What is a kitchen island? A kitchen island is a freestanding cabinet which can either match your existing kitchen design or stand alone. A kitchen island can have kitchen stools around it, for extra seating and include storage drawers or cabinets and can be used to house your cooking appliances, cook books, table cloths etc. Does anyone still use tablecloths?
A kitchen island solves storage problems and looks beautiful doing it. From mobile islands to seating area kitchen islands, the amenity of having one or two in your kitchen is an bonus. If you are fortunate to design or choose a home with a kitchen island you’re in for a treat. For those that are on the fence whether to have one, look at these 6 benefits of having a great kitchen island. My daughter recently remodeled her kitchen. She added a kitchen island in The remodel. It was a great decision. The island is used daily. Grand kids do their home work on it, they also do their crafts there. They play games there. The island can be family catch all, where everybody puts they Unfindable stuff and now when they look for it, they will find the item there. The kitchen island very useful for holiday meals for all the extra dishes and desserts.
You can make the kitchen island the center piece of your home by using beautiful candle arrangements. It really does not take much.
1. An island adds storage area in addition to cabinetry:
If your kitchen is lacking storage areas, a kitchen island may solve your problem. With the option of additional drawers, pull out shelves, and cabinets, the island is an extension to your existing casework. Ever thought you didn’t have enough room for recycling bins? Under a kitchen island makes a great accessible space because it doesn’t interfere with the main preparation area of the rest of the kitchen.
2. A kitchen island is perfect for kids:
Whether it is homework time or they pitch in to help make dinner, a kitchen island is a great place for kids to feel part of the action and be in close eye view. Another option for kitchen islands is to place kid’s height amenities like a microwave and refrigerated drawer in reach. For after school snacks and Saturday morning early breakfasts, amenities that the kids can feel independent.
3. Extra seating is a major asset:
A kitchen island can act as informal dining area for the kids or it can act as additional seating when entertaining. Having access to your family or guests is always an advantage while cooking and preparing meals. Even if your kitchen is small, a counter extension into the adjacent room can act as an island. Whether your space can seat 2 or 6, it’s always a plus to be able to seat more people.
4. A movable kitchen island adds versatility:
Need extra counter space and at other times need more floor space? A movable kitchen island offers more room when you and your friends want to cook a huge meal and each person takes a section of the kitchen to prepare. Once your meal is complete, roll your kitchen island out of the way for added space. Movable kitchens are ideal for smaller kitchens that need the best of both worlds.
5. Place additional kitchen amenities at your island:
For larger kitchens the ability to add preparation sinks, refrigerator drawers, and additional cooking area is a way to make your kitchen more functional and useful. Since larger kitchens have the ability to have plumbing and electrical services run to them the options are limitless. Add a range hood over your stove/grill and now your island becomes the main hub of cooking and entertaining.
6. The material options for an island are endless:
Whether you are using your island for utilitarian purposes or you want the island to be the show stopper of the kitchen, there is a counter top surface for you. If cost is a concern, consider plastic laminate or solid surface man made finishes. For mid level spending consider higher grades of solid surfaces or stained concrete. At the high end of the cost spectrum are butcher block, granite, and custom exotic wood varieties. Visit a counter top retailer for inspiration or look through a kitchen and bath magazine to get dream kitchen island ideas.
If you think a kitchen island is just for show, you now have legitimate reasons why your kitchen can benefit from one. From storage to additional seating, any sized home will love the versatility a kitchen island.
The pros and cons to an open kitchen with island
The advantages to a kitchen island are many: You get more counter space, more storage, an eating area, and possibly room for an appliance or small work sink. In short, you can easily convert an L-shaped kitchen into a U-shaped one with the addition of an island! With an open concept plan, you also get to interact with people not in the kitchen with you while you’re cooking, or keep an eye on kids doing homework while seated at the island.
On the other hand, you have the additional cost, as noted above, plus an island can disrupt the classic triangle layout of sink/range/refrigerator. More than anything, you want your kitchen to be functional, so adding an island and causing dysfunction is a very bad idea. That said, not all islands have to be rectangular in shape. You could look into something V-shaped if that serves your traffic flow better. But that will also add to your costs.
Personally if you have room, I would go for the kitchen island.