Kitchen islands are a popular way to make kitchens multi-functional and show a move away from simply a utilitarian place to cook, a houseware company has said.Speaking to Universal Press Syndicate, founder of Williams-Sonoma Chuck Williams said in the first half of the 20th century, the kitchen was a place to cook and a dining room a place to eat. In the 1960s, people were starting to remodel their kitchens to make them more livable, to accommodate everyday eating, he explained. Ed Pell, manager of market research for the National Kitchen and Bath Association, added that kitchens have evolved into all-round living spaces, with televisions and computers sharing island spaces with sinks, hobs and dishwashers.The article went on to say that many homeowners opt for a food preparation area for their islands, with a sink, food waste disposer, cutting boards and waste organisers. For those looking for a smaller sink for kitchen islands, the Franke Compact range has a rounded design and a professional look.