According to the National Association of HomeBuilders (NAHB), kitchen islands are one of the most popular kitchen design features among today’s consumers. The NAHB
also reports that buyers of new homes have also indicated a desire for kitchen islands as well. Actually some 80% of homebuyers consider a kitchen island to be an absolute must and a common choice in kitchen design. In fact often the kitchen is often designed around them.
A kitchen island can be put in a single row kitchen cabinets lineup or as part of an a L-shape kitchen, serving as the center of the entire kitchen, or it can be a stand-alone platform in the middle of the kitchen providing convenience and efficiency by creating more workspace. When the island is located in the center of the kitchen more space in automatically created. In most situations a kitchen island is the ideal way to separate the kitchen from the living room. If the kitchen island has cook top, sinks or pull-out drawer refrigerators then this accommodates greater convenience and socializing since one can do dishes and preparation while conversing with guests in the living room. There are endless uses for kitchen islands, and endless design possibilities as well. You can build kitchen islands in all different shapes and sizes. They come in many different styles, and can be made with your choice of materials.
Some kitchen islands even come equipped with wheels so that they can be moved about the kitchen. A mobile island will give you the extra mobility that you need if company comes over or if you need to move your appliances. You can use the island to create a separate space if you have a kitchen that uses an open floor plan. The ability to divide the kitchen a bit can be useful when it comes to entertaining as well. You can create separate spaces for those occasions.
Some kitchen islands consist of custom-built fine cabinetry and include a sink, granite counters, a stovetop, cabinets for storage, a second dishwasher, a warming oven, or a small refrigerator.
The simplest and most common types of kitchen islands can have a single surface, like a tabletop. But a multi-level kitchen island can provide space for both food preparation and eating areas, wine racks, cookbook shelves, bar sinks, deep fryers, and other amenities. A step-down or step-up surface also provides separate work areas, as well as personality and style.
A kitchen island can serve as the work center of any kitchen. Even in a small kitchen a kitchen island can included if it is scaled to fit and can be practical. Usually if your kitchen is at least 12 to 15 feet wide is should be possible to provide space for a freestanding storage unit in the center of the kitchen. An island with a flat surface area can be a practical storage solution and can provide a bit of elegance to any kitchen. Kitchen islands also provide such benefits as more work space, creating more storage area, and providing room for all the extra appliances used with them.
Because kitchens today are growing rapidly in size many kitchen designers are installing industrial appliances, state of the art cabinets and custom countertops. They are also adding such architectural details such as bump-outs, corner posts, inset areas and open shelving The kitchen island today is so much more than a single small table in the middle of the kitchen. Now the kitchen design trend is toward kitchen islands that are more elaborate and becoming fully equipped ‘kitchens within a kitchen’, complete with sink, stovetop, and refrigerator. While a kitchen island can be as simple as a table with open legs, many kitchen designers are adding functional and decorative touches, turning the kitchen island into the focal point of the kitchen.
Find Local Contractors Quickly
Revolutionary 3D Home Design Web Tool: Design rooms, remodel kitchens, plan landscaping and more. Check out Plan3D.com!
