A Kitchen Island could Transform Your Kitchen

Date: December 2, 2019
Author: Jon Smith
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If you decide to renovate your kitchen, you may want to create an island for extra storage and additional seating. A kitchen Island also enhances the aesthetics of your kitchen. Topping your kitchen island with a slab of marble, quartz, granite, or soapstone creates a beautiful work surface.

As you enter a kitchen, the first thing you notice is the countertops. Adding a luxury countertop enhances the depth and beauty of your kitchen. However, to maximize the functionality and beauty of your kitchen, you must decide on a design.

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

An example of using coordinating colors is a kitchen with white cabinets and gorgeous white countertops. In this example, your kitchen island would also use white cabinets and white countertops. [image link - https://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2015/10/10/white-kitchen-island-espresso-wood-barstools-coffered-ceiling.jpg]

  • Using Contrasting Colors

Conversely, contrasting colors use opposite colors to create interest. In this example, you would use cherry cabinets and a black countertop. [image link - https://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2016/06/18/cherry-stained-island-tolix-stools-nickel-and-glass-round-lanterns.jpg]

A color wheel can help you determine the colors to use in your kitchen design. [https://www.sessions.edu/color-calculator/] Take the primary color in your kitchen, such as your walls, and enter it into the color calculator. Then, look at the different color options that you can use in your kitchen design. Once you have determined the colors you will use for your island; you must decide on the size and look of the island.

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?

 

Answering these questions can help you determine the type of countertop to install on your kitchen island. Let’s look at the different solid surface countertop options and what they offer.

 

 

 

 

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.

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About Jon - Website Owner

Jon Smith

Hi, my name is Jonathan Smith. I have been in the granite business for many years and have worked my way up from an installer helper to an installer and then a countertop business owner. 

I started my countertop company with very little and grew extremely fast because of my knowledge and helpfulness. I started this countertop resource for 1 main reason. That reason is that there are no countertop websites with all the correct information and none of them are from an industry expert like myself. 

I am still in the trade every single day installing countertops, educating people on the type of material they are using for their homes, and making people's dream kitchens a reality.
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