kitchen island design
Design/Build, Remodeling

6 Ways to Create the Perfect Kitchen Island Design

The beautiful and functional kitchen island is one of the most desired aspects of kitchen remodels. Kitchen islands are multifunctional, adding storage space, usable counter space, and more seating/entertaining areas. They can also provide opportunities for fun design elements, including vibrant colors and show-stopping pendant lighting. But how do you achieve that perfectly designed kitchen island that suits your space and is both aesthetically pleasing and functional? 

kitchen island designUsing a Kitchen Island

It’s easy to focus more on the island’s appearance rather than considering its functionality. However, how you use the kitchen island will dictate its design more than anything else. For example, will you be using it primarily for meal prep, letting the kids do school work or DIY projects? Will you be hosting a lot of parties? The kitchen island is the perfect spot to lay out appetizers and drinks for easy access. These are the things you’ll want to discuss with your designer to ensure your island is designed uniquely for your lifestyle.  

The Size of a Kitchen Island

How much space you should allocate for the kitchen island is another consideration.   Think about how large the island should be, rather than how big it could be. This will depend on the size of your kitchen and how you intend to use the island. Don’t take up precious walking space to have an oversized island. You’ll regret it when you’re constantly bumping your hips on the island as you try to navigate through the kitchen. 

Appliances in a Kitchen Island

Not all kitchen islands have appliances built-in, but deciding what features you want to be included in your island will be essential to its design. What appliances you include will also depend on how much space you have. For example, if you want a cooktop, you are sacrificing workspace, but that’s fine if it’s how you intend to use the island. You may want to consider smaller kitchen appliances as well. For example, is there enough space for your full-size KitchenAid mixer?   

kitchen island designSeating at a Kitchen Island

This may or may not be an option for you if you do have enough space, but you might want to think about incorporating a ledge into the design so you can add seating to your kitchen island. This is an excellent way to open the space up to visitors and kids who might want to hang out with you while you’re working in the kitchen. 

Lighting a Kitchen Island

Whether you are icing cookies or overseeing your children’s science projects,  your kitchen island will require proper lighting. Deciding what type of lighting you need is crucial. Typically homeowners use decorative pendant lights. These hang from the ceiling and get closer to the island’s surface than recessed ceiling lights. However, you could have both, ensuring you have all the lighting needed to complete any task. 

kitchen island designCountertops for Kitchen Islands

You can, of course, use the same material on your island that you have throughout your kitchen, but mixing and matching is a fun new trend we see in kitchen island designs. Keep in mind that the island will likely receive more wear and tear than other countertop areas. This means it’s more susceptible to staining or chipping. If you have marble as your perimeter countertop, maybe consider similar-looking quartz for the island. Or you could embrace the look and go for a wooden top that will invariably stain, dent, and tarnish with age, giving it a unique, rustic character.

So, If you are choosing a kitchen island, it will be an exciting and essential  element of your kitchen remodel, and you will want to consider all these critical factors. Go through this list with your designer to ensure you’ll end up with the kitchen island of your dreams!

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