Anyone with unusual shaped islands?

16 years ago

Hi everyone! Do any of you have unusual shaped islands? Not the typical, symmetrical ones, but ones that follow a different shape than standard? Any pictures to share?

Mine is not going to be even close to a standard shape, and I was just curious if this is some kind of kitchen design faux-pas. The shape of our island is a classic case of form (design) following function. I THINK/hope it will look fine once it is installed and the faucet is in, pendants are hung, etc - most of the angles match, it is just that on one side (the walkway side) the angled section is shorter than on the cook's side. There will be legs, beadboard and small corbels. Note: these will not be the stools we are using! Note #2: I am also hoping that those angles are much softer - more curvy.

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Comments (9)

plllog
16 years ago
Anything that functions and looks nice is good design, and I think your island looks nice! There's actually a theme going here: Dave posted that the current design for his island is a grand piano shape, and yours looks like an electric guitar. You're on the cusp, setting a trend!

I like the way it kind of hugs the cook ;)
socalthreems
Original Author
16 years ago
Plllog - My son will love the electric guitar comparison! LOL! I thought about making the right edge straight all the way down to the end, but unfortunately there would not be enough leg room to accommodate 2 people if I did that. I've toyed with so many other layouts and possibilites it makes my head spin! Trying to mimic the other side completely (really difficult to do without making the island longer than it already is), etc. I think once all the stuff is in the kitchen it won't be so obvious (the shape) but I'm just obsessing before it's too late! Actually, the guys aren't coming on Monday, so I have THREE DAYS to obsess! YIKES!

Thanks for the encouragement, though. I doubt it will change much (the layout) unless I have a Eureka moment. I'm toying with dropping the clipped ends and having something squared off on the corners where the legs would be and then rounder at the base - I'm totally not describing it correctly, but I've seen a bunch of kitchen islands with this particular shape. After the corner it starts off straight and then curves out, then curves back in, then straightens out then turns the corner. Does that make sense??? LOL!

I appreciate your telling me about Dave - I hope he posts his grand piano shaped island!!!
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Buehl
16 years ago
I think it looks great! I had to stare at it to see the difference. I think it's just that YOU know it's different. I think for the most part it will either not register consciously that there's a difference or it will not be noticed at all--especially after your countertop is installed and you add accessories. Relax! I don't think you need to change anything.

Personally, I like that it's not "typical". I think every kitchen needs something a little different if you can manage it....it's personalizes a space that has to conform to the same functions for everyone (prep/cook/clean) and the same basic components (appliances/cabinets/countertop).
davewg
16 years ago
I think it looks great too....cool and different. It will definitely add some interest and a focal point.

Our shape will indeed be grand piano like. The "keys" are my wife's prep area wtih stools on the curve side. Imagine an island that looks like this....

Unfortunately we're still 5-6 months from starting, but this was the general shape we came up with in the 3rd meeting with out KD.
malhgold
16 years ago
I really like it. A big rectangle is not for everyone and it seems like it works in your space. The only thing I would consider, like you mentioned, is rounding the edges. We currently have clipped corners and I personally am not crazy about it. Looks a little "harsh." Good luck.
plllog
16 years ago
Yeah, but they're so rock and roll!!! :)
plllog
16 years ago
Okay, seriously, I like the clipped corners. They give it a clean dynamism that is interesting, and draws the eye around the seating area. All the angles together give a kind of unity to the varied shape. The clipped corners echo the angles around the sink and the projection opposite (the stovetop?).

Rather than softening the angles, I'd leave them sharp and distinct, just rounding the edges of the surface enough so they're not pointy. That leaves the energy which is driving the shape.
oofasis
16 years ago
Oh honeybunch, I think it's wonderful! I love that it's different, I love that it follows function so perfectly, and agree wholeheartedly with pllog's assessment about keeping the clipped corners. It's gonna look dynamite when it's done. How close to counter installation are you?

Adorable and happy-looking daughter, BTW!
pecanpie
16 years ago
Our island is remarkably similar to yours.

On your framed doorway end, our island is perfectly rectangular. The short end is across from our main sink.

Our prep sink is about the same place yours is- then starts the 'golf club' bump-out like yours. This area bows out toward an opened doorway (that leads)into the kitchen table area. Plenty of room to pull out counter chairs from all angles with ample room to pass behind. It is a perfect party kitchen layout. I don't know why I bother to clean the rest of the house- we just stay in the kitchen! LOL

I have no opinion on clipped v. rounded edges, but your general outline looks as if it suits your space and will work for you- good luck!

Anyone with unusual shaped islands?

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socalthreems
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Anyone with unusual shaped islands?

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