Kitchen Islands

The first thing you should do when considering kitchen islands is to think about how you want to use the island and how large it will have to be. Is additional storage your main concern? Are you looking for extra counter top space? Do you plan on adding a second sink, cook top or refrigerator to your island?

Will you need to add electricity or plumbing? The options are virtually endless so let your imagination go wild, but also remain practical and budget conscious.

Kitchen islands can be placed just about anywhere in your kitchen, assuming you have enough room. A great way to see if an island will fit into your kitchen is to pile up empty moving boxes in the size and shape of the island you'd like.

Place these boxes exactly where you are considering an island and keep them there for about a week. This will give you an idea of whether an island will comfortably fit into your kitchen and if it will obstruct traffic.

Also, observe how the size works in relation to your appliances and layout. Feel free to alter the size to see what works best.

Tips for making Kitchen Islands fit:

•The walkway between island and stationary cabinets should be about 36 to 42" wide.

•36" is enough clearance if the island is to be located by a flat wall.

•42" or more is required if the kitchen island stands near a stove, refrigerator, or dishwasher.

•Make sure that you can easily open and close doors of appliances without hitting the new island.

•The height of the island can vary depending on personal preference.

•Try to keep the kitchen triangle (movement between stove, sink and refrigerator) working after the island has been installed. Consider a portable island for versatility and convenience.

For instance, the counter for your island should be placed at least 36 inches away from any existing counter. Many kitchen designers agree that about 42 inches is preferred if possible.

You should try to preserve the kitchen work triangle, which is defined as the space between the sink, refrigerator and stove. Doing so will preserve ease of movement between these three work areas.

What will be the shape of the island? The shape of a proposed island will be determined by the contour of your kitchen, following the room's basic outline. The more space available for the island, the more fixtures and features it is able to include.

With space to pull up stools, a second set of dishwasher drawers, plenty of storage and a wood-trimmed granite top to complete the furniture look, it becomes a functional and fashionable piece.

Counter top Materials

The choice of a counter top material can make the island one of the most dramatic additions to the kitchen design. It is not necessary to have the counter top material match the material used on other counter tops.

A really dramatic design statement can be made in the kitchen by selecting a completely different but complementary counter top material. There are many choices available including solid-surface material, tile, butcher block, and stone such as granite.

Depending on space, kitchen islands can encompass having a simple roll-about cabinet with a work counter, to a more elaborate multi-purpose permanent structure that can anchor the entire kitchen floor plan.

Kitchen islands are one of the most often desired components in new kitchen design. They often act as a transition piece between the kitchen and the den.

Kitchen islands should add warmth and richness to the kitchen, since they often become a focal point of the kitchen. They can add function by providing additional counter space and storage. In many homes, the island is used to transfer items from the oven or stove so as to clear out the cooking space.

With so many types of kitchen furniture and fixtures available, designing and furnishing one's kitchen can be an enjoyable task, be it a new kitchen or remodeling an existing one.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions about kitchen islands by clicking here.

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