Bringing Island Life to Your Kitchen (Literally)
Offering visual appeal and functionality, a kitchen island acts as both a statement piece and organizational tool. If you host often, kitchen islands also make the perfect gathering spot for guests.
Thankfully, there are countless islands to complement your kitchen’s layout that can align with your personal style. In fact, there are so many that without a proper vision, choosing the best island for your space can get overwhelming. Allow us to help!
In this post, we’ll review the benefits of islands, design options, and the best type of kitchens to place them in.
Image by Chastity Cortijo / Unsplash
Benefits of Kitchen Islands
Kitchen islands are ideal for a variety of homeowners - take a look.
The Culinary Enthusiast: If you enjoy putting your culinary skills to the test, an island will be a welcome addition to your kitchen layout. Islands provide extra prep space for your meals, and can help you stay organized when working with more in-depth recipes.
The Entertainer: Kitchen islands can easily turn into a comfortable gathering spot for guests if you enjoy hosting get-togethers. They provide space for guests to chat, enjoy drinks, and also allow you to be involved in the fun part of hosting, too!
The Organizer: Often including plenty of space for storing kitchen items, islands are ideal if you’re looking to maximize your space. In fact, certain kitchen islands will include hidden trash bins and even built-in wine racks.
The Designer: It’s no secret that kitchen islands become a main focal point of your kitchen, which can provide the perfect design opportunity. Make your kitchen islands stand out by investing in quality natural wood and stone materials.
Image by Kelsey Chance / Unsplash
Kitchen Island Design Considerations
Size & Scale
Kitchen islands are a wonderful addition to many kitchens - but not all. Kitchens that are smaller or on the narrow side may not be the best when it comes to adding in an island. We recommend measuring the area you’d like your island to be, ensuring you’ve got a 36 to 48 inch clearance. This step is key, as it helps confirm if an island is truly the right fit for your kitchen.
Functionality
Adding an island to your kitchen layout brings an extra layer of functionality to your space. Many islands include sinks, a cooktop, and or/plenty of prep space for meals. Furthermore, kitchen islands with added storage can feature both closed or open shelving, depending on your preferences.
Seating
Since islands can act as a fantastic gathering place for guests, consider how many people it can seat comfortably. This number, of course, depends on the size of your island and your kitchen layout - typically, islands can seat around three to six guests. You’ll also find bar stools are a common choice here, as they come in a range of styles and are great for saving space.
Style & Finishes
Kitchen islands are highly customizable, especially when it comes to surfaces and cabinetry. We suggest choosing contrasting shades when it comes to these features to make your kitchen island “pop.” For example, lighter oak cabinets would pair wonderfully with a sleek, honed granite surface.
Curated Kitchen Co. island featuring sink and plenty of prep space
When an Island Doesn’t Work (and What to Do About It)
We love the versatility and beauty of kitchen islands - but we also know they’re not always the best fit for certain kitchens. This is often the case in smaller, narrow kitchens featuring a galley layout. An island would only take away space from these kitchen styles, making things feel cramped.
Thankfully, there are plenty of alternative options for amplifying your kitchen space. A smaller table can work well as an island substitute while providing the same benefits. Mobile islands also exist for smaller kitchens, offering the look of an island but with the ability to easily move around.
Image by Sosey Interiors / Unsplash
Maximize Space and Visual Appeal With a Custom Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands help you feel more at home in your space by offering unique beauty and extra storage options. Our team is well-versed in kitchen island design, understanding both their benefits and potential limitations. We’ll work with you to determine if a kitchen island is the right fit for your space and how we can incorporate one into your home. Talk with us today to get started.
