The addition of a kitchen island can add style and practicality to a kitchen and is a really good choice if you have a fairly large kitchen but no dining room in your home. In this article, we’re going to be looking at the options available as well as the dos and don’ts to help you make the most of this handy feature.
What is a kitchen island?
A trend which began in the 1950s, a kitchen island is a standalone countertop for kitchens and gets its name from the fact that this feature is not connected to other fitted units in the room.
A kitchen island can be used as a countertop for extra cooking and preparation space, as a dining table or both as well as offering an extra storage facility. At Kitchen Makeovers, we can help to create kitchen islands in a number of materials and finishes in order to seamlessly work the island into your kitchen.
Are kitchen islands expensive?
The price of a kitchen island typically varies based on several factors, including the size and design of the feature, as well as the materials used in its construction. However, it is indeed possible to add an island to your kitchen at a relatively affordable cost. By carefully considering different options and exploring budget-friendly alternatives, you can create a functional and stylish kitchen island that perfectly suits your needs without breaking the bank.
The do’s and don’ts of kitchen islands
A kitchen island can add style and functionality to your kitchen and can even add value to your home. However, there are a few things to bear in mind in order to make this feature work for you and in this section, we’re looking at some of the golden rules of adding a kitchen island to your home.
Size matters
The first thing to think about when considering a kitchen island are the dimensions. While you don’t necessarily need to have a kitchen to rival Gordon Ramsay’s, you do need to have adequate space to move and work.
If your kitchen is less than 13 feet wide, it’s usually not a good idea to add a kitchen island at all, and, in this instance, you may be better off looking at other options, such as a small table or pull-down countertop.
If you have a U-shaped room, the open part needs to measure at least 10 feet in width; otherwise, the addition of an island may make the room feel cramped and claustrophobic.
A good rule of thumb is that for a kitchen island to work, you should have between 42 inches and 48 inches of clear space around it to enable you to move freely and do your cooking and preparation without banging your knees and elbows on the island.
Reaching new heights
In terms of height, you’ll need to think about what the island will be used for. If you’re only adding an island for extra preparation space, a height of 36 inches is ideal for comfortable working. If, however, your island will also be a dining space, you’ll want to look at a height of around 42 inches.
Once you’ve decided what your island will be used for, you’ll need to think about how it will look alongside your existing kitchen units.
Sizing your island to line up with the height of your existing countertops will give your kitchen a uniform look and will generally add an illusion of space despite the room taken up by the island. Having said that, your kitchen island doesn’t absolutely positively have to be the same height as your worktops – an island which is taller can add interest and depth to the room. However, you should avoid an island which is shorter as this can give it a strange sunken appearance.
Seating
A kitchen island is a great way of adding dining space to your home, and this will, of course, include seating. There are a wide range of stools available to add seating to a kitchen island, and it’s a good idea to shop around for items which take up as little space as possible, as the size of chairs will need to be factored in when looking at the dimensions of the kitchen and the island.
Cooking
For those passionate about cooking, there is often the possibility of enhancing kitchen functionality by incorporating additional cooking facilities, such as an extra hob, into a kitchen island. To ensure the utmost safety and compliance with UK standards, it is highly recommended to entrust such work to a professional who possesses the necessary expertise in this area. By doing so, you can have peace of mind knowing that the installation is carried out diligently and upholds the highest standards of safety and quality.
Storage
For a kitchen island that truly earns its keep, consider selecting an option that not only offers additional storage, but also enhances the functionality and aesthetics of your space. One idea is to incorporate open shelves at both ends of the island, providing convenient storage for plates, cups, and cooking utensils. This not only adds a touch of accessibility, but also allows you to showcase your stylish kitchenware. Alternatively, you can opt for an island comprised entirely of enclosed cupboards, offering ample storage space for all your culinary essentials while maintaining a sleek and clutter-free look. The choice is yours, but either way, you’ll have a kitchen island that combines practicality and style in a seamless manner.
Lighting
Whether you’re using your kitchen island for cooking or dining, you need to be able to see what you’re doing, so it’s important not to overlook lighting. If your kitchen has one central light which is not directly over your island, you may want to consider extra lighting to ensure that you’re not working or eating in the dark. When it comes to lighting, there are a few options – you may want to consider subtle ceiling spotlights for extra illumination or, perhaps, go for statement pendant lights to add a little drama to your new kitchen island. All electrical work should, of course, always be carried out by professionals.
Design
These days, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the design of a kitchen island. While many people choose to match the top of the island to their existing kitchen decor, others prefer to add a contrast. The good news is that you’re not stuck with the finish that your island comes with.
At Kitchen Makeovers, we’re a dab hand at replacing islands and countertops quickly and easily and at a fraction of the cost. With a wide range of colours, finishes and materials available, it’s easy to find the finish that suits your taste and budget.
Cooking up an update
For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home and fulfils a number of functions including food preparation and cooking, socialising and more.
At Kitchen Makeovers, we know how important it is to make the most of your kitchen, whatever its shape or size. Our qualified and experienced kitchen experts are able to replace kitchen cabinets, worktops, drawer fronts and fittings quickly, easily and inexpensively in order to give your kitchen a reboot at a fraction of the cost of fitting a whole new kitchen.
Our focus is on replacing rather than fitting new, which means that as well as saving you money, the time, mess and disruption to your family is minimal.
If you’re ready to talk with us, get in touch with our friendly and professional team today for a free, no-obligation quote.
