Don’t discount the idea if your kitchen is small: the beauty of islands is that they come in many shapes and sizes. As you’re measuring, remember that, regardless of the square inches you have available, you’ll need to factor in clearance space. As a general rule, allow for a minimum of 1m on all sides. This allows for safe movement around the island and for drawers, cupboards and appliances to open without obstruction.

You’ll also need to think about the shape you’d like. Most islands are square or rectangular, but there’s no rule to say this has to be the case. If your kitchen is particularly large, look for an L-shaped island or even a double island (two islands facing each other). Or, if you’re not a fan of straight lines, perhaps you’d prefer a curved island, which will also add visual variety to your kitchen.

If you envisage starting your day there, be sure to include a breakfast bar in your design. If you want to boost your storage, do so with plenty of deep drawers. They’re easier to access than cupboards and can be customised with dividers to create a place for everything. Options include cutlery inserts, plate-stacking systems, knife-block inserts, spice racks and jar organisers.

You may want to use your island for more than eating and storage, so think about what else you’ll need when you’re deciding on size and design. If you’d like it to incorporate a hob, for example, make sure you’ll have enough room for the hob, some prep space and somewhere to set down pans. The minimum size werecommend is 1m x 1m.

And finally, think about incorporating pop-up sockets so you can use hand blenders and food processors on the island without wires trailing across the kitchen.

How you incorporate a breakfast bar will depend on what its main functions will be. For example, if you want to hide the working area, why not opt for a raised breakfast bar? (this can extend out from the front or side of the island) It will act as a screen, obscuring the hob or sink from view.

Alternatively, if you have children, you may want a drop-down design, whereby a table extends out from the front or side of the island. This means your children can sit on chairs rather than perch on high bar stools – a safer option for young diners. Another option is a simple worktop overhang. Either way, you’ll need to allow sufficient knee space for diners of all sizes: I recommend 30cm for the average adult.

Stools must be the right height for all those using the island, comfortable and able to withstand the daily grind. Always check the proportions of potential stools. Some have narrow backs while others are much wider, which means you can fit fewer around your island.