The kitchen island has become a necessity and a favorite in many kitchens. In a recent article on Houzz.com, designers said that almost nine out of ten of their kitchen design and installation clients ask about an island in the first meeting. This sought-after feature requires some special consideration and planning. We have a couple of questions you need to consider in the design process.
- What is the function of the island? An island is more than just an eye-catching design element in a kitchen. It’s a piece that can do a lot of work in the kitchen and make it more functional. An island may be needed for extra storage or extra workspace. They can also add additional seating to the kitchen allowing busy families a convenient eating space. Islands can be great places for additional sinks, refrigeration, or even a flat top cooking space.
- What appliances do you need in the island? This is an important question to consider as it relates to the function of the island and also what kind of plumbing and wiring your island will need. An island with a sink or a cooktop can help keep the cook engaged with guests even while entertaining. It can also be a great place to add under counter wine storage or an additional refrigeration drawer. Sometimes a trash compactor or extra dishwasher can help keep a busy kitchen clean.
- What size should the island be? You first have to consider the overall size and shape of your kitchen when answering this question. The standard design maintains a three-foot allowance on each side of the island with a standard height of 36 inches or 42 inches to accommodate bar stools. The minimum recommended size for a fixed island is 40 by 40 inches, and the standard width of more than five feet is not recommended.
- What shape should the island be? In this final question, you must consider the answers you have already discovered about the function of the island and the overall size of your kitchen. An L-shaped island can be a great way to have seating and extra storage, and a U-shaped island with a cooktop is ideal for the chef who likes to be in the middle of everything. Some people even have islands in a triangle shape or even an oval. If you have space limitations, sometimes a rolling island can be a great option to allow for maximum flexibility. You might also get creative and re-purpose an old piece of furniture to make it the centerpiece of your kitchen design. Check out this interesting article from Houzz.com for all the pros and cons of different shapes.
When you know what you want your island to do, the rest will fall into place. If you need additional appliances, we can help point you in the right direction. We know what it takes to design a beautiful and functional kitchen.
