of natural stones, combinations of stainless steel and metals, specially treated aluminum, and even charred wood.
Alongside all of these, in recent years there has been growing use of advanced porcelain surfaces. Gal Nardi, Marketing VP at LAMIMAM Israel, explains what makes granite porcelain surfaces so desirable: “These are extremely precise surfaces that are wear-resistant, non-porous, allow direct cutting, and withstand heat – so there’s no problem placing hot pots and trays straight from the oven or stovetop.”
According to her, “The final look, of course, depends on the home’s style and overall design, but there is a clear preference for natural colors like sand, spice, and coffee shades – which are very popular with Israeli clients. In small kitchens, the island usually hosts the sink, stove, and seating areas, while in larger kitchens, the island takes a central role and serves as a significant design element in its own right.”
The New Trend: Rounded Islands
Nardi points to a design trend that has been growing in recent years: “Since the Milan exhibition, there’s been a trend toward softening straight lines in favor of oval-shaped designs that naturally integrate with rounded furniture, which occupies a prominent place. This is a direct continuation of the introduction of the hot plate into interior design.”
Rounded islands reflect a broader trend in interior design toward softer lines and warmth, contrasting with the clean, geometric lines that were popular in the past.
These trends paint a clear picture: The kitchen island has evolved from a nice-to-have feature to an essential one. It combines maximum functionality with a strong design statement and serves as the beating heart of the modern home. Whether in a small or large kitchen, the island meets the changing needs of modern residents seeking a combination of cooking, entertaining, and social life.