Kitchen Islands

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If kitchens are the heart of the home, then kitchen islands are the heart of the kitchen

The concept of adding a kitchen island to create more storage and working space is the best concept since sliced bread. Speaking of sliced bread, many homeowners use their kitchen island as a baking center. What a great place to store your bread machine, measuring cups and spoons, cookie sheets, and all those spices.

What the water cooler is at work the kitchen island is at home. Kitchen islands are the gathering hub of every great party; the perfect place to converse and share appetizers. The host doesn’t miss out on any of the fun while at the same time he or she is able to work freely in the kitchen preparing the meal.

All things great start with a dream. Kitchen islands are a great way to add decorative interest and add your own special touch of creativity. The only roadblocks to your kitchen island dreams are (A) budget limitations, and (B) space constraints, other than that sky’s the limit.

Kitchen islands come in all shapes and sizes. They can be installed, free standing, or on casters. They can be round, square, oblong, rectangular, and wedge shaped. If your kitchen is large enough you can have multiple kitchen islands. You can opt for a single surface or tiered surface. Open shelving or cabinet doors.

Mapping out your kitchen island

Once you determine the shape and size of your kitchen island you’ll need to determine its main function. What features would you like in your island? Some may include:

Seating area - casual dining, homework, breakfast bar

Flat top surface or tiered level counter - a flat top surface is ideal for prep work, cleaning, chopping, etc. A raised level provides a comfortable seating area while blocking kitchen messes from view. If you have a sink or range in the island the raised level also shields from splatters and spatters.

Sinks - this can be your main sink or a secondary sink. Sinks are very popular in kitchen islands – it allows the cook to enjoy his guests and clean up at the same time.

Dishwashers - if you’re going to plumb for a sink you may as well have a dishwasher installed while you’re at it. This will ensure even more quality time with your guests. It sure beats looking at the wall or out the window, eh?

Ranges - if you include a range you’ll need to consider whether you’d prefer a down draft venting system or a hood that vents through the ceiling. A hood can make a dramatic statement in your kitchen however if you’re considering a pots & pan rack over the island or you just want open space, then getting a range with a down draft is the answer.

Ovens - this can be your primary oven or a secondary oven. Having two ovens really comes in handy during the holidays for cooking appetizers and casseroles.

Power - you may not include any major appliances in your island scheme however you should seriously consider adding power. Outlets will really come in handy to plug in toasters, blenders, etc.

Lighting – don’t forget your lighting. You’ll need direct overhead lighting on your kitchen island if you’re going to use your island for food preparation – indirect lighting just won’t cut it.

Some of the features you may want to include in your kitchen island are:

Kitchen Islands