Kitchen Islands: Get More From Your Island

What Value Can a Kitchen Island Provide?

From a quick bite in the morning to a casual conversation in the evening, the kitchen island has become a multi purpose area of the home. Having 360 degrees of unobstructed work space makes a major difference, and is perfect for a quick meal, school projects, prepping food, or spending quality time together. What’s even better? A properly planned kitchen island can be just as fabulous as it is functional! Accomplishing the island of your dreams means considering all of the possibilities.

Before planning your new fabulous island, take a moment to consider how you will use the space. Start with a list of the top uses, then plan your design around your needs. Want a little help with inspiration? We’ve got you covered!

5 Functional Kitchen Island Must Haves

Planning an island with function in mind should be at the top of your list and these 5 functional must haves will surely make your life easier.

Add Space For a Microwave Drawer:

Hide your microwave in a base cabinet to free up valuable counter space. The microwave drawer also offers many other benefits; it’s kid height for easy after school snacks, a locking feature for safety, and getting food in and out is a breeze.

Don’t Forget the Seating:

Ideally you will want to have seating for at least 3-4 people. Most islands today are the gathering place during family parties or a spot for the kids to sit and do homework. Just be careful not to cram too many seats into one small area!

Add a Prep Sink:

From family get-togethers to everyday chores, a separate area designated for preparing drinks and food makes it easier for 2 people to work in the kitchen at the same time. When adding a prep sink, don’t forget the garbage disposal making clean up much more convenient.

Plan Your Island Storage Applications:

Think about how you function in your kitchen and plan your island storage around the tools you need the best access to. If you’re into baking then you might want a special drawer for your mixer. If you love making meals, then a pull out cutting board would be ideal. Other great storage applications can be a cabinet specifically made to store plastic containers, a drawer for plastic wrap and tin foil, or roll out cabinets for pots and pans.

Add a Pull Out Waste Bin:

Adding a drawer for the waste bin keeps the garbage hidden and away from pets and small children. Your kitchen should be the showstopper in your home and you don’t want to distract with an unsightly waste bin.

5 Sophisticated Kitchen Island Ideas

There's no doubt that the kitchen island is a statement piece, and now that you have made it functional these 5 sophisticated ideas will add the wow factor you have been looking for!

Add a Waterfall Edge:

The waterfall edge is an extension of your counter top that leads to the floor, adding a pop of modernity to your kitchen and allowing one to observe the sheer elegance of your selected stone.

Pick a Contrasting Countertop:

You want your island to stand out so picking something different can make a huge statement. You can add butcher’s block, a contrasting quartz or even go with a concrete look.

Make a Statement With Lighting:

Lighting can be just as fabulous as it is functional. Sneaking into the kitchen for a midnight snack? Automatic toe kick lighting is a convenient way to light your path without having to lift a finger. From pendant lights to chandeliers, the lighting you choose can drastically change your kitchen. Don’t make your island lighting an afterthought. Instead, select your lighting to set your desired mood.

Have Fun with Color:

Sick of boring white kitchens? Adding a pop of navy blue, hunter green, or color of your choice to the island can be a great way to step out of your comfort zone.

Choose Custom Wainscoting:

This appealing and versatile trim will elevate your kitchen to the next level! You can also add a bit of personality to your island’s design by experimenting with different patterns.

What We Suggest to Avoid:

It’s no secret that planning your dream kitchen requires months of planning and contemplation. With all of that time and effort the last thing you want to do is make a small oversight that inevitably has a huge effect on the workflow and efficiency of your design. When it comes to kitchen islands, here are 5 things we suggest you avoid!

Avoid Large Appliances:

Avoid larger kitchen appliances like a dishwasher or under cabinet refrigerator. Keeping those to the perimeter will create a better workflow and maximize storage.

Keep the Cook Top Off the Island:

While having a cooktop on your island appears to be a sleek and modern amenity, we believe that the disadvantages outweigh its advantages. With no backsplash you run the risk of hot grease and other foods staining your countertops. In addition, the heat from the range can limit your choices in materials. Lastly, needing a hood directly over your island blocks sight lines and can disrupt social interactions.

Too Big, or Not Having Enough Clearance:

   Before deciding to add a kitchen island, it is important to consider the walkway clearance on all sides. You don’t want to overcrowd your working area, so how do you know if an island will work in your kitchen? A standard kitchen island is 4 ft. deep, and as a general rule of thumb, you will need a minimum of 3 ft. of clearance on all 4 sides.  

Forgetting About Electrical Outlets:

In most areas, adding an outlet to your island is a code requirement. Work with your contractor to assure outlets are in the correct place and that you have enough for all of your favorite appliances. Plan specifically to have an outlet on the inside of your appliance drawer (if you have one) to avoid constantly dealing with excess cords.

Forgetting to Plan Your Overhang For Seating:

Island seating is a must have for kitchens, however, if you don’t plan a proper overhang you can end up bumping your knees on cabinets or countertops.

We’re Here To Help You Build The Perfect Kitchen

 The kitchen island can provide you with endless benefits and uses! Just remember that whatever you choose for your kitchen island, the key is proper planning and execution.

Are you planning to renovate your kitchen? We would love to help!

BLOG WRITTEN BY: JENNA RAUS, THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR ODELL CONSTRUCTION. REMODELING HOMES IN, ROCKY RIVER, LAKEWOOD, AVON, AVON LAKE, BAY VILLAGE, WESTLAKE OHIO, AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS.