KITCHEN ISLANDS
The size of the island plays a crucial role in enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach with islands because the shape of your kitchen and your proposed purpose for your island will affect its size and shape. The main thing to keep in mind is adequate clearance around the island to ensure you can walk around it and that you’re able to open doors and appliances. We’d recommend leaving at least one metre of clearance space on either one or two sides of the island.
It can be tempting to get carried away and opt for a large island, but it’s important to ensure that it matches the rest of your kitchen’s scale. On average, a standard kitchen island tends to measure around 80 x 40 inches, but larger kitchens can easily accommodate much bigger designs.
If you’re planning to integrate appliances within the island, then the design needs to meet the minimum size requirements. Or if you’re looking for predominantly storage and seating, the stools need to be measured so they can be neatly tucked underneath. If there isn’t room for a standalone island, homeowners often opt for peninsulas or moveable islands – like kitchen blocks – to allow complete flexibility.
PANELLING KNOW-HOW
Start by envisioning your desired panelling style, be it the clean lines of a Shaker design, the charm of decorative bead moulding, or the sophistication of vertical wainscoting. Once your vision is clear, meticulous planning is key.
As well as your chosen mouldings and/or panelling, you will need:
●Tape measure
●Spirit level
●Angle finder
●Mitre box
●Fresh bladed saw or mitre saw
●Wood glue or small nails
●Caulk or decorators filler
●Clean cloth
1Measure up and mark
Get a spirit level and mark straight up from where the side of the stairs (this is known as the wall string) and the skirting board at the bottom meet. Draw a line up to 100cm (in this case were are placing the dado rail at 100cm). Then head to the top of the stairs and do the same at the top of the stairs where the wall string meets the skirting board.
Next you will need to draw a line from the two top points that you’ve just marked out. You can measure up 100cm every three or four treads, mark and then join up with a straight edge. Or use string and drawing pins and mark a point at every metre along the length of the string, then use a s
