Kitchen Islands

 

Nothing can put the finishing touch on a kitchen design more than a beautiful, well designed kitchen island.  Not only does it look good, but it provides a very functional seating area as well as additional storage. 

 

You want to impress your friends?

 

A kitchen island does not necessarily need to be the same look and finish as the perimeter cabinets in your kitchen.  In fact, some of the kitchen islands that stand out the most are ones with a different door style, and a completely different finish.  With some additional embellishments such as furniture post on the corners, your otherwise plain kitchen island can be transformed into a stunning furniture piece.  Throw in a beautiful wood countertop, and you’ll have a kitchen design that is sure to be the envy of the neighborhood!

 

 

 

Size requirements for your kitchen island

 

The size of a kitchen island is often dictated by the room dimensions of the kitchen itself.  A minimum isle space of 42” should be provided on all sides of the island, and preferably more space on aisles that have appliances installed.  Also provide a wider aisle space if you have bar stools on that side for seating.  A good rule of thumb for the width requirements on seating is to provide 24” of width for every bar stool.  In other words, if your island is 96” long, that should allow for four bar stools.

 

What can your kitchen island do for you?

 

A kitchen island serves different purposes in different kitchens.  For one kitchen, it may serve as the primary seating and eating area.  For another, it may serve as the main surface area for food prep and baking.  Still another kitchen may use the island only as a place for additional storage.  Make sure you think this thru very carefully, as you do not want to make a mistake during the planning stages and end up with a kitchen island that looks good, but does not satisfy your functional needs.

 

Split level countertops vs. single level

 

A kitchen island sometimes has a split level designed countertop, particularly the ones that have bar stools.  The primary countertop is 36” off the floor, and the part that bumps up is 42” from the floor.  Make sure that the countertop that bumps up is at least 16” in depth, as this will provide an adequate depth for eating requirements.  It can also provide a nice serving area when entertaining a large crowd.  Keep in mind when budgeting that a split level design will cost a little more for the cabinets and countertops, but if the kitchen design really calls for it, it will be worth the money.