Jordan 13 Benefits Of Having A Kitchen Island

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k in February of this year I wrote an article entitled: The Top 10 "Must Have" Features In Today's Homes. The results were based on a survey taken by Market Watch a consumer group at the Las Vegas Home Builder's Show. Number one on the "Must Have" list was Large Kitchens With Islands.
No matter how many islands I have incorporated into my kitchen designs over the years' no two are ever alike. It's my job to ensure that each one takes on a personality of its own and compliments the kitchen and the overall architecture of the space. Depending on the overall floor plan the island can be designed in a multitude of shapes, sizes, levels,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], and finishes making it truly unique to your home.
A Kitchen island is a valuable asset in today's homes. It acts as the central meeting place within the kitchen itself,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], which we all recognize to be - the heart of the home. This multi-functional piece of furniture wears several hats over the course of the day. It can act as a food prep zone, family gathering spot, homework center and mobile office, just to name a few.
Typically my clients expect these islands to meet a specific set of criteria.
Here are the most common requests.
- Uninterrupted surface area for food prep space.
- An additional sink with disposal.
- Extra storage drawers and doors.
- Location for warming drawers.
- Double sided storage accessible from both sides.
- Comfortable seating/stools for 4.
Kitchen Islands can be successfully incorporated into many types of layouts - of course depending on your overall space. Islands tend to work best in these 3 types of kitchen plans:
- A Galley Kitchen. In a smaller galley-type kitchen, removing a wall and opening it up to a neighboring space will allow for a perfect island application.
- An L-Shaped Kitchen. A very popular layout for the work triangle and is a perfect layout for adding an island to your kitchen plans (If you have the luxury of space).
- A U-Shaped Kitchen. Again providing you have the space between counter tops and is open to another room, the U shape kitchen is a very efficient layout and an island would only enhance the overall function of your kitchen.
I want to leave you with a few last minute tips when re-designing your kitchen and incorporating an island into the plans.
- Utilize different materials,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], surfaces and cabinetry on your island - creating a more unique piece of furniture and focal point within the space. It keeps the eye interested.
- Island sizes range from +36" wide x +72" long - depending on the space you have.
- If possible allow for at least 42" between countertop and island counter top. (36" is minimal - but work-able if you're tight on space).
- Also allow 42" clearance for aisles and traffic patterns.
- Island heights can vary as well and be multi-leveled. They can be designed at counter top height of 36" with a dropped eating area of 30" in height,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], or an elevated bar area of 44" high. The choice is yours.
Renovating your kitchen and implementing an island into your space will undoubtedly increase your home's value and could yield you a return on investment of 75% - 90%.