If the kitchen is the heart of your home, then the kitchen island is the heartbeat that keeps everything in rhythm. Whether it’s used for cooking, dining, homework or entertaining, the kitchen island provides numerous benefits, including additional workspace and storage. Since a kitchen island plays a significant role in your gathering space, it should be thoughtfully designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. Here are six design details that should rank at the top of your initial plans:
1. Size and Shape
The size and shape of your kitchen island should be determined by its intended use and the size of your kitchen. A larger island may be better suited for cooking and food preparation, while a smaller island may be better for dining and entertaining. A kitchen island can also be designed in a variety of shapes, including square, rectangular, circular, or even an irregular one. When choosing a shape, it’s important to consider the overall flow and functionality of your kitchen.
Design Tip: No matter the actual size of your island, it’s important to leave between 42 and 48 inches around the perimeter for clearance. This allows ease of movement for multiple people using the kitchen.
2. Purpose
It’s essential to have a full understanding of your island’s purpose before making any design decisions. Will you use your island as a spot for entertaining guests, a workspace for food prep, or a little bit of both? Think about how you want your island to function for your needs. If you want extra prep space, and you’re installing a sink or a cooktop, you may consider installing those to one side so you have a large work surface. If your island is a place you want to utilize for extra seating, you’ll want to add a countertop overhang clearance of about 15 to 18 inches for counter stools.
3. Storage
A kitchen island presents a great opportunity to add extra storage. Whether you choose drawers, open shelving, or custom-built cabinetry, it’s important to consider the items that will be stored and the amount of space required. A kitchen island with a built-in sink or dishwasher will require space to accommodate the necessary plumbing and electrical connections. For this reason, you should decide early on if you want to include storage in your island.
4. Lighting
The type of lighting you choose for your island sets the tone for the space. Because your island serves many purposes, you might consider using both task and ambient lighting. Task lighting is ideal for food preparation and cooking, while ambient lighting brings a warm and inviting atmosphere into your kitchen. Pendant lights are a popular choice for kitchen island lighting, as they provide both task and ambient lighting in a stylish and functional design.
Design Tip: Don’t forget the outlets! You can really never have too many. It is easy to hide them when not in use.
5. Seating
Seating provides a place for people to gather and socialize. When designing your kitchen island, it’s important to consider the number of people who will be using the seating. If you are going to have seating, we suggest you include an overhang of at least 15 to 18 inches.
6. Style and Aesthetics
Your island should complement the overall style of your kitchen, whether it’s a contemporary, traditional, or eclectic design. The materials used—including the countertops, cabinetry, and lighting—should all work together to create a cohesive and stylish design. If you want your kitchen island to stand on its own, select a different countertop material or paint color from your perimeter cabinets. By using a contrasting color in your kitchen cabinetry, your island will be an instant focal point.
Kitchen Remodeling in NH’s Lakes Region, White Mountains, and Northern ME
A well-designed kitchen island creates a functional and aesthetically pleasing space that will be the centerpiece of your kitchen. Planning a kitchen remodel? Contact the home building and remodeling experts at Cormack Construction Management.
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