How to design a movable kitchen platform?

Sunita Vellapally Sunita Vellapally
The House of Arches, S Squared Architects Pvt Ltd. S Squared Architects Pvt Ltd. مطبخ مزيج خشب وبلاستيك
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In any kitchen, sooner or later, you will run out of storage space. This happens as your collection of appliances, pots, pans and cutlery grows. At the time of building the kitchen, you would have assessed the essentials needed to be accommodated, but with newer technologies that produce gadgets to simplify your work in the kitchen, chances are that you will get a few of these, and once you do, they need to be stored. This is the reason a movable platform, or a rollout island cabinet, can be a clever addition to an Indian kitchen. Not only can it provide more storage space in the kitchen but also extra counter space when you are cooking or preparing many items for a party or a festival.

A movable platform is a versatile option in any kitchen. It can be used as a desktop where the children do their homework. If you are cooking for family or friends and want to serve hot food straight off the stove, the platform can convert into an eat-in counter with chairs or stools. It can even be used as your home office, when you want to get work done while the rest of the family is away at school or office.

Today, we give you tips on building the perfect movable kitchen platform, including the recommended design and the suitable materials that can be used to build these cabinets.

What is the most durable material for a movable platform in the kitchen?

Three factors need to be considered before designing the movable island in the kitchen. The first is the material of the base. Usually, this will be the same as the material used for the kitchen cabinets. However, since the cabinet needs to be moved, in addition to providing storage, you should choose a sturdy material that will withstand the weight and the movement. Wood is an excellent option for the base of a movable kitchen island. For the cabinet doors, you can opt for lighter materials, including plywood and laminates so that the unit is not too heavy and is easy to move.

The next thing to consider is the counter. While natural stone is the preferred material in an Indian kitchen as it brings style and is durable, for a movable island counter, lighter materials such as laminate, wood or stainless steel might be a better option so that it doesn’t weigh down too heavily on the wheels of the unit. The final but perhaps the most significant point to decide for the movable platform is the mechanism that will be used to shift it. Caster wheels are the ideal solution for a movable island but make sure that they come with a locking mechanism to prevent accidents. Additionally, the caster wheels should be made of a durable material such as steel or any other strong metal so that it can take the load of the base, the counter and the items stored within the cabinets.

Get tips on the best material for kitchen cabinets in India.

Which colour should you use for the movable island?

The colours that you choose for the movable platform should match with shades in the rest of the kitchen. Of course, you can also use a contrast colour to add a stunning feature to the kitchen besides making the unit stand out even when it is moved out of the way. If the island is stored in a passage or a corner of the dining area, then the don’t forget that the colours should blend with the palette in that space.

It all depends upon the layout of your kitchen. If you have a small and narrow space, then a rollout cabinet should blend with the rest of the cabinets. Therefore, it’s best to use the same colour as the other cabinets. For an island that doubles up as an eat-in space, you can get more creative with the shades or the design, especially if you want to set it apart from the rest of the elements in the kitchen.

How big should the movable kitchen platform be?

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This depends entirely on the function that the unit will serve. If you need the island for additional storage, then ensure that it has well-organised cabinets and drawers built into it. In many kitchens, workspace is limited due to storage being considered more important. The extra countertop space offered by a movable island can be a welcome relief in such rooms, especially if it also has storage underneath the counter. If the idea behind a roll-out island is to create a nook where the kids can do their homework, then make sure that the counter top is suitably wide and at a convenient height for the children to study in comfort.

It’s also vital to ensure that the island doesn’t restrict movement within the kitchen. If you are unsure about the right size for a movable platform, it’s advisable to consult a professional kitchen planner, who analyses your space and provides the best solution.

How can you match the movable platform with the wall?

If you have a movable unit that is placed against the wall, then, it should either blend or contrast with the background against which it is set. Usually, it’s best to use the same colour as the rest of the cabinets in the kitchen. However, if you want to use the island to create a highlight in the kitchen, painting the wall a bold colour and using a material or shade that creates a beautiful contrast is an excellent option.

Can a platform plus dining table work in a small kitchen?

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In a tiny home, especially one with an open-plan layout, a platform that doubles up as a dining table is a space-saving solution. It can be used to divide the kitchen from the dining area or to provide extra seats when you have visitors. The best part is that it is a flexible solution as it can be pushed against a wall, when you want to create the impression of openness in the space.

Are movable platforms used only for vintage kitchen ideas?

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While islands are most commonly seen in vintage or country-style kitchens, they can be incorporated into any style. Modern kitchens are all about functionality since they have limited space. Therefore, a movable platform is an excellent solution for it. In fact, it can work with almost any design style in the kitchen so long as you use the right colour and material.

Like with any other element in the kitchen, you can go about designing your own movable island, especially if you have a reliable carpenter who can build the unit for you. However, to ensure that you get a platform that is designed to perfection, it’s best to get the help of a professional interior designer. Besides providing suggestions for the right type of material and size of the movable kitchen island, they can help to design a unit that is customised to your requirements, so that it serves the purpose you intended, whether it is for homework, additional counter space for meal preparation, a casual dining table or rollaway storage.

Get ideas for your home from these 21 inspiring kitchen islands.

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