Kitchen Island Design: Creating Your Culinary Oasis
We all know that the kitchen is the heart of the home; and modern kitchens must serve multiple purposes simultaneously – food preparation, dining, entertaining, even a homework zone for kids.
The solution that most often accommodates these needs is the coveted kitchen island. Kitchen islands have been gaining popularity every year since the 1980’s when the great room concept was originally introduced.
Today’s kitchen island’s come in every shape and size imaginable. Simple islands may be comprised of only a single base cabinet to accommodate more food prep space, and elaborate designs may include an ornate cooking center or even multiple sinks and dishwashing zones. Islands can also be built in a variety of heights to accommodate the needs of the owner.
But, with so many options and customizations to choose from; how do you decide which one is right for you and your family?
Determine the Purpose of Your Kitchen Island
DINING
Will this be an area that serves as your dining room? Many homeowners are moving away from formal dining rooms and instead incorporating their eating area into their islands.
STORAGE
We encourage you to always incorporate additional storage where possible. To create the perfect kitchen island, consider what storage is needed to fill a specific need. For example, if you love baking, you may want to incorporate deep drawers for baking appliance storage, or electric outlets for small appliances.
PREP SPACE
We can create gorgeous prep space islands for families that enjoy cooking together. A very popular option is to incorporate a sink into the island. What better way to move food prep out of confined corners and into the limelight? This is a wonderful way to make dinner prep a family activity. Many people also say their island sinks make dish-washing less bothersome – since they are able to look out into the action areas of their homes. Both cooking areas and clean up areas can be incorporated seamlessly into an island.
Determine the Size Your Kitchen Island Should Be
It is understandable how people can get carried away when designing a kitchen island. With the beautiful imagery we’re inundated with on TV, it’s easy to see why. Kitchen islands certainly can create a luxurious feel, but there can be too much of a good thing. Too-large islands can overwhelm the rest of your kitchen. Work with a designer to ensure your island is proportionate and does not interrupt the work space or flow of your kitchen.
Determine the Best Countertop Material for Your Island
It’s vital to consider the purpose of your kitchen island before determining the countertop material. There is no rule that states your island must match the rest of your kitchen, so get creative! You can learn all about kitchen countertop options, here.
Understand that stone slabs are natural materials, and are typically about 10 feet long. For countertops that exceed 10 feet long, there are a few options: utilize bookend slabs, or utilize man-made materials.
Contact the kitchen island experts at McCabinet
At McCabinet, we’ll create a kitchen island that is unique to you and your needs. Your kitchen island is one of the most important parts of your kitchen remodel, and at McCabinet, we guarantee that yours will be everything you ever dreamed of. Our award-winning designers will make sure to ask all of the right questions to ensure your design is not only functional but beautiful. Come in and visit our Largo showroom today to see what we can do for you!