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Creating a Unique Kitchen Island

You can always create your own furniture if you need something exceptional.

We've prepared two short videos for you to help you create your kitchen island.

For those who prefer it in the written form, you can find detailed steps outlined below:


In this tutorial, we'll explore six different kitchen island designs:

  1. Kitchen island with a table and seating

  2. Compact kitchen island with a sink

  3. Stone kitchen island with a recessed countertop

  4. Cooking island with a breakfast bar

  5. Kitchen island with built-in bench seating

  6. Large kitchen island with cooking and sink areas

You can follow any of these methods separately, depending on the design you want to create.


Before you start

Open your Planner 5D project and switch to 2D mode.

Choose where you want to place your kitchen island and make sure there's enough room to move around it, open cabinets, and use nearby appliances.

For these designs, we'll combine objects from the Kitchen catalog with custom shapes created using the Magic Cube.

To find the Magic Cube:

  1. Open Build → Forms.

  2. Select Magic Cube.

  3. Place it in your project.

  4. Select it to adjust its Width, Depth, Height, Levitation, and Angle.

You can also use the paint roller icon to change the object's materials and colors.

Tip: As a starting point, you can use a countertop height of approximately 90 cm, a cabinet depth of 60 cm, and an island length of 220–240 cm. Adjust these measurements to your kitchen and the furniture you choose.


Method 1. Create a kitchen island with a table and seating

This design combines kitchen storage cabinets with a large countertop and a seating area.

It's a great option if you want an island that can also serve as a breakfast table.

Step 1. Add the kitchen cabinets

  1. Open the Kitchen catalog and find a suitable base cabinet.

  2. Place it in the center of your kitchen.

  3. Adjust its dimensions if needed.

  4. Duplicate the cabinet to create additional storage units.

  5. Arrange the cabinets in a straight row.

For example, you can use four cabinets to create the base of your island.

Make sure all cabinet fronts face the same direction and their upper surfaces are aligned.

Step 2. Create the countertop

  1. Open Build → Forms and add a Magic Cube.

  2. Resize it into a wide, thin countertop.

For example:

  • Width: 240 cm

  • Depth: 100 cm

  • Height: 4 cm

  1. Use Levitation to raise the countertop until it rests on the cabinets.

  2. Position it so the countertop extends beyond the cabinets on the seating side.

This overhang creates space for stools.

Switch to 3D mode and check that the countertop sits correctly above the cabinets.

Step 3. Add the table legs

To support the extended countertop:

  1. Add another Magic Cube.

  2. Resize it into a long, narrow table leg.

  3. Position it beneath one corner of the countertop.

  4. Adjust its height so it connects the floor to the underside of the countertop.

  5. Duplicate the leg for the remaining corners where support is needed.

For example, you can start with legs that are 5 × 5 cm in thickness.

You can also add thin horizontal Magic Cubes between the legs to create supporting rails or a footrest.

Step 4. Finish the island

Apply your preferred materials to the countertop, cabinets, and legs.

For example, you can combine a light countertop with white cabinets and wooden or metal supports.

Add stools along the extended side of the island.

Tip: Check the seating area in 3D to make sure the stools fit beneath the countertop and the cabinet doors remain accessible.


Method 2. Create a compact kitchen island with a sink

If you want a kitchen island that provides additional workspace and a sink, you can combine existing kitchen cabinets with custom countertop sections.

Step 1. Add the sink and storage cabinets

  1. Open the Kitchen catalog.

  2. Find a cabinet with a built-in sink.

  3. Place it in the center of your planned island.

  4. Add storage or drawer cabinets on both sides.

  5. Align all cabinets so their fronts and upper surfaces match.

Switch to 3D mode and check the arrangement.

Step 2. Create the countertop around the sink

When building a countertop around a sink, it's important to leave the basin uncovered.

Instead of using one large Magic Cube, we'll create the countertop from several smaller pieces.

  1. Add a Magic Cube and resize it into a thin countertop section.

  2. Place it beside the sink.

  3. Duplicate and resize the pieces to cover the remaining cabinet surfaces.

  4. Add narrow sections in front of and behind the sink if needed.

  5. Leave the sink bowl open.

Make sure all countertop pieces are at the same height.

Important: A Magic Cube doesn't automatically create an opening for a sink. You'll need to position separate pieces around the basin.

Step 3. Finish the island

Apply matching materials to the countertop and cabinets.

You can use a dark stone finish for a modern look or combine light wood with stone.

Make sure the sink remains visible and the faucet is correctly positioned above the bowl.

Tip: If the sink appears to be hidden inside the countertop, adjust the countertop's elevation or the sink's position until the basin is fully visible.


Method 3. Create a stone kitchen island with a recessed countertop

This design creates a more architectural appearance using stone surfaces, contrasting cabinet fronts, and a recessed section within the countertop.

Step 1. Create the cabinet base

  1. Open the Kitchen catalog.

  2. Add a sink cabinet and storage units.

  3. Arrange them in a straight row.

  4. Adjust their sizes to create the desired island length.

For example, you can start with an island approximately 240–280 cm long.

  1. Add narrow Magic Cubes at both ends to create solid side panels.

  2. Add a back panel if needed to hide the exposed cabinet backs.

Apply a dark stone material to the outer panels.

Step 2. Build the recessed countertop

  1. Add a Magic Cube.

  2. Resize it into a long, thin countertop strip.

  3. Position it along the front edge of the island.

  4. Duplicate and resize additional strips for the sides and back.

  5. Arrange the pieces to create a continuous rim around the recessed area.

  6. Keep the sink opening clear.

Apply a light stone or marble texture to the upper countertop sections.

The contrast between the lighter countertop and darker recessed area creates the layered appearance.

Step 3. Customize the cabinet fronts

Open the Materials menu and change the drawer fronts to a contrasting color.

For example, you can combine light marble, dark stone, and warm yellow cabinet fronts.

Switch to 3D mode and make sure the recessed area remains visible and the countertop sections connect without unwanted gaps.

Tip: If a countertop piece covers the recessed area, resize or reposition it rather than using one solid slab across the entire opening.


Method 4. Create a cooking island with a breakfast bar

Want a kitchen island with a cooktop and a separate seating area?

This design uses layered Magic Cubes to create the island body, with an extended breakfast bar on one side.

Step 1. Create the island base

  1. Switch to 2D mode.

  2. Add a Magic Cube and resize it into a low, wide base.

  3. Apply a dark material.

  4. Duplicate the cube and raise the copy to create another dark layer.

  5. Add a lighter Magic Cube between the two layers.

  6. Adjust the dimensions and positions until they form a consistent island body.

The alternating materials will create a decorative layered appearance.

Step 2. Add the countertop

  1. Add another Magic Cube.

  2. Resize it into a wide, shallow countertop.

  3. Position it above the island body.

  4. Apply a stone, marble, or terrazzo texture.

  5. Adjust its height to match your preferred working level.

Switch to 3D mode and make sure the countertop connects neatly to the base.

Step 3. Add the cooktop and hood

  1. Open the Kitchen → Stove tops catalog section, or search for a cooktop.

  2. Choose a suitable model and place it on the island.

  3. Adjust its size and position.

  4. Use Levitation to align it with the countertop surface.

  5. Find a suspended kitchen hood in the catalog.

  6. Place the hood directly above the cooktop.

Check the alignment from the front and from above.

Tip: Make sure the cooktop remains visible above the countertop and doesn't disappear inside the Magic Cube.

Step 4. Create the breakfast bar

Now let's add a seating area to one end of the island.

  1. Add a Magic Cube.

  2. Resize it into a long, thin tabletop.

  3. Position it so it extends outward from the island.

  4. Adjust its height to match your design.

  5. Add another Magic Cube beneath the outer end to create a vertical support.

  6. Apply matching materials to both pieces.

Leave enough space beneath the extended tabletop for seating.

Add stools to complete the breakfast bar.

Switch to 3D mode and check that the bar, supporting panel, and stools are correctly positioned.


Method 5. Create a kitchen island with built-in bench seating

This design combines kitchen storage and a sink with a comfortable seating area on the opposite side.

It's a creative way to connect your kitchen and dining space.

Step 1. Build the kitchen island

  1. Open the Kitchen catalog.

  2. Add a sink cabinet and matching storage cabinets.

  3. Arrange them in a straight row.

  4. Add custom Magic Cube panels around the sides and back.

  5. Create countertop sections around the sink, leaving the bowl visible.

Make the outer structure deep enough to accommodate seating behind the cabinets.

Step 2. Create the bench

  1. Add a Magic Cube.

  2. Resize it into a low, wide bench base.

  3. Position it along the opposite side of the island from the working cabinets.

  4. Adjust its dimensions to fit between the outer side panels.

  5. Use Levitation to position it at the desired seating height.

For example, you can start with a finished seat height of approximately 45 cm, including the cushion.

Step 3. Add cushions

  1. Open the furniture catalog and find a suitable bench cushion or upholstered seat.

  2. Position it above the bench base.

  3. Adjust its size and height.

  4. Add a back cushion or backrest against the island.

  5. Place additional decorative cushions if desired.

Make sure the cushions sit correctly within the bench structure.

Step 4. Complete the dining area

Place a dining table in front of the built-in bench.

You can add another bench or chairs on the opposite side.

Apply matching materials to the island's outer structure and use a consistent fabric finish for the seating.

Tip: Check the arrangement from a seated perspective in 3D to make sure the table and bench are comfortably positioned relative to each other.


Method 6. Create a large kitchen island with a cooktop and custom sink

For a larger kitchen, you can build an extended island that combines cooking, food preparation, and washing areas.

This design uses Magic Cubes to create the island body and countertop, as well as a custom sink.

Step 1. Create the island structure

  1. Switch to 2D mode.

  2. Add Magic Cubes to create the main island base.

  3. Arrange the cubes to form an L-shaped or extended support structure.

  4. Add separate vertical panels or legs where additional visual support is needed.

  5. Apply your preferred wood or stone materials.

Make sure the base fits your planned island footprint.

Step 2. Build the countertop

  1. Add a Magic Cube.

  2. Resize it into a long, thin countertop slab.

  3. Position it above the island structure.

  4. Add separate sections if needed to accommodate the sink and cooking zones.

  5. Keep the intended sink area open.

Apply a light stone or marble material to the countertop.

Step 3. Add the cooktop

  1. Open the Kitchen catalog and find a cooktop.

  2. Place it on one side of the island.

  3. Adjust its elevation so it sits correctly on the countertop.

  4. Add a second cooktop module beside it if desired.

  5. Position a suspended kitchen hood above the cooking area.

Make sure you leave some workspace between the cooking and sink areas.

Step 4. Create the custom sink

You can also build a decorative sink using Magic Cubes.

  1. Add a Magic Cube.

  2. Resize it into a flat rectangular bottom panel.

  3. Position it below the countertop surface.

  4. Add four narrow Magic Cubes around it to create the sink walls.

  5. Adjust their dimensions and elevation until they form an open rectangular bowl.

For example, you can start with a basin footprint of approximately 60 × 40 cm.

Apply the same material to all visible sink surfaces.

Make sure the interior of the sink remains open and no countertop sections cover the bowl.

Step 5. Add the faucet

  1. Open the catalog and search for a suitable faucet.

  2. Place it behind the sink.

  3. Adjust its position and height.

  4. Rotate it so the spout points toward the center of the basin.

Switch to 3D mode and check the sink from above and from the side.


How to move multiple parts of your kitchen island

Because custom kitchen islands are assembled from multiple objects, you may need to reposition several pieces without changing their arrangement.

On Web:

  1. Switch to 2D mode.

  2. Hold Cmd (Mac) or Ctrl (Windows) while clicking each object you want to select.

  3. Move the selected objects together to the desired position.

  4. If the Group option is available, you can use it to make moving and editing the assembly easier.

If grouping isn't supported for your selected objects, move them individually and check their alignment afterward.

For more information, see How to Edit an Object.

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