A modern kitchen without an island? It’s possible, and it’s even this year’s big trend in cooking! In 2025, we’re travelling back in time and taking inspiration from country kitchens to rediscover a touch of authenticity and a layout that’s as chic as it is practical. Here’s the piece of furniture you need to dust off to replace your island, which is too fixed, too rigid and too minimalist!
Fixed central island in the kitchen: why it is no longer the standard in interior design
Versatile, functional, stylish: the central island has dominated contemporary kitchens for years… And it is high time we learned to do without it! Or rather, to rethink it. In 2025, brands and architects are competing with ideas to challenge its place in our homes. Gone is the massive, bulky look that hinders the flow of space – especially in smaller kitchens, where islands are becoming increasingly compact – and increasingly mobile!
Today, it breaks down barriers and travels throughout every room in the house: to create storage in an entrance hall, to serve as a vanity unit or XXL washbasin unit in the bathroom, or even as a central, mobile wardrobe in the dressing room… And in the kitchen, for a change, the central island is being discreetly replaced by a solution from the past: the English-style “work table”.
The rustic English-style “work table”, the new trend for 2025
The “work table” is a rustic piece of furniture typical of English cottage-style kitchens. It is neither an island nor a table, but rather an ingenious combination of the two, with a traditional touch. A high table with a few drawers and/or shelves, lightweight, versatile, made of raw wood, with charming details… The English “work table” is brimming with authenticity, but it is also an ultra-practical item for preparing meals, eating, storing things… and creating a convivial atmosphere.
This trend is part of a major return to basics, not only in the kitchen but throughout the home: we are seeking to recreate the comforting warmth of interiors of yesteryear, full of personality, to better combat gloominess. And retro objects are more fashionable than ever!
The end of the island: tables are making a comeback in the kitchen!
What other obsession will steal the spotlight from kitchen islands in 2025? The return of a piece of furniture that is as simple as it is timeless: the table! Because a dining table, rather than an imposing island, often creates a much more convivial atmosphere and offers greater freedom.
Whereas the central island is often perceived as an ‘obstacle’ that separates the space, the table encourages conversation and interaction, can be personalised in endless ways, moved around and used as both a work surface and a dining area – a place where you can really settle down. In short: island or no island, the trend is towards more openness and personality in the kitchen, to create spaces where it is nice to get together and share.
Not a chance – well unless you have no taste.
The whole article without even one photo of an example of work table?
Nice photo of?
I agree. I’m very upset and disappointed that there’s not even one example because when I look up images of the old English work table I definitely would not put that in my kitchen. So yeah, it would have been nice to see an example of what this article meant. Maybe it’s a new journalist. Someone with not as much experience.