FANTASY ISLANDS

DRIFT AWAY INTO A WORLD OF KITCHEN INSPIRATION, WHERE FORM AND FUNCTION MEET STYLE STATEMENTS IN GRAND PROPORTIONS

- HOLLY BYRNE

DRAWER DELIGHT "INCORPORATING PLENTY OF DRAWERS WILL ENSURE AMPLE STORAGE, WHILE ALSO CREATING MORE USABLE, CLUTTER-FREE SPACE," SAYS MONIQUE PARKER OF KABOODLE KITCHEN. A COMBINATION OF DRAWERS AND CUPBOARDS CLEVERLY MAXIMISES YOUR STORAGE OPTIONS.

If kitchens are the heart of the home, the island bench is what keeps it beating strong. The ultimate all-rounder serves as a social gathering place, a storage goldmine, a desk when you need it and, of course, bench space for meal prep and, at times, the meal itself.

"More is more in many cases when it comes to island benches, as they command majesty but also are incredibly practical storage solutions," says Charlotte Riggs, brand manager at Bondi Kitchens & Joinery.

It's one of the most multi-tasking features in the home, but it's also a major opportunity to experiment with design and create a style statement. "Aesthetically, luxury is in the eye of the beholder - it could be the look of marble, granite or polished concrete," says Brydie York, APAC general manager of marketing at Caesarstone. "But in terms of performance, luxury is having an island bench that performs brilliantly."

Read on to be inspired by five luxury island destinations that have style in spades and functionality in full force.

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