As it was his custom each year to attend the synod of the Scottish Presbyterian church, usually he would ride the four days’ journey on his little white horse and would stop off at some of the small inns along. Many years ago in the highlands of Scotland lived a great preacher named Hector McPhail. Smaller kitchens are far better suited to a design that is considerate of the space available, galley and L-shape kitchens continue to accommodate the extra workspace, they can include breakfast bars and different seating and tabling options to definitively offer what an island simply cannot in a small room. The Highland Kitchen-Maid and Hector McPhail. Working pieces of furniture with a vintage provenance, beautiful dining tables, breakfast bars, or banquettes all supply a diverse and arresting dimension to ensure your kitchen is unique to you, whilst adding the seating, social, storage, and extra workspace that you desire. Kitchen islands should not be thought of as a default element in kitchen design, even if you have the space. In fact, some of the best kitchen designs completely forgo an island. Yes, you certainly can have a kitchen without an island. ‘The addition of any freestanding piece is an opportunity to add texture and variety as a counterpoint to the kitchen’s fitted cupboards, be they vintage, antique, or very crisp and modern all add interest and personality.’ FAQs Can you have a kitchen without an island? 'This can be all it takes to prevent kitchens feeling too fitted, while also proving extremely useful,’ says Merlin Wright, design director, Plain English. However, you can take a different approach to typical island ideas: a farmhouse table. But far too often, islands can feel like a monolithic obstruction in the middle of the room. When planning a kitchen, it is always very tempting to go for a kitchen island if you are fortunate enough to have the space for one. Worktables can also be constructed with overhangs or empty bays for stools.' 3. The advantage of the worktable is that it has the visual lightness of a table while the extra height allows space for generous drawers and maybe a slatted shelf for storing pans and platters below. A dining table is seating height whereas a worktable is full-height. Merlin Wright, design director at Plain English, explains: 'Islands can be cabinetry built right down to the floor to contain storage and appliances but this can create a somewhat bulky and over-fitted look so an alternative could be to use instead a table or a worktable. A table can be utilized as both social space, and additional workspace, especially if it has drawer storage as well. If you need to use your kitchen as a dining room, consider using a dining or work table in place of an island. Movement around the kitchen and units should be easy, so trying to squeeze in an island if the space does not lend itself to this layout will ultimately impact the functionality of the space.

HK has been delivering American comfort food, well-crafted cocktails, friendly service and a killer jukebox since 2007. It is key to consider the most suitable layout options for your kitchen depending on the size and shape. Highland Kitchen is a family-owned neighborhood restaurant and bar located 'up the hill' in the heart of Somerville. (Image credit: British Standard by Plain English)

Hyland kitchen