There is plenty of discussion as to whether a kitchen is truly complete without an island. Unless your kitchen is on the small side, there is likely enough space for an island, even if it is fairly diminutive in size. Here is a look at how the top considerations to think about before adding a kitchen island and the type of island that is best for your home’s unique kitchen.
Recognize the Importance of a Kitchen Island
The size and layout of the kitchen in the home you buy or the one you already own largely determine whether it can accommodate a kitchen island. If the home you have your eye on has limited kitchen space, don’t assume it cannot accommodate an island. Narrow, tall, and comparably small kitchen islands are now available that they can easily fit inside kitchens of all sizes.
Opt for a kitchen island and it will add that much more storage and counter space to this important part of the home. An added bonus is the fact that the kitchen island provides a central point for people to congregate in the kitchen. Family members, visitors, and others who spend time in your home will gravitate to the kitchen island to talk, eat and enjoy one another’s company.
If your focus is on function as opposed to socializing, you will love the utility provided by a kitchen island. Kitchen islands provide ample space to prepare food, lay out ingredients for recipes, write out notes pertaining to food prep and facilitate the transfer of ingredients to the oven and also the counters used to combine ingredients for meals.
The Ideal Island for Your Kitchen
It is no secret that the average kitchen island takes up a considerable amount of space. However, don’t let the potential space that an island occupies be a deal-breaker. Take a look at the plethora of kitchen island options and you’ll likely find one that can easily fit in your kitchen, even if it is on the small side. If you are in the market for a new home, try to imagine the kitchen with an island. Use your mind’s eye to envision yourself moving throughout the kitchen, venturing to and from the island, counters, and other parts of the room.
At a bare minimum, you will need two feet in width along with an overhang of a foot and two more feet along the sides to permit the placement of chairs. There should be at least three feet on the sides of the island so you and your family can walk without impediment.
Mind the Island Design
Shift your focus to the design of the island before plunking down your hard-earned cash for this important addition to your home. Consider whether the island will be used to seat guests or whether people will stand around it. If the island will be used for snacking or eating meals, it will need that much more surface area. When in doubt, opt for a professionally designed kitchen island customized for your unique kitchen and it will serve you well in the years ahead. Choose the right kitchen island for your home and you will agree it is a true game-changer, regardless of whether you spend the next couple decades in the home or decide to sell in the years ahead.
The Right Kitchen Island Will Transform Your Kitchen
If you are considering adding an island to your kitchen, carefully consider the information presented above before making a decision. Those considering buying a home, are encouraged to think long and hard about whether the room will have enough space to accommodate an island. When in doubt, consult with a home remodeling team to determine whether an island can be added to your kitchen and get an idea of the specific type of island that will look and function best.
