Kitchen island installation Sydney

Licensed Kitchen, Bathroom & Home Renovators in Sydney

Why Kitchen Islands Have Become the New “Must-Have” in Sydney Homes

A homeowner in Turramurra told me something funny the other week:
“Half the reason I want a kitchen island is because everyone else seems to have one… and the other half is because I’m tired of chopping vegetables in the corner like a second-class citizen.”

I hear versions of this all the time.
People want more space, more storage, and a kitchen that feels like the heart of the home—not a narrow galley where you can’t even turn around without bumping into the dog.

And nothing transforms a kitchen like a well-designed kitchen island.

Across Sydney—from Pymble and Lindfield, down to Burwood, Concord, Five Dock, and through Bondi, Maroubra, and Coogee—kitchen islands are one of the most requested upgrades during kitchen renovations. Even homeowners with smaller kitchens ask, “Can you help me squeeze in a compact island?” (Spoiler: usually yes.)

At MB9 Australia Pty Ltd, we specialise in kitchen, bathroom and home renovation services, and kitchen island installation has become one of the most impactful upgrades we deliver. It changes how a space looks, functions and feels—often more than new cabinets or benchtops alone.

What Is a Kitchen Island and Why Is It So Popular in Sydney?

A kitchen island is a freestanding bench or cabinet structure that sits in the centre or near-centre of the kitchen. It can include storage, drawers, seating, sinks, cooktops or even built-in appliances.

In simple terms:
It makes the kitchen useful. Beautiful. Social. And easier to work in.

Sydney home layouts are changing.
Open-plan living dominates new builds and renovations, especially in suburbs like Kellyville, Oran Park, Box Hill, Leppington, Parramatta, and Rhodes. A kitchen island supports that lifestyle—connecting the kitchen to the dining and living room seamlessly.

Here’s why homeowners love them:

  • Extra prep space

  • Additional storage

  • A natural gathering point

  • Breakfast bar seating

  • Room for a second sink or cooktop

  • Opportunity for feature lighting

  • Cleaner, more structured kitchen flow

Many Sydney renovators tell us, “Once you live with an island, you can’t go back.”

Types of Kitchen Islands We Install in Sydney

Every home is different, so the best island depends on layout, workflow and budget. Here are the common types we install in our kitchen renovation projects.

1. Standard Functional Island

A classic island with storage, drawers, and a spacious benchtop.
Ideal for homes in Ryde, Strathfield, Meadowbank, Chatswood, and similar suburbs where families want more workspace.

2. Island with Breakfast Bar Seating

Perfect for social households.
You’ll find this in many Inner West terraces, where dining areas are compact and the kitchen island doubles as the casual dining spot.

3. Waterfall Island (Premium Look)

Stone flowing down the sides—clean, modern and elegant.
Common in high-end homes in Vaucluse, Mosman, Hunters Hill.

4. Island with Integrated Appliances

Great for larger kitchens.
Cooktop, oven, dishwasher or microwave built in.

5. Prep Island (Small-Space Solution)

This is popular in Sydney apartments and terraces where space is tight.
A compact island that improves workflow without clutter.

6. Movable Island (Budget-friendly option)

Sometimes used in rentals or smaller homes where flexibility matters.

Why MB9 Is a Trusted Kitchen Island Installer in Sydney

Anyone can plonk a benchtop in the middle of a kitchen.
But a real kitchen island installation requires:

  • Correct sizing so the kitchen flow remains functional

  • Knowledge of appliance clearances

  • Experience with stone fabrication

  • Understanding NSW building guidelines

  • A licensed kitchen renovator who sees the full picture

  • Ability to coordinate electricians, plumbers, stonemasons, carpenters

That’s where MB9 stands out.

As an NSW-licensed Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry Renovator (KBL), MB9 handles kitchen projects end-to-end with proper compliance and detail-driven workmanship.

Our Approach

  • We think like designers but build like tradies

  • We stay realistic about space and workflow

  • We communicate openly—no sugar-coating

  • We deliver what suits your home, not what a magazine says you “must have”

How a Kitchen Island Changes the Way You Use Your Home

Most people think islands are “just a bench.”
But in real life, they change how families interact.

A client in Epping told me the island became homework central.
A couple in Dulwich Hill said it’s where they chat over coffee every morning.
Another in Frenchs Forest said it created a natural place to serve food when guests came over.

Islands make kitchens social—not just a place to cook.

Considerations Before Installing a Kitchen Island

Many Sydney homes weren’t originally built with islands in mind, particularly older terraces and federation-style houses. That’s why we carefully review each space before recommending an island.

1. Space Requirements

Ideally, you want 90–110cm around each side.
Any tighter and it feels cramped.

2. Workflow

We look at the “work triangle”:
fridge → sink → cooktop
The island shouldn’t break your flow.

3. Power Points

If you want appliances on the island, NSW regulations apply.
Our licensed electricians handle compliance and installation safely.

4. Plumbing & Drainage

Installing a sink or dishwasher in the island requires plumbing and sometimes concrete cutting in ground-floor homes.
Common in renovations across Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills and Kellyville where slab houses are standard.

5. Ventilation (if adding a cooktop)

Islands with cooktops must comply with ducting and ventilation standards.

6. Weight of Stone

Large islands require:

  • proper substrate

  • correct cabinet support

  • lifting clearance (stone slabs can weigh hundreds of kilos)

We coordinate with stonemasons to ensure everything fits and supports correctly.

What a Kitchen Island Typically Costs in Sydney

Prices vary depending on materials, appliances and size.
But here’s a realistic guide:

Standard Island:

$4,000 – $9,000

Stone Waterfall Island:

$8,000 – $16,000

Island with Sink or Cooktop:

$10,000 – $20,000+

High-end homes (e.g., Mosman, Hunters Hill, Woollahra) may exceed this due to premium stone, integrated appliances or oversized slabs.

A kitchen island is one of the most value-adding features in a kitchen renovation, often increasing resale appeal for Sydney homes.

Where We Install Kitchen Islands Across Sydney

We provide kitchen, bathroom and home renovations in:

North Shore

Wahroonga, Turramurra, Pymble, Gordon, Chatswood, Lane Cove, Artarmon

Eastern Suburbs

Bondi, Coogee, Randwick, Kingsford, Rose Bay, Dover Heights

Inner West

Newtown, Marrickville, Leichhardt, Lilyfield, Annandale, Ashfield, Summer Hill

Hills District

Castle Hill, Kellyville, Baulkham Hills, North Rocks, Beecroft

Western Sydney

Parramatta, Blacktown, Greystanes, Merrylands, Seven Hills

Northern Beaches

Manly, Dee Why, Narrabeen, Frenchs Forest, Allambie Heights

Wherever you are in Sydney—if it’s within the metro area—we can install your new kitchen island.

Common Questions Homeowners Ask Us

“Can I add an island to my small kitchen?”

Sometimes yes.
We often design compact prep islands or narrow bench islands that work even in tight spaces.

“Do I need council approval?”

Most kitchen renovations—including islands—do not require council approval.
NSW Planning confirms this under “exempt development” guidelines.
Check:
https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/exemptdevelopment

“Can you match my existing cabinets?”

In most cases, yes.
Our suppliers carry a wide range of laminates, polyurethane colours and stone to blend new with old.

“Can the island be the feature piece?”

Absolutely.
Waterfall stone, contrasting colours, and pendant lighting are common in homes from Drummoyne to Mosman.

Recent Sydney Projects

1. Bondi – Small Space, Big Win

A compact apartment kitchen felt tight.
We added a 1.6m prep island with storage.
The owner now says it’s the most used spot in the home.

2. Killara – Waterfall Stone Feature

A modern family home wanted a “centre stage” island.
We installed a large 3m waterfall island with hidden powerpoints.
Now it’s where they entertain guests.

3. Newtown Terrace – Clever Narrow Island

Terraces are tricky.
We designed a slim, long island with drawers on one side and seating on the other.
Perfect for inner-city living.

Useful Local Links for Readers

Ready to Add a Beautiful, Functional Kitchen Island to Your Sydney Home?

A kitchen island is more than a bench—it's a lifestyle upgrade.
If you want more space, better flow, and a kitchen that actually works for your family, MB9 can design and install a custom island that fits your home perfectly.

Visit www.mb9.com.au to learn more or book a consultation.