Transform your small kitchen with a functional island and enjoy more space, organization, and practicality in your daily life
Submitted at Feb 12, 2026, 1:52 PM
Projeto de Daniela Funari. (Mariana Camargo/Divulgação)
The idea of having a kitchen island is usually associated with spacious open layouts and many square meters available. However, with good planning, it is perfectly possible to incorporate this element into smaller spaces as well.
Escada de yellow bamboo, madeira talhada e bar étnico compõem este apê. Projeto de Suite Arquitetos. (Fran Parente/Divulgação)
A small kitchen with an island has become an increasingly sought-after solution for those who want to gain support space, improve circulation, and enhance the visual aspect of the projects. More than an aesthetic resource, the island can take on strategic functions, such as support for food preparation, a place for quick meals, and even extra storage space.
Materiais nobres e vista privilegiada definem apê de 640 m² no Rio (Foto: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estudio | Produção visual: Studio Jefferson Stunner/Divulgação)
The secret lies less in the size of the kitchen and more in the intelligence of the project. Proportion, correct choice of dimensions, integration with other elements, and attention to circulation are determining factors so that the island does not become an obstacle but rather an ally of functionality. When well sized, it helps to organize routines, optimizes space usage, and completely transforms the dynamics of the projects.
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Imóvel alugado ganha cozinha dos sonhos para confeiteira profissional (Rafael Renzo/Divulgação)
The first consideration when planning an island in a small kitchen is to respect the proportions of the space. The minimum recommended circulation around the island is about 80 to 90 centimeters, allowing doors, drawers, and appliances to be used without obstructions. This means that the island cannot be envisioned as a heavy and fixed block but rather as a light element in proportion to the projects.
[caption id="68f2bb3c98f18c7f5f5fd0f4" width="736" data-alt="An apartment of 266 m² prioritizes views with a minimalist project and sculptural staircase. Project by Nildo José. In the photo, the kitchen with an island and burnt cement ceiling." data-caption="An apartment of 266 m² prioritizes views with a minimalist project and sculptural staircase. Project by Nildo José. In the photo, the kitchen with an island and burnt cement ceiling." data-credit="Denilson Machado, from MCA Estúdio" data-source-id="" data-source-name=""]
[/caption>In many cases, reducing the standard depth of the island already makes all the difference. While conventional models may have a depth of 90 cm, in compact kitchens, this measurement can drop to 50 or 60 cm without compromising functionality. The same applies to the length: shorter islands, when well planned, fulfill the role of support perfectly without overloading the layout. The important thing is to adapt the design to the actual dimensions of the kitchen, not the other way around.
Sem obras, casa em Itanhangá ganha ares de refúgio de serra. Projeto de Claudia Infante. Na foto, cozinha com ilha de madeira e quadros. (Gustavo Bresciani/Divulgação)
In small spaces, each element needs to serve more than one function. This is precisely where the island stands out. It can serve as a preparation counter, a table for quick meals, support for portable appliances, and also provide cabinets and drawers in the lower part.
Na Praia do Forte, refúgio de 518 m² integra arquitetura e natureza. Projeto de David Bastos. Na foto, cozinha com ilha de pedra. (Tuca Reinés/Divulgação)
By integrating stools or lightweight chairs, the island replaces the need for a conventional table, freeing up even more space in the kitchen. Additionally, the installation of built-in outlets allows small appliances, such as blenders and coffee makers, to be used right there without needing to occupy the main countertop. This versatility makes the small kitchen with an island more practical on a daily basis, especially in dynamic routines.
[/caption>The choice of materials, colors, and finishes plays a fundamental role in ensuring that the island does not visually "weigh down" the projects. Light tones, continuous surfaces, and materials that converse with the woodwork of the kitchen help create visual unity, which enhances the perception of space.
[caption id="68f2bb2798f18c7f5f5fc361" width="736" data-alt="Cardoso Fattori Architecture - Kitchen Seed of Memories. Project by CASACOR Bahia 2025." data-caption="Cardoso Fattori Architecture - Kitchen Seed of Memories. Project by CASACOR Bahia 2025." data-credit="Bia Nauiack" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4deb" data-source-name="Divulgação"]
[/caption>Another effective strategy is to opt for islands with a hollow base, visible legs, or lighter structures, which allow light to pass through and do not create a sense of visual blockage. When the island interacts with the rest of the project, it stops appearing as an additional volume and begins to naturally integrate into the whole. Mirrors, well-positioned lighting, and planned cabinetry reinforce this sense of spaciousness even more.
[/caption>One of the biggest challenges of small kitchens is the lack of storage space. In this regard, the island becomes a powerful ally. Deep drawers, side niches, open shelves, and internal cabinets can be incorporated into the furniture, making the most of every available centimeter.
[caption id="68f2bafc98f18c7f5f5fa651" width="736" data-alt="With 76 m², an apartment gains a modern décor designed for the family's cats. Project by Daniela Funari. In the photo, integrated living room with the kitchen and German corner." data-caption="With 76 m², an apartment gains a modern décor designed for the family's cats. Project by Daniela Funari. In the photo, integrated living room with the kitchen and German corner." data-credit="Mariana Camargo" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4deb" data-source-name="Divulgação"]
[/caption>This solution helps to relieve wall cabinets and frees up the main countertop, contributing to a more organized and functional kitchen. Frequently used utensils can stay on the island, facilitating access during meal preparation. Thus, in addition to expanding the work area, the island directly contributes to optimizing the organization of the projects.
CASACOR Publisher is a content creation agent developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.
