As you go through the process of remodeling your kitchen, one design element you may be considering including is a kitchen island.
Islands are popular additions to kitchens, when space allows, because of their combination of functionality and aesthetics. Islands, when designed well, can be very attractive, and they can be used for food prep, storage, cooking or simply as gathering spaces.
When you’re coming up with your own custom kitchen island ideas to incorporate into your kitchen remodel, here are just a few of the factors you’ll want to consider.
Sufficient countertop space
One of the biggest advantages of giving yourself a kitchen island is that it can add a lot of counter space. When you don’t have enough counter space, it’s easy for your kitchen to become cluttered, which can make cooking and food prep difficult. The island opens up more space for food prep, allows you to cook together as a family and can even be used to serve food to people sharing meals with you.
For aesthetics, you might consider choosing a different color or material for the kitchen island countertop that complements but doesn’t match the rest of your countertops. This can help make it match and create more visual interest.
Storage
Don’t just focus on what’s on top of the island—you should also use your kitchen island for additional storage. You can add open shelving for cookbook access or frequently used small appliances. Add cabinets with pull-out doors for garbage or recycling. Put in drawers, or add a wine rack. Add hooks for towels or hot pads.
Whatever you decide to go with, make sure you maximize the potential of your island for additional storage.
Appliances
You can integrate various fixtures and appliances into a kitchen island. You might need to add some plumbing, electricity or ventilation, depending on what you’re looking to accomplish, but you could use your island to install a sink, stovetop, microwave or other type of appliance that would not fit within your existing countertop space.
Multi-level functionality
Some people like creating kitchen islands with variations in the height, making a multi-level island that can be used for different purposes. You could have the top level be a breakfast bar with the lower level serving as a food prep area, for example. Consider how you’re most likely to use the island and how much space you have in the kitchen before deciding how you’ll design it.
Vertical space
Don’t forget that when you add a kitchen island, you also have vertical space above the island you can use. You might simply decide to install a new lighting fixture, but you could also add a range hood, some suspended storage options or some sort of decoration.
Interested in learning about some other ideas you could implement to make the most out of your brand-new kitchen island? We encourage you to contact the team at Kitchen Kreators Ltd. today. We’d be happy to talk you through some popular kitchen island ideas!