We recently covered the real reasons to include a bellissima kitchen island in your Cincinnati remodeling plans, but have yet to share our thoughts on a related topic: the floating kitchen island effect. There are a few different ways to incorporate this modern design into your new kitchen – a couple of them we recommend, and one of them we do not. Andiamo, let’s discuss.
What is the Floating Kitchen Island Effect?
A floating kitchen island effect is created by using design elements to make it appear as if the island is floating above the floor. The effect can also be used to make it look as if the countertop is floating in space.
With a standard kitchen island, the island is visibly anchored to the floor with its sides touching the ground. By contrast, a floating island, when designed and executed well (as we always do here at NOLI 😉) uses a deep 360º toe kick at the bottom of the island where the structure meets the floor to create the appearance that the island is floating just over the ground.
There are many pros to floating kitchen islands like the one we created above for a client in the Cincinnati neighborhood of Madeira – beyond the fact that they are beautiful, that is. Floating kitchen islands save space and allow the floor to remain visible, which is crucial for smaller kitchens or the open kitchen layouts we modern designers love. Because of its minimal contact with the floor, the floating island also adds a light, airy quality to the room that makes it feel less cluttered and allows for more visual rest.
Your floating kitchen island isn’t just a place to cook and eat (though it certainly is that); it’s also a beautiful structural centerpiece that adds to your modern kitchen’s minimalist design. When made with high-quality, durable materials like stone or wood, the result is an artful, functional focal point for your Cincinnati metro kitchen, as you can see here with our client in the Brewery District of Over-The-Rhine.
Did we also mention that the lack of toe kicks and cabinets at the floor level also makes them easier to clean underneath?
Another way a floating kitchen island design is achieved is with a floating countertop. We’ve created this effect with our clients by using a 360º channel grip in the space underneath the countertop. A channel grip is a European method that negates the need for hardware pulls or handles.
Cabinets that feature a channel grip have a clean, uninterrupted look – an amazing choice for the ultra-modern kitchen. The channel grip can have the added advantage of creating a floating countertop effect as well, while also being easier to maintain.
See how the channel grip design is consistent throughout the kitchen? The result is a beautiful one-of-a-kind space that is ideal for La Dolce Vita.
How do you design seating for a floating island?
Many (but not all!) kitchen islands also include seating to go along with them. This can be done in a number of ways, and the amount of seating you’re going to want around your island will be dictated by how you intend to use it and the clearances around the structure.
First, you’ll want to think about the height of the chairs around your island. Check out our chair height guide for more details, but a general rule of thumb is that there should be a 12-inch difference between the top of the table and the chair itself, taking into account things like cushion height if applicable.
Depending on the design of your island, you can have seating exclusively on one side, both sides, or on three sides:
You could even set the chairs up face-to-face for a moor dining table-like effect, as we did for this Cincy client in East Walnut Hills.
As you can see, there are many beautiful options for seating around your floating kitchen island that both adds to the aesthetic of the space while still creating a comfortable place for your family and guests to eat, talk, and relax.
Should You Use the Floating Kitchen Island Effect in Your Remodel?
We say yes! However, one thing we say no to: using lighting as an amplifier to boost the floating kitchen island effect. It’s something you will come across in design magazines. We don’t do that, and we don’t recommend it for those looking for a timeless, modern Italian design.
But as you can see in our portfolio, we do help homeowners create a tasteful, modern floating island effect by using recessed toe kicks and cabinet channel grips. Using these elements, we honor modern design and European style – a combination that can’t be beat when it comes to reimagining your kitchen for life in 2025 and beyond.
Considering a kitchen remodel this year?
We’ve worked with dozens of Cincinnati homeowners to create the kitchen of their dreams and can help you every step of the way. Get in touch with us today!
