Interior Design Experts Answer Your Top Kitchen Planning Questions

In the interior design world, there is a whole wide world of questions that get asked and need answering. Here are the commonly asked questions we’ll be answering today:

1. How Much Space Should You Leave Between a Kitchen Island and Worktop?
2. Should You Choose a Gas or Induction Hob?
3. Should You Have your Sink or Hob on the Kitchen Island?

“How Much Space Should You Leave Between a Kitchen Island and Worktop?”

One of the most common kitchen layout questions is how much space to leave between your kitchen island and surrounding worktops.

As a general rule, we recommend no less than 900mm and no more than 1400mm. However, great kitchen design is never one-size-fits-all. The ideal spacing depends on how you use your kitchen and the overall layout of your space.

Key factors to consider include:

• The type of cabinetry and how it functions (storage vs prep areas)
• How many people typically use the kitchen at the same time
• Accessibility requirements and day-to-day habits
• Architectural features, such as ceiling lanterns or focal points
• Sightlines — for example, improving views into the garden
• Whether your kitchen flows into a dining or open-plan living space

A well-designed kitchen island should enhance both movement and usability, not restrict it. Careful planning ensures your space feels open, practical, and tailored to your lifestyle. 

“Should You Choose a Gas or Induction Hob?”

How long is a piece of string?

Minus the humour, choosing between a gas hob and an induction hob is a key decision in modern kitchen design. The right choice depends on your cooking style, preferences, and priorities.

It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each hob option:

Benefits of Gas Hobs

• Highly energy-efficient

• Safer, with no open flame

• Easy to clean due to flat surfaces

• Sleek, modern appearance

However, induction hobs require compatible cookware and can take time to get used to, especially when adjusting heat levels without a visible flame.

Benefits of Gas Hobs

• Instant, visible heat control
• Compatible with all cookware types
• Preferred by many home cooks for precision

On the downside, gas hobs are typically harder to clean, less energy-efficient, and carry slightly higher safety considerations.

Ideally you need to understand both options, and go and see them being used, or (even better) have a go yourself.

“Should You Have Your Sink or Hob on the Kitchen Island?”

This is where bespoke kitchen design really comes into play. The decision of where to place your sink or hob on the island depends on how you use your kitchen and how you want the space to feel. However, here are our basic thoughts:

Placing the Sink on the Island

A sink on the island can be highly practical, especially in open-plan kitchens where you want to stay connected with family or guests while preparing food. 

One key recommendation from us? Consider installing two dishwashers.

While it may sound excessive, the island often becomes a natural gathering and clearing point. A second dishwasher helps keep the space tidy and functional.

Placing the Hob on the Island

A hob on the island can create a striking, social cooking space. We often recommend vented hobs, which combine extraction and cooking in one seamless design.

However, careful planning is essential.

A common issue we see is poor hob positioning. While designs may look great visually, they don’t always account for real-life use. For example, pan handles can overhang into walkways, creating a potential safety hazard.

A well-designed kitchen balances aesthetics with practical safety, ensuring your space works beautifully in everyday life.

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