5 creative ideas for kitchen islands
When doing a complete kitchen remodel, an important thing to consider before paint colors or cabinet finishes is what kind of functionality you want your kitchen to have. Standard kitchen activities like cooking, cleaning and storing food are given, but what kind of entertainment would you like to do in your kitchen? If you want a kitchen that can serve as a space for more than just dining, then a kitchen island is something you’ll definitely want to consider.
Kitchen islands are decorative and functional additions to any kitchen remodel. The island can often become the focal point of the kitchen without much effort. When remodeling or redesigning your kitchen, imagine how you would interact and entertain in your new space. These pieces tend to create a more diverse gathering place in the kitchen, one where you can not only entertain and dine, but also prepare to cook, play cards and board games with the family, and of course enjoy all the storage and the additional functionality that They offer.
5 tips when designing a new kitchen island
If you’ve decided that your kitchen deserves a kitchen island, there are plenty of ways to make the design unique and creative, too. Here are five tips for you to keep in mind when designing:
1.Size: Once you’ve decided on the materials you’d like to use, it’s time to consider the size. Do you want to go big and dramatic, making your kitchen island a centerpiece of your kitchen remodel? Or are you more interested in something smaller and less obtrusive, using the island more for standalone functions? Consider how much use it will get, what it will be used for, and how important open space is in your kitchen when deciding on dimensions.
2. Levels: If you decide to go the smaller size route when building your island, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up surface area. Adding a second tier of a different height to your layout will give the piece additional functionality. Multiple tiers can be used for different functions, such as: a place for a cutting board or book shelf, or as a breakfast bar with a stool below. These alternate designs can help give your kitchen island a more custom appeal.
3. Add a sink or two: Adding kitchen appliances, like a sink, to your new kitchen island will give it even more functionality and also serve as a gathering point for entertaining. A sink increases the usability of any kitchen island by giving you another place to rinse food and wash dishes. A sink can also be great for entertaining so your guests can participate in meal preparation without cluttering up existing counter space around the oven and refrigerator.
4.Materials: Now that you’ve decided to build a kitchen island, materials are something to consider. There are many materials available to build your island such as: wood and stainless steel as well as a wide variety of countertop options such as quartz or granite that will give your kitchen island an original design. Your materials should be selected to match the rest of your kitchen. A kitchen island should complement the space without overwhelming it or standing out. Wood can give your kitchen a rustic-chic feel, while natural stones like granite and quartz give your new countertop durability and timeless elegance. Stainless steel is a great surface to use for cooking and creating edible masterpieces, and marble could be another alternative to a traditional design, depending on your budget.
5. Two is better than one: With all the different levels, materials, and appliances used to create a kitchen island, why stick with just one? Adding multiple islands creates not one, but two or more focal points for your kitchen. Multiple islands can be connected or remain separate in your kitchen for additional counter space, gathering areas and more. Putting an island on wheels is another way to make islanding convenient, and it’s a perfect idea for people who love to entertain and need a space that can change in an instant.
These tips are great to keep in mind when designing a kitchen island, but it’s always okay to deviate from these tips to create a custom piece for your space. Consider your type of lifestyle and goals for your kitchen space and then go from there! It’s important to consider the costs you’re willing to spend on this new kitchen addition, as well as creating a cohesive and functional design. Most importantly, have fun designing this new piece and you won’t go wrong.
