Blogs | Paradox Design Lab

Kitchen island with stools article by Lewis Michael - Designer November 5th 2023

Having stools at a kitchen island can offer several benefits, making the space more functional and versatile. Here are some advantages:

Casual Dining: Kitchen islands with stools provide a casual and informal dining space. This is particularly useful for quick meals, snacks, or casual gatherings where you don't necessarily want to use the formal dining area.
Social Interaction: Stools at a kitchen island create a more social and interactive environment. Whether you're cooking, doing homework, or just chatting, having people seated at the island allows for easy conversation and engagement.
Multi-Functional Space: The kitchen island can serve multiple functions with stools. It can be a cooking and food preparation area, a serving station, and a dining space all in one.
Space Utilization: Stools tucked under the island save space compared to having a separate dining table and chairs. This is particularly beneficial in smaller kitchens where optimizing space is crucial.
Flexible Seating: Stools are easy to move around, allowing for flexibility in seating arrangements. You can easily add or remove stools based on the number of people present or the activity taking place.
Kids' Involvement: For families, having stools at the kitchen island can be a way to involve children in meal preparation or other kitchen activities. It can serve as a more accessible and comfortable space for them.
Entertaining Guests: When entertaining guests, having stools at the kitchen island provides a convenient area for guests to gather, chat, and enjoy drinks or appetizers while the host is preparing food.
Aesthetics: Stools can enhance the overall visual appeal of the kitchen. They come in various styles, materials, and colors, allowing homeowners to choose options that complement the kitchen's design and decor.
Increased Counter Space: Stools can also serve as additional counter space when not in use. This is particularly valuable for tasks that require extra surface area, such as baking or meal preparation.
Resale Value: The presence of a kitchen island with seating can add to the resale value of a home. Many homebuyers find islands with seating attractive, as it reflects a modern and versatile kitchen design.

Choosing your Venting Hob article by Lewis Michael - Designer November 5th 2023

There are many good brands in the market with quality venting hobs. What we suggest is to do your own research and find out the one that works better for you.

A major factor to choose the right one is the noise level when cooking in maximum power and the extraction power rate. Brands such as Siemens, Neff, Elica, just to name few of the brands, are very good option for your kitchen island. We have tested all of them and they are all great with good results.

One brand we do like to use a lot due to their innovation, design and performance is Bora.

And there are few reasons for our choice. First they give you a nice selection of venting hobs and configurations, including gas hob. If you are person who loves cooking, then Bora Professional 3.0 is the one for you! Since you can have the domino system and, build up accordingly your own cooking set. The most common option is to have at the top of your kitchen island, induction, Teppanyaki grill, gas hob, with the extraction in between, guarantee of an odorless cooking.

Finally their unique advance ducting system, that has been developed at Bora labs, gives a head start as a first choice for your kitchen island venting hob.

Modern Kitchen with an Island article by Lewis Michael - Designer October 29th 2023

Having a kitchen island hob with built-in extraction can offer several benefits, making it a popular choice for modern kitchen designs. Here are some advantages:

Space-Saving Design: A kitchen island hob with built-in extraction eliminates the need for a separate range hood or overhead extractor, saving valuable kitchen space and allowing for a more open and uncluttered feel.
Improved Ventilation: Built-in extraction systems are often more effective at removing cooking odors, smoke, and steam than traditional range hoods. They capture and filter the air closer to the source, ensuring better ventilation and air quality in the kitchen.
Enhanced Aesthetics: These hobs are designed to seamlessly integrate into your kitchen island, creating a sleek and contemporary look. They can be customized to match your kitchen's style and decor, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your space.
Better Visibility: Without a bulky range hood obstructing your view, you have improved visibility and a clear line of sight while cooking. This can enhance safety and convenience in the kitchen.
Quiet Operation: Some built-in extraction systems are designed to operate quietly, reducing noise levels in the kitchen while still effectively removing cooking odors and smoke.
Energy Efficiency: Modern built-in extraction systems often come with energy-efficient features, such as variable fan speeds and timers, which can help save on energy costs.
Easy Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining a built-in extractor can be easier compared to traditional range hoods, which can accumulate grease and grime on the surface. Many built-in systems have dishwasher-safe filters and accessible parts for cleaning.
Zoning Options: Some built-in extraction systems offer multiple cooking zones with independent controls, allowing you to customize ventilation for different cooking activities. This can be especially useful for large or multi-cook kitchens.
Design Flexibility: Kitchen island hobs with built-in extraction can be customized to fit your specific needs and preferences. You can choose from various sizes, styles, and features to suit your cooking habits and kitchen layout.
Increased Home Value: A well-designed and functional kitchen can add value to your home. Having a modern and efficient kitchen island with built-in extraction can be an attractive selling point for potential buyers.

While there are many advantages to having a kitchen island hob with built-in extraction, it's essential to consider your specific kitchen layout, cooking habits, and budget when making a decision. Additionally, professional installation and regular maintenance are key to ensuring the system works effectively and efficiently.