Start by Deciding on the Size and Shape of Your Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands come in a range of sizes, from small rolling islands to large islands with plenty of seating. Your kitchen’s layout and size are determining factors when deciding on the size of your kitchen island. It is recommended that the walkway between an island and kitchen cabinetry be at least 36 inches. If the island contains appliances, the walkway should be 42 to 48 inches wide.Color Options for a Kitchen Island
When deciding on the color for your kitchen island base, consider the existing elements in your kitchen. You can either choose a coordinating or contrasting color. In addition to the color of your island cabinetry, you should consider the color of your countertop and countertop material.- Using Coordinating Colors
- Using Contrasting Colors
A Pastry Inspired Island
Professional bakers prefer preparing pastry and other confections on marble because it stays cool. Choose a beautiful marble countertop and transform your kitchen into a bakery inspired work area. If you enjoy baking, you can increase the functionality of your island by including a cooktop, a sink, and storage for your baking pans. A hanging rack for pots and pans can also be placed above your island to make cooking a breeze.Multi-Height Kitchen Island
If you have knee, back, hip, or foot issues that prevent you from standing while preparing a meal, a low height island might be the answer. This island allows you to sit in a chair and prepare your meal. Another option is a multi-level island. This type of island enables you to have a standard height work area and a higher level island for bar stool seating.Open Up Your Space and Increase Storage with an Island
The popular concept of open floor plans screams for a kitchen island. An island provides you with full sight lines throughout your kitchen while increasing storage space. The island can be used as an open concept friendly separator from the kitchen and dining areas or the kitchen and living room. A large island topped with soapstone countertops provides a perfect place for guests to sit while the homeowner is in the kitchen preparing a meal.Something Old, Something New
Do you love antiques? Would you like to bring some old-world charm into your kitchen without sacrificing functionality? Repurpose an antique dresser into an island for your Kitchen. When looking for a dresser, look for one that has dovetail joints and deep drawers. An antique dresser is a great place to store kitchen towels, serving dishes, and kitchen tools. Top the dresser with a slab of new granite, marble, or soapstone for the perfect work area.A Kitchen Island with Integrated Appliances
Integrating common kitchen appliances like a wine refrigerator, dishwasher, or microwave into a kitchen island can save on counter space. Furthermore, adding and undermount sink in your kitchen island gives you a great place to wash and chop veggies. A granite countertop that has a drainboard carved into the counter provides the perfect place to dry your hand-washed dishes.Extend the Countertop Past the Island
If you are like most homeowners, you can always use extra seating. Many kitchens are narrow, which can prevent the installation of a wide island that includes seating. One way to counteract this is to create a long narrow island with seating at one end. This countertop is created by building a tabletop that attaches to your kitchen island. Then, place a piece of natural stone like quartz, granite or marble along the entire length of the island. After you have decided on the size and shape of your kitchen island, it is time to consider the different countertop choices. When you begin looking for a countertop, you can quickly become overwhelmed. However, answering a few questions can help cut your options down to a reasonable amount.- How will you use your island countertop? If your island will have an integrated cooktop, or will it primarily be used for food prep and seating?
- What colors would you like in your countertop?
- Quartz – Quartz countertops are virtually maintenance-free; however, they can become damaged when exposed to heat. [image link – https://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/7/2/0/DOTY2019_Design-Bar-Detroit_Univ-District_2.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.1280.suffix/1562082192176.jpeg]
- Marble – Marble is an excellent choice for home cooks who enjoy pastry and confection making; however, they can become etched if not properly sealed. [image link – https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/7b31abb5-291a-495f-bb4d-845436b4f319/svn/4-options-available-custom-marble-countertops-64_400_compressed.jpg]
- Granite – Granite is stain, heat, and scratch-resistant; however, they must be sealed. Furthermore, granite can quickly dull knives. [image link – https://lda.lowes.com/is/image/Lowes/DP18-6358_030918_Granite_dt_bnr_3-1_allen_roth?scl=1]
- Soapstone – Soapstone is stain and heat resistant; however, it is soft. A cutting board must always be used to prevent damage to your countertop surface. [image link – https://s3-production.bobvila.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Dorado-Soapstone-1.jpg]
Conclusion
A kitchen island increases storage space and seating in your kitchen. Kitchen islands work well in both contemporary and traditional kitchens. A solid surface countertop like quartz, marble, granite, or soapstone enhances the aesthetics of your kitchen.Designing an island? Get the height right first — my standard counter height guide explains counter-height (36″) vs bar-height (42″) islands and which stools match each.
