Small Open Plan Kitchen Living Room Ideas with Island: Maximize Space and Style in Your Open Concept LayoutSarah ThompsonJan 19, 2026Table of Contents1. Multifunctional Island with Storage2. Slimline Island for Narrow Spaces3. Island with Built-in Seating4. Light Color Palettes5. Integrated Appliances6. Peninsula Instead of Freestanding Island7. Statement Lighting Over Island8. Match Flooring to Unify Spaces9. Moveable Island on Casters10. Vertical Storage ExtensionsFAQSmall-Space Island Ideas10 practical designs to fit an island, coffee bar, and nookExplore Small-Island IdeasOne time, a client asked me if we could fit a coffee bar, a reading nook, and a kitchen island into her 28-square-meter open plan space. I laughed, then realized… actually, it was possible. Small spaces often push me to think outside the box, and they’ve taught me that an island can be the magic piece tying a kitchen and living area together. Today, I’m sharing 10 design inspirations from years of tinkering with small open layouts, so you can make the most of every inch.1. Multifunctional Island with StorageI once designed an island that doubled as a bookshelf on one side and hidden kitchen drawers on the other. It’s perfect when you’re short on storage. Plus, pairing it with clever layouts from room planner tools can save you hours of trial and error.save pin2. Slimline Island for Narrow SpacesThe trick here is depth—keep it around 45cm so you still have walkway clearance. I’ve used this in apartments where space feels tight, but the island still adds prep space and a visual anchor between zones.save pin3. Island with Built-in SeatingThink of it like a coffee shop counter—bar stools mean it doubles as a dining table. I love this for couples or singles who rarely host big dinners, but still want a social hub.save pin4. Light Color PalettesWhites, pale woods, and gentle greys can make your space feel bigger. It’s a subtle trick, but clients always comment on how airy their home feels once walls and island match in light tones.save pin5. Integrated AppliancesSmaller dishwashers and under-counter fridges can tuck neatly into your island. When I first tried it, I worried about electrical routing, but modern units make installation relatively painless.save pin6. Peninsula Instead of Freestanding IslandIf your open plan is really tight, a peninsula can give you all the functionality without blocking flow. It’s also easier to design using templates from free floor plan creator options online.save pin7. Statement Lighting Over IslandHang two or three pendant lights to visually separate kitchen from living area. I once mixed industrial shades with a Scandinavian island, and the contrast was stunning—though sourcing matching bulbs was tricky.save pin8. Match Flooring to Unify SpacesKeeping the same flooring between kitchen and living room avoids visual “breaks.” It’s a small detail that makes the space feel bigger and more cohesive.save pin9. Moveable Island on CastersI love this for tiny apartments—wheel it out for cooking, tuck it aside for yoga or a party. Just make sure the casters lock to keep it steady. You can explore layout possibilities using kitchen layout planner tools to see how a mobile island fits.save pin10. Vertical Storage ExtensionsInstalling shelves or hanging racks above the island draws the eye up, making the whole room feel taller. Once, I used a suspended pot rack, and a client ended up displaying plants instead—brilliant!save pinFAQQ1: How big should an island be in a small open plan?Ideally, keep width around 90cm and depth under 60cm to maintain circulation space.Q2: Can I have an island in under 20 square meters?Yes, but opt for a slimline or movable design to avoid cramping the room.Q3: Is a peninsula better than an island for small spaces?Often, yes—it provides similar benefits and can attach to a wall or counter, freeing up space.Q4: What’s the minimum clearance around an island?Keep 90cm clearance on all sides, per National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) guidelines.Q5: Do islands add property value?In most cases, yes—buyers appreciate extra counter space, especially in open plan layouts.Q6: Should I match the island to kitchen cabinets?Matching creates cohesion, but contrasting colors can make a bold, stylish statement.Q7: How to light a small island area?Two small pendants or a single linear fixture usually suffice without overwhelming the space.Q8: Any budget-friendly island ideas?Repurpose a sturdy table or use modular kitchen carts—they keep costs down and flexibility high.Explore Small-Island IdeasPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Small-Space Island Ideas10 practical designs to fit an island, coffee bar, and nookExplore Small-Island Ideas