It’s a given in just about every kitchen, regardless of the existing layout and size: you always need more space for storage and food preparation. A kitchen island can solve this problem entirely, as kitchen islands are the ideal combination of practicality and beauty. Not only will this versatile addition to your kitchen provide ample space for storing appliances, bowls, plates, and other kitchen tools, but the top of the island allows extra space for food preparation, an ideal place to put groceries away, or even seating for additional guests at mealtimes.
To obtain extra space in your existing kitchen, you could undertake a lengthy and expensive remodeling project that will introduce messy dust throughout your home for several months. A ready-made island is a much better solution to this situation; in no time at all, you’ll be enjoying the luxury of placing all of your most-used kitchen items in convenient drawers, shelves, and cupboards, and you’ll have ample space to prepare food on the top of the island. An optional food-safe butcher block top helps to make food preparation tasks even easier.
Be sure to think about your existing kitchen’s style and color scheme as you select the best island for your kitchen. Are you looking for something modern in style, or would a more traditional island be a better fit in your kitchen? What colors would coordinate best with your existing decor? What should the kitchen island legs look like? How will the storage spaces be utilized? Do you want a butcher block top, or would you rather have the top coordinate with your existing countertops? What size should the island be to allow for additional functionality and to scale properly to the size of your kitchen?
It’s essential to also give some thought to where your kitchen island will be located. Consider the “work triangle” that is a standard tool in kitchen design; this is the ergonomic triangle with the points formed by the existing kitchen’s sink, refrigerator, and cooktop. Kitchen islands need to be located in a spot that coordinates with the existing work triangle to optimize their functionality as an addition to your kitchen.
Functionality for accomplishing work is just one advantage of kitchen islands; the kitchen is becoming a central area for entertaining, so an island can help to give a group the perfect place to gather. If additional seating would be beneficial, look for kitchen island legs that raise the island to a height where people can be comfortably seated at the island.
The best islands for your kitchen will allow customization so that they fit well into your lifestyle and provide space for your kitchen and food items. For example, a wine storage rack within the island can provide an excellent place to stash your wine bottles, and the wine is then within easy reach for entertaining or to pop it into the refrigerator to chill. Adjustable shelving allows you to increase or decrease the shelf heights so that the space is best utilized to fit the items that you wish to store.
A kitchen island can provide a multitude of benefits that make your life easier, and your kitchen tasks more convenient. In addition, an island can accomplish all of this while also adding style and beauty to your kitchen’s appearance. Whether you select an island that blends with the existing cabinetry and countertops or an island that stands out as a focal point, there’s no doubt that you will wonder how you ever lived without this helpful addition to yours.