As the open-plan kitchen has become essential for modern living, so has the central island. Not only can this feature offer plenty of storage space, breakfast bar-style seating and an additional food prep area but it can house your essential appliances, such as a hob or wine cabinet, and even a sink and tap.

Central islands have certainly elevated the hub of our home, adding more versatility to a hardworking kitchen. The island unit has moved on from a simple division between the cooking zone and living area to become a multi-functional piece of furniture with the wow factor.

Use your island for a specific purpose and introduce seating to blend your cooking and prep area with your entertaining space. Introduce a breakfast bar and you will find the perfect place for guests to gather on stools with a glass of wine while you prepare your mouth-watering menu. Consider using different materials, which will help to define your island and hey presto you can enjoy your new kitchen for years to come.

If you plan to use your kitchen island for food prep, why not consider moving your sink and tap to this unit? You can always add your dishwasher to your central island and this will free up another unit in your main run of kitchen cabinetry. Just check that these can be plumbed in with your designer and what the additional costs will be.

If you are looking for subtle, yet stylish, extraction, choose a downdraft hood. Doug adds: “Not only will it look good but it won’t detract from the culinary masterpiece you are creating in full view of friends and family.

However, if you are looking for something, which will create a focal point in your open-plan kitchen, a beautifully designed island hood will tick all your boxes.

Both will achieve the same results.”