Kitchen Islands in the Sun

Anonymous UK Homemaker - I'm loving my new house, and the best thing about it is the amount of natural light. The windows are enormous, and there are French doors all across the ground floor overlooking the garden. In the kitchen, I'm making the most of this by having my primary work space facing the doors so that I get a great view all the time.

I've always admired kitchens with islands, and now I own my own! It took a long time to decide on how best to use the island – with a sink, a hob, a split-level breakfast bar, or simply a work surface. In the end, I went for a plain and simple granite top so that I can spread out my ingredients when cooking, or clear everything away for eating. It's become my new favourite place to be for coffee breaks and culinary creativity alike, and as Spring arrives, the sun through the open doors is paradise.

My kitchen island is really is very cleverly designed as well: the kitchen units underneath house a variety of useful storage as well as a wine rack and display space for my recipe books. I did think about having the fridge on hand down there, but it would have been quite small so I've gone for a free-standing larder fridge instead – much more indulgent; it even has an ice maker – how American! I did however insist on power points on the island so that I can plug in my food processor and other handy gadgets, and these are cleverly tucked away under the edge of the granite top.

If you're remodelling and have room for an island unit, I strongly suggest you consider one. It's become the focal point for my kitchen and a natural meeting place for the family to come together as well – heaven.

DESIGN2SHARE VIDEOS: Follow our six-part Katy's Kitchen series, with video tips on kitchen planning, design, and decorating from interior designer Katy Cleare of Cleare Interiors. Click on this link for the first part of Katy's Kitchen.