In 2025, homeowners across Belfast are still asking the same question: is the kitchen island still worth including in a new kitchen design? The short answer is yes, but the island is evolving. It’s no longer just a block of worktop in the middle of the room. Today’s kitchen islands are smarter, more practical, and more personal than ever.
At Foxy Kitchens, our team of experienced kitchen fitters in Belfast have seen the island transform into a multi-purpose hub that works hard for busy households. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation this year, here’s what you need to know about where the trend stands, and how to make it work for your space.
Why Kitchen Islands Haven’t Gone Out of Style
Kitchen islands are still popular because they solve problems. They offer extra worktop space, more storage, and a natural focal point in open-plan layouts. They’re especially useful for families, home cooks, or anyone who enjoys entertaining.
But in 2025, it’s no longer about adding a big centrepiece just because everyone else has one. These days, an island has to prove it’s worth the space. Our kitchen fitters in Belfast are helping clients think carefully about whether an island is right for the shape of their room, how they use their kitchen, and what functions matter most.
How Kitchen Islands Are Changing in 2025
If you’re imagining a big square box with bar stools and a wine fridge, it might be time for a rethink. Here’s how kitchen islands are looking this year:
1. Smaller, Smarter Layouts
Not every kitchen has space for a large island, and that’s okay. Many of our recent installations include slimline islands or even moveable versions on castors. These are perfect for Belfast homes with tighter dimensions or open-plan flats.
2. Zoned Functionality
In 2025, we’re seeing more zones built into islands, with clearly separated areas for prepping, cooking, dining, or even homework. Belfast homeowners are asking for sinks with hidden drainers, induction hobs with integrated extraction, or deep drawers for bulky items.
3. Tech Integration
From pop-up sockets to built-in charging stations, smart features are now expected. Some clients are even adding refrigerated drawers or compost bins inside the island to support more eco-friendly living.
Do You Need a Kitchen Island?
Not always. This is one of the most important points we make when speaking with clients. Kitchen islands are not a must-have. They’re only worthwhile if they add value to your layout. Our kitchen fitters in Belfast are always happy to advise honestly, if an island would make the room feel cramped or impractical, we’ll say so.
There are plenty of alternatives too. Peninsula units offer a similar function without breaking up the space. Galley kitchens can maximise prep space with full-length runs. And wall-mounted breakfast bars are becoming more popular in smaller homes.
What Belfast Homeowners Are Prioritising
We’ve worked with hundreds of local households, and some common priorities are emerging in 2025:
- Maximising storage: Hidden drawers, deep pan storage, and recycling zones are high on the wish list.
- Family-friendly design: Open seating, rounded edges, and safe cooking zones are important for homes with children.
- Minimal clutter: Clean lines, integrated appliances, and built-in bins help create calm, functional kitchens.
- Flexible use: People want to cook, work, eat, and socialise in the same space. The island must support all of these.
Real Examples from Foxy Kitchens Projects
In Belfast, one client wanted a place to cook with the kids, so we built a large island with low-level prep areas and a flush-fit hob. Storage baskets underneath made it easy for little ones to help out.
In Lisburn, we worked on a minimalist kitchen where the island was all about clean geometry, no handles, no visible appliances, just a seamless black quartz top with touch-open drawers. It doubled as a workspace by day and a cocktail station at night.
And in South Belfast, a narrow room called for a long, lean island with integrated seating at one end and a pull-out pantry at the other. The result was stylish, but also incredibly practical.
These are the kinds of projects that show how creative and flexible kitchen design can be when you work with kitchen fitters in Belfast who understand your space and your lifestyle.
What to Consider Before Installing a Kitchen Island
Before committing to an island, ask yourself a few key questions:
- Do you have at least 1 metre of clearance around all sides?
- Will the island interrupt natural movement through the space?
- Do you need extra storage, prep space, or seating?
- Would a peninsula or wall unit work better in your layout?
- Do you want electrics, plumbing, or appliances in the island?
Planning is everything. A well-thought-out island can improve your kitchen. A poorly placed one can become a daily frustration.
The Role of Professional Kitchen Fitters in Belfast
A big part of getting your kitchen island right is working with a team who can see the whole picture, from flow and function to materials and finishes. At Foxy Kitchens, we don’t sell off-the-shelf solutions. We listen to what you want, measure the space properly, and offer guidance based on years of experience.
Because we don’t run a showroom, we can focus entirely on personalised design and in-home consultations. That gives our kitchen fitters in Belfast the insight they need to fit each kitchen perfectly.
Yes, the Island is Still In, If It’s Done Right
So, is the kitchen island still in for 2025? Absolutely, but it’s got to be tailored, functional, and well-planned. It’s no longer a one-size-fits-all trend. It’s a feature that needs to work for your home, your lifestyle, and your space.
If you’re exploring a new kitchen project this year, our advice is simple: don’t follow trends blindly. Think about what you actually need. Then speak to experienced kitchen fitters in Belfast who can help you design something that works for you, island or no island.
