Could a Circular Kitchen Island Transform Your Space's Flow?

Many top home innovations arise from necessity being the driving force behind creativity. A prime example can be seen in the distinctive design of the kitchen island within this residence in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, which emerged as a inventive solution to address the difficulties posed by an irregular floor plan.

The owners loved the cabin because of its magnificent lakeside setting, though they found the initial layout impractical for enjoying the spectacular vista. Following various considerations, they opted to collaborate with their familiar design group and commenced last year by demolishing the previous construction and erecting a completely new one.

The project not only boasted an ambitious strategy but also aimed for rapid execution. "We had just nine months from the start until completion," notes Krystal Kellerman, who serves as the senior designer, ASID, NCIDQ at O’Hara Interiors The design of the new house echoed the curves of the shorelines, causing the interior layout to follow the natural contours of the lake. Each window at the rear of the property framed views of the water, maximizing what the family cherished most. In adapting to these irregular shapes, certain areas within the house required innovative solutions; for instance, the kitchen adopted an unconventional trapezoidal shape due to the unusual angles involved. Traditional squares or rectangular island wouldn’t work.

Kellermann pondered—the island could be circular, why not give it a try?

The design team, including Kellermann, initially proposed placing a perfect circle at the heart of the area. However, they soon understood that such a circular shape would protrude excessively, obstructing the required walking path and consuming valuable room. Consequently, the concept evolved into an extended oval form. By flattening the round structure, not only did the available countertop space expand, but it also facilitated smoother guest movement across the principal level of the residence. Although sharp angles were not a significant safety issue for this family—given their adult offspring—the oval-shaped island contributed to making the environment somewhat more accommodating for people of various ages.

"Every aspect of this house was intended for others," Kellerman states. As accommodating hosts, the clients selected every fitting and appliance. paint shade in the kitchen To create an inviting and user-friendly environment. "A transparent drink cooler allows visitors to see that beverages are available for them to help themselves without needing to inquire," she explains. This principle also applies to the coffee maker placed nearby, which has a spacious drawer filled with mugs conveniently located right underneath.

The distinctive form of the island makes it perfect for social interactions. "Unlike a conventional square-shaped island, this one feels cozier due to its curved design," explains Kellerman. "When seated on the stools, people face each other instead of being arranged in a line." He adds, "This layout embodies what the kitchen aims to achieve."

Kellerman and his family had to meticulously consider how they could compensate for the limited space on their circular island. They carefully planned out precisely where each dish, cooking vessel, and utensil was going to be placed so that the island could serve its purpose effectively. Collaborating closely with the carpenter, they ensured that the island's drawers and lone cupboard were constructed deeper than usual to offset the reduced width. "We determined that the storage should be spacious enough to accommodate a stepladder; this requirement dictated our initial measurements," explains Kellerman.

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