Kitchen Islands: The Perfect Hub for Family Entertaining

Princeton Carmine Red  

As Christmas approaches, our homes become bustling centres of activity where family, friends, and holiday spirit collide. A well-designed kitchen island is one of the key features that can make this space both functional and inviting. If you want to enhance your home’s entertaining potential, a versatile kitchen island may be just the upgrade you need.  

With flexible design options from Laura Ashley Kitchens and Symphony Kitchens, design your kitchen island with our design team today! 

5 Reasons to Add a Kitchen Island to Your Upgrade Design 

A kitchen island isn’t just an additional countertop—it’s a versatile centrepiece where family moments and meal prep come together seamlessly. It can transform your kitchen into a brilliant gathering space with functionality that extends from meal prep to casual dining and social activities.  

Here’s why a kitchen island makes entertaining and family time so much better: 

1. Comfortable Seating for Gatherings

A thoughtfully designed kitchen island can create extra seating, making it easier to host larger groups without crowding your dining table. Perfect for holiday brunches or casual buffet-style meals, an island lets family and friends comfortably enjoy appetisers and relax while meals are prepared. 

2. Additional Prep Space

Having extra workspace is a game changer when it comes to holiday gatherings or any time that demands more cooking. A spacious island provides room for everything from rolling out dough to assembling hors d’oeuvres, allowing multiple family members to join in the kitchen fun without feeling cramped. 

3. Social Hub of the Kitchen

An island naturally draws people in, turning your kitchen into a social hub where everyone can gather. Whether chatting with the cook, baking together, or sharing holiday drinks, an island fosters connection and keeps everyone engaged and included. 

4. Flexible, Multi-Use Design

Modern kitchen islands are built with convenience in mind, often featuring storage, wine fridges, a sink, a hob or a breakfast bar. Some include tech-friendly additions like USB ports and charging stations, making the island a versatile space for cooking, connecting, and entertaining. 

5. Endless Possibilities for Activities

A kitchen island is ideal for everything from holiday crafts to board games and homework sessions, making it a dynamic space for family life beyond just meals. The island combines all the elements of a lively, multifunctional kitchen perfect for family entertaining and everyday life. 

Symphony - New York Cooks Blue & White with Rustic Oak Main 

Kitchen Islands with Laura Ashley Kitchens 

If you’re drawn to classic elegance with a modern touch, Laura Ashley Kitchens offers kitchen islands that marry functionality with timeless beauty. Their flexible designs can be customised to fit your family’s specific needs. Whether you want a traditional shaker-style island or something more contemporary, Laura Ashley kitchens provide adaptable options that complement any home. 

Some Laura Ashley islands are designed to integrate seamlessly with additional storage options, making them perfect for those needing extra space for festive decorations, dishes, or baking equipment. Additionally, they offer options for mixing countertop materials, such as marble and wood, adding visual interest and allowing separate zones for dining, prep, and decoration setup. 

Highlight Feature: Laura Ashley’s modular designs make adding or removing components based on your entertaining style easy. For example, you might add a breakfast bar or extend the seating area for larger family gatherings during the holidays. This level of customisation ensures that your island can evolve with your needs. 

Laura Ashley - Helmsey Midnight Blue

Kitchen Islands with Symphony Kitchens 

Symphony Kitchens offers stylish and highly functional islands for a sleek, modern approach to kitchen design. Symphony’s emphasis on modular and adaptable designs makes creating a space that suits everyday family life and holiday hosting simple. Symphony kitchens are known for their streamlined, space-saving designs that maximise storage, a crucial feature for those extra holiday dishes and décor. 

Symphony's islands also integrate seamlessly with appliances, making installing a wine fridge, additional ovens, or even a built-in coffee station easy—perfect for holiday mornings! The Symphony design team has considered the importance of flexible seating options, meaning you can adjust bar stools, shelves, or overhangs to suit the occasion. Their designs are especially helpful for those who want an island that can shift from family dinners to full-scale holiday entertaining. 

Highlight Feature: Symphony Kitchens excels in integrating modern tech solutions. Many of their islands have options for hidden outlets, pull-out trays, and wireless charging stations, making them an excellent choice for families who want a kitchen that’s as connected as it is functional. 

Symphony - Cranbrook Cobble Grey and Platinum 

Designing the Ultimate Holiday Hub 

Choosing the right kitchen island transforms your kitchen into a festive, functional space for family gatherings. With the thoughtful and flexible designs offered by Laura Ashley Kitchens and Symphony Kitchens, you can customize an island that matches your kitchen’s aesthetic and enhances its practicality. Whether hosting a casual gathering or a formal family dinner, a well-designed kitchen island will make entertaining a breeze, giving you more time to focus on what matters most: creating memories with loved ones this holiday season. 

So, as Christmas nears, why not explore the possibilities of a kitchen island that fits your family’s needs, style, and holiday traditions? 

Symphony - Ashbourne Ivory White

Design Your Perfect Laura Ashley Kitchen at Joe Graham & Son - Luton’s Leading Kitchen Showroom  

 The kitchen of your dreams is within reach, offering a wide range of colour palettes, customisable features, and expertly crafted details. At Joe Graham’s, you can explore a range of Laura Ashley Kitchens and Symphony Kitchen styles —each kitchen crafted to bring beauty, functionality, and sophistication into your home. Visit our showroom in Luton or learn more about our kitchens on our kitchen installations page.

Laura Ashley - Mottram Harbour Grey & Dusty Pink