Kitchen islands add a convenient work area plus extra storage space in your kitchen. An island can also be a comfortable focal point not only just for its eye appeal, but for gatherings of family and friends in your kitchen. An island can be added to a new or existing kitchen and by following some simple guidelines, the project will go smoother.
Analyze the Room
Before you plan on adding an island, Kitchen Cabinets and Design Online, a website devoted to guiding consumers about kitchens, recommends measuring your desired island size and marking it on your floor with chalk. This will allow you to get a feel of the placement and determine whether it will feel too cramped. If so, you may need to adapt your island shape or size. Some kitchens will not accommodate an island and you may want to eliminate the idea altogether or compromise by using a small utility cupboard in the center of your kitchen.
Measure
According to Kitchen Cabinets and Design Online, the minimum space between your cabinets and an island should be 36 to 42 inches if it is near a wall. However, 42 inches or more is best if the island will be near an appliance, such as an oven or dishwasher, so they can be used efficiently. A portable island can be moved out of the way when necessary, and may be a good choice if you have less than 36 inches for a walkway.
Determine Your Choices
Decide what you want on your island and how you want to use it. Your island can include a solid countertop to match your other counters, or you can feature a butcher-block cutting board on the island or a snack bar with different heights. You can have a second sink or extra, mini refrigerator; your island can even host your dishwasher or cooking range. Extra drawers and cupboard space is usually a wise choice in an island.
You may want to focus on a specific theme for your island, such as Egyptian or Italian, or you can use it to feature specialty wines or collectible, or even have side bookshelves. Specialty lighting or hanging your cookware or glassware over the center are other popular ideas for islands. Your options are unlimited, and once you determine your desired size and available space, you can do some creative thinking and design an island of your imagination.
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