It's quite common in most modern kitchens to see an "island" - basically a standalone workspace, usually occupying the centre of the kitchen. There are a number of compelling arguments in favour of having a kitchen island, but also a number of other points to consider as well.

One of the most obvious advantages of a kitchen island is extra working and storage space. Having kitchen units set against walls limits the amount of available space, especially when you also have to take windows and doors into consideration.

It is also self-evident that helping to connect otherwise disconnected zones and making the kitchen simply seem more interesting is another benefit worth having. If all your work surfaces and kitchen units are spread out against the walls it can make a kitchen appear, well, hollow.

Some people use their kitchen island as an additional work area and install sinks, hobs and ovens etc, while others prefer to style it as a formal dining area or simply a place to gather round. But whatever you choose, an island provides a perfect excuse to introduce some stunning lighting effects.

Among the most common yet effective lighting options is the use of elegant suspended pendant light fittings. These are often eye-catching features all by themselves as well serving a utilitarian purpose, namely providing suitable task lighting when using the island.

And of course today no modern kitchen is complete without some element of LED lighting. A kitchen islands is intrinsically a centre-piece feature that demands and can absorb a lot of attention, and there are few more stunning contemporary effects than plinth or floor-level lighting using LED spots or light strips.

But although it is hard to think of a single measure to lift the appearance and usefulness of a kitchen that rivals installing a kitchen island, it's not always the right choice. Especially if your kitchen is modestly proportioned then you need to reconsider a few options.

There can still be benefitsto incorporating an island in a less spacious kitchen, but the key is to ensure that you don't then make it awkward to work and move around, or end up with an island that is frankly at odds with its surroundings. An island is supposed to add a certain style to your kitchen, not squat ungainly in the middle of the room like the proverbial 500 pound gorilla.

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