Kitchen Island Archives - Dunvara Kitchen & Interior Design

Kitchen Island: Hob, Sink or Nothing? How to Choose the Right Layout

Lyndsey Dunne — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:10:05 +0000

When planning a kitchen island, one of the biggest decisions is what to put on it. Should the hob take centre stage? Would a sink make the kitchen work better? Or should you leave the island completely clear?

There isn’t one right answer. The best kitchen island layout depends on the size of your space, how you cook, where you want to prepare food and how you want the island to function every day.

Should You Put a Hob on Your Kitchen Island?

A hob on the kitchen island can work particularly well in an open-plan kitchen. Instead of cooking with your back to the room, you’re facing into the kitchen and living space, making cooking feel much more sociable. A BORA downdraft hob can also remove the need for an overhead extractor, helping to maintain open sightlines across the room. However, positioning a hob on the island requires careful planning. You need enough preparation space around it and a layout that keeps cooking comfortably separated from seating and busy walkways.

Should You Put a Sink on Your Kitchen Island?

For some kitchen layouts, placing the sink on the island creates a very practical working zone. If much of your food preparation happens around the sink, having it centrally positioned can improve the flow between preparation, cooking and cleaning. The downside is visual. In an open-plan kitchen, the island is often one of the first things you see, so it’s worth considering whether you want dishes, draining boards and everyday washing-up at the centre of the room. Plumbing also needs to be considered early, particularly on a new build or renovation where services may need to be brought through the floor.

What About Leaving the Kitchen Island Clear?

An uninterrupted worktop gives you plenty of space for food preparation, baking, serving and entertaining, while also creating a clean focal point within the kitchen. If the sink and hob work well elsewhere in the layout, keeping the island clear can make it a more flexible space for everyday family life.

So, Which Kitchen Island Layout Is Best?

Before deciding between a hob, sink or clear island, think about what you actually want your island to do.Is it primarily somewhere to cook? A preparation area? Somewhere for the family to sit? A place to entertain? Or a combination of all four? At Dunvara Design, we look at the kitchen as a whole before deciding what belongs on the island. The position of the sink, hob, fridge, storage, seating and surrounding walkways all need to work together.

If you’re planning a new build, extension or kitchen renovation, these decisions are best made early. A thoughtfully planned kitchen island shouldn’t simply look beautiful – it should make your kitchen work better every day.

— Lyndsey

Book A Kitchen Design Service

Clare Handle Collection – Timeless Cabinet Handles and Furniture Knobs in 8 Finishes

Lyndsey Dunne — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:26:51 +0000

The Clare Handle Collection is a versatile range of cabinet handles and knobs designed to bring elegance, strength, and style to your home.

Explore More

Featuring one handle and two matching knobs, this collection is available in eight beautiful finishes: American Bronze, Matt Black, Brushed Satin Brass, Black Nickel, Polished Nickel, Brushed Satin Nickel, American Copper, and Brushed Iron. Whether you are updating a kitchen, refreshing bathroom cabinetry, or adding the perfect finishing touch to bespoke furniture, the Clare Collection delivers lasting quality with timeless appeal..

Why Choose the Clare Handle Collection?

Timeless Design – Perfect for both traditional and classic interiors.
Wide Choice of Finishes – From warm American Copper to sleek Polished Nickel.
Complete Range – Includes a handle and two knobs for design consistency.
Durable Construction – Built to withstand daily use while maintaining style.
Practical & Comfortable – Ergonomic designs ensure ease of use.

A Lasting Investment in Style

The Clare Handle Collection is more than just cabinet hardware — it’s a detail that transforms your space. With eight finish options, it allows you to create harmony across your interior while adding character and elegance. Strong, durable, and stylish, this collection is the ideal choice for homeowners, designers, and renovators looking for premium cabinet handles and furniture knobs.

Upgrade your interiors with the Clare Handle Collection and enjoy the perfect balance of function, durability, and timeless design.

Messina Lighting: The Effortless Way to Add Luxury to Any Room

Lyndsey Dunne — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:10:43 +0000

Lighting isn’t just about brightening a space — it’s about creating an atmosphere, setting a mood, and adding a touch of personality to your home.

The Messina Lighting Collection captures all of that in one elegant family of designs.

Explore More

Inspired by geometric architecture and softened with warm linen textures, each Messina piece brings together form and function in perfect balance. A gold-toned frame wraps around a soft drum shade, casting a warm, welcoming glow that works beautifully in both classic and contemporary settings.

The collection offers something for every space:

Messina Pendant Light – A statement piece perfect for dining rooms, kitchens, or entryways.
Messina Ceiling Lights – Available in flush and semi-flush designs for both low and high ceilings, offering style without compromise.
Messina Wall Light – Elegant and understated, ideal for hallways, bedrooms, or creating intimate lighting zones.

Whether you’re refreshing a single room or redesigning an entire home, the Messina Collection delivers versatile lighting with a cohesive look. It’s proof that good design is as much about the glow as it is about the details.

Bring home the beauty of Messina, and let your space shine.

Messina Lighting

Bond Collection: Industrial Elegance in Brass & Graphite

Lyndsey Dunne — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 11:21:43 +0000

The Bond Collection brings timeless industrial style to your interiors with robust handles and T-knobs available in Brass and Graphite finishes.

Explore More

Inspired by the workshops, locomotives, and machinery of the past, Bond celebrates craftsmanship and strength. Its clean, functional design highlights the beauty of raw materials, making it the perfect detail for kitchens, wardrobes, and furniture.

Brass adds a warm, classic touch with a hint of luxury.
Graphite delivers a bold, modern edge that works beautifully in contemporary spaces.

Built for durability and style, the Bond Collection is ideal for industrial, modern, and transitional interiors. These handles and knobs not only look great but also offer a solid, satisfying feel with every use.

Explore the Bond Collection today and bring a touch of heritage craftsmanship into your home.

Discover the Bond Collection

Silestone Jardin Emerald Worktop – Nature Meets Modern Luxury

Lyndsey Dunne — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:35:30 +0000

If you’re dreaming of a statement surface that blends rich colour with exceptional performance, the Silestone Jardin Emerald worktop from Cosentino delivers exactly that. This premium quartz worktop channels the deep, sophisticated beauty of natural stone, with a striking green tone that brings warmth, depth, and personality to any kitchen or bathroom design.

Why Choose Jardin Emerald?

Crafted from over 90% natural quartz, Jardin Emerald is more than just beautiful – it’s built to last. Its non-porous surface makes it highly resistant to stains, scratches, and impact, ensuring your worktop stays looking flawless for years. The advanced manufacturing process by Cosentino also means this worktop is easy to clean and maintain – perfect for busy households. Beyond its durability, Jardin Emerald is part of Cosentino’s eco-conscious collection, made with sustainable production practices. You get a luxury finish with a lighter environmental footprint.

ste.

Style Inspiration

The rich, jewel-toned green of Jardin Emerald pairs beautifully with warm wooden cabinetry, brass hardware, and soft ambient lighting for a luxurious feel. For a more contemporary look, combine it with matte black fittings, minimalist white units, and integrated lighting to make the colour pop. In bathrooms, it works wonderfully alongside gold fixtures and natural textures like rattan or stone. Whether you’re designing a modern open-plan kitchen or a boutique-style bathroom, this worktop creates an instant focal point that feels both timeless and on-trend

The Cosentino Difference

When you choose a Cosentino worktop, you’re investing in more than just a surface – you’re getting cutting-edge innovation, exceptional craftsmanship, and a product that’s trusted by designers and homeowners worldwide. If you want a worktop that’s as practical as it is breathtaking, the Silestone Jardin Emerald worktop is the perfect choice. Get in touch today for more details and start planning your dream kitchen or bathroom.

Bespoke Bootroom Design Ideas for Elegant, Functional Homes

Lyndsey Dunne — Tue, 06 May 2025 09:30:47 +0000

A well-designed bootroom is one of the most valuable — and often overlooked — areas of a home. At Dunvara Design, we specialise in creating beautifully functional spaces that make daily routines feel seamless. Whether you live in the countryside or the city, a thoughtfully planned bootroom helps bring order, calm, and character to your entryway. Designed with both purpose and style in mind, our bespoke bootrooms offer tailored storage, smart layouts, and a natural extension of your home’s aesthetic.

What Makes a Bootroom Worthwhile?

A bootroom acts as a buffer between the outdoors and your living space — a place to store coats, boots, bags, and wet-weather gear in a way that keeps the rest of your home clean and tidy. But more than that, it sets the tone for how your home feels as soon as you walk through the door.

ste.

Dunvara Design’s Approach to Bootrooms

Every home is different, so we design each bootroom to reflect how you live. Our approach combines elegance with practicality, using timeless materials and smart design principles to create spaces that feel considered, not cluttered.Here’s what we prioritise:

1. Tailored Storage Solutions

We create custom joinery that fits your exact needs — whether that’s full-height cupboards, open shelving for baskets, or concealed drawers beneath a bench. Everything is designed to blend beautifully with your home’s overall style.

2. Built-In Seating

A bootroom should be comfortable as well as organised. We often include a built-in bench, finished to match your palette, offering a place to sit while putting on shoes or sorting school bags.

Ready king, this professional-grade oven will transform yourkitchen experience.

3. Durable, Stylish Materials
From practical flooring like stone or engineered timber, to hand-finished cabinetry in classic paints and finishes, we choose materials that are both robust and refined.

4. Light & Colour
Good lighting and the right colour palette can transform even a small bootroom. We favour warm neutrals, earthy tones, or muted greens and blues — all of which create a sense of calm and continuity with the rest of the home.

Where Can a Bootroom Go?

Bootrooms can adapt to different homes and layouts. We work with the existing architecture to make the most of available space, ensuring the bootroom feels integrated rather than added on. Bootrooms can be adapted to suit a variety of homes and layouts. They might sit just off the kitchen, providing a seamless connection to the garden or back door. In other homes, they become part of the main entrance hallway, offering a practical yet elegant transition into the living space. Some designs integrate the bootroom into a utility or laundry area, creating a multi-functional space that supports the rhythm of daily life. In more traditional layouts, a dedicated rear lobby or side porch can serve as the perfect setting. Whatever the context, we work closely with the existing architecture to ensure the bootroom feels fully integrated — not like an afterthought, but as a natural and cohesive extension of the home.

Designed for Real Life

At Dunvara Design, we believe practical spaces should still feel beautiful. A well-planned bootroom adds value — not just to your property, but to your day-to-day life. It brings clarity to busy mornings, keeps clutter at bay, and offers a warm, welcoming impression every time you come home.

Interested in designing a bootroom that’s both elegant and functional? Get in touch with Dunvara Design — we’d love to hear about your project.

Bar Stools vs Counter Stools: How to Choose the Right Stool Height for Your Kitchen

Lyndsey Dunne — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:20:26 +0000

Bar stools vs Counter Stools – If you’ve ever shopped for kitchen stools, you’ve probably come across the terms bar stools and counter stools—and maybe even used them interchangeably. While they often look very similar, there’s one crucial difference: height. Choosing the wrong stool height can make your seating experience awkward or uncomfortable. Imagine banging your knees on the underside of the counter, or having to reach up awkwardly to enjoy a meal. The right fit is all about proportions—and we’re here to help you get it just right.

The Key Difference: Height

The main distinction between bar stools and counter stools is the height of the seat:
Bar Stools Seat Height: 72-80cm Ideal for bar tops: 100 – 105 cm. Counter Stools Seat Height: 59-71cm Ideal for counter tops: around 90cm high This gives you about 25–30 cm of legroom, which is the sweet spot for comfort.

ste.

How to Measure Your Space

To determine which type of stool you need, here’s a quick guide: 1. Measure from the floor to the underside of your bar or counter. 2. Subtract 25–30 cm to get your ideal stool seat height. For example: If your counter is 90 cm high, and the underside measures 86 cm, subtracting 25–30 cm gives you a target seat height of 56–61 cm. That falls into counter stool territory.

Ready king, this professional-grade oven will transform yourkitchen experience.

Once You Know the Height, Think About Style

Once you know whether you need a bar or counter stool, you can explore styles that suit your space and lifestyle.

For small kitchens or compact breakfast bars:
Choose stools with a slimmer profile—think backless, lightweight designs that tuck away easily. For long sits or entertaining:
Consider stools with a backrest and an upholstered seat for added comfort.

Need Help Choosing?

Still not sure which stool is right for your home? We’re here to help.
Reach out to us at Dunvara Design, and we’ll guide you through the process—so you get the right height, right style, and the right feel for your kitchen space.

Explore Dunvara Seating