The kitchen island has become far more than just extra counter space – it’s where families gather, guests naturally congregate, and daily life unfolds. At Shalford Interiors, we design and handcraft each island in our Co. Kildare workshop to suit how you’ll actually use your kitchen, not just how you want it to look.

3 Steps to Design Your Perfect Luxury Kitchen Island

1. Understanding Your Space

Through years of creating fitted kitchens in Dublin, Kildare and across the country, we’ve learned that the most successful islands start with careful planning. Take our Meath Renovation project – the family wanted both a dedicated cooking zone and a relaxed entertaining space. Our solution was two complementary islands: one for preparation with a venting hob, the other providing casual seating and storage. The result transformed how they use their kitchen daily.

2. Design Considerations That Matter

Size and Layout: The perfect island size depends on your kitchen’s dimensions and how you plan to use the space. For example, in our Clontarf Contemporary project, we kept the island clear of appliances, creating a flexible space that adapts from a breakfast bar to a homework station to an entertaining area. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 1000mm clearance around your island for comfortable movement. For kitchens with limited space, we often design slim-line islands that maximise functionality without overwhelming the room.

Materials That Last: We choose materials that stand up to real life while looking beautiful. In our Blackrock Contemporary project, we combined natural walnut with quartz and LED lighting to create warmth and character. The grain of the walnut runs continuously through the doors – the kind of handcrafted detail that makes each kitchen unique.

• Our Silestone work surfaces resist stains and scratches while offering the beauty of natural stone
• Hand-painted finishes allow for future colour updates if tastes change
• Custom edge profiles, from waterfall ends to traditional ogee edges, add distinctive character

3. Practical Features Worth Including

Modern luxury kitchens demand thoughtful integration of practical features. Our  Kilkenny Inframe project showcases how beautiful design and functionality work together:

• Built-in storage designed around your specific needs
• Carefully placed power points for laptops and small appliances
• Integrated LED lighting for both tasks and atmosphere
• Pull-out storage solutions for oils, herbs, and cooking essentials
• Handmade cutlery inserts crafted from solid wood

Can I Have Two Islands? 

For larger kitchens, two islands can solve several challenges at once. Our Meath Renovation project demonstrates this perfectly:

• The cooking island keeps mess contained to one zone
• The second island provides seating without guests crowding the cook
• Storage is split logically between prep and serving areas
• The space between creates a natural flow for entertaining
• Each island can serve different functions during parties or family gatherings

Making a Luxury Kitchen Island Your Own

Each island we create reflects how you’ll use it. In our Greystones Renovation project, we flipped the conventional colour scheme, using bold F&B Hague Blue on the perimeter cabinets and lighter Purbeck Stone on the island. This approach created a striking focal point while maintaining the kitchen’s character.

Your Kitchen Aesthetic, Our Solutions

Our three collections each approach island design differently:

• Merrion brings traditional elements into contemporary spaces, perfect for period homes seeking modern functionality
• Knightsbridge adds fine details like curved cabinets and rich mouldings for classical luxury
• Contemporary focuses on clean lines and mixed materials for a minimal aesthetic

Bespoke Design Process

Creating your perfect island starts with understanding how you live. We consider:

• Your cooking style – whether you’re an enthusiastic chef or prefer simple meal preparation
• Family size and dynamics – from young families needing durability to empty nesters focusing on entertaining
• Storage requirements – including specific items you want to keep close at hand
• Seating preferences – from casual breakfast bars to formal dining arrangements
• Natural light and room layout – ensuring the island enhances your space’s flow

Getting Started with Shalford’s Luxury Kitchen Island Designs

The best islands come from understanding how you cook, entertain and live. Our design team takes time to learn these details, helping shape an island that works perfectly for your family. We’ve found that visiting our Naas showroom helps clients see these details in person and better imagine their own possibilities.

Whether you’re building from scratch or renovating your existing space, we’d love to show you how thoughtful design and skilled craftsmanship can create something you’ll enjoy using every day.