A kitchen island is one of the most important elements within the space as it adds storage, counter space, and can be integrated with an eating area.
When designed properly, it can easily turn into a focal point. Plus, it can be designed to incorporate numerous things such as dishwashers, sinks, chairs, microwaves, drawers and cabinets.
There is a wide range of options available in terms of all these elements, which can make choosing any one kitchen island difficult. This makes it even more important to think about your kitchen island’s design before building or re-designing one. This will narrow down which options to include and the best way to arrange them. Additionally, you will be able to design a functional space that enhances workflow and fits in well with the rest of the kitchen.
To help you design an efficient and functional kitchen island, we have outlined some simple but important tips.
How to Design an Efficient and Beautiful Kitchen Island
Here are some of the best ways to combine form and function when designing a kitchen island to suit your requirements.
1. Consider How It Is to Be Used
When starting the design, it’s important to consider how the island will be used. For instance, will you use the countertop as a food prep area or added storage, with enclosed cabinets and drawers? Or, do you want to add a casual dining area for your family?
By thinking about these questions, you will have a better understanding of what you need to concentrate on and what you can do without. For instance, for a food prep surface, choose a durable countertop material like granite. But if you want a dining space, you need to think about whether you want a single or double-tiered countertop; you must also ensure there is enough space for bar stools and chairs.
2. Think About Appliances
If you are looking to add one or more appliances to your kitchen island, you will have to think about the spacing while ensuring that functionality isn’t affected.
For example, if the primary sink is situated on the kitchen island but you also want a dishwasher, you need to decide which side of the sink it will be installed in. On the other hand, if your kitchen island is to be the main food prep area, you need to ensure there are recycling, trash, and compost areas close by.
The list goes on, depending on the elements you want to include within your kitchen island. A great idea is to create a list of things of everything you want to add to your kitchen island in order of priority. While it may not be possible to add everything, you can add a few of the most important things to make the space functional.
3. Take Aisle Space Into Account
When deciding on a kitchen island design, make sure you demarcate the space you want to use for the island and check whether it’s close to the other kitchen countertop surfaces.
When doing this, too many homeowners forget to ensure enough aisle space for people to move around freely. If you are working with a small space, leave at least 36 inches between countertops, but 42 is better. Having too much space between islands isn’t good either, though, as you waste time moving around the space when trying to get things done.
4. Choose Suitable Lighting
Kitchens require good lighting, and kitchen islands require both task and ambient lighting. Adding task lighting will make it easier for you to see what you are doing, especially if your kitchen doesn’t receive much natural light. The most common type suitable for kitchens is recessed lighting. However, they can be tricky to use if you have high ceilings; in that case, it’s best to use fixtures like pendant lights. Just make sure they’re installed at the right height so high-intensity light doesn’t blind you or block your view.
5. Think About Expanding
For homeowners dealing with a small space, think about expanding the island. For instance, you can have a few feet of counter space that can slide out to offer extra space to use as an eating or prep area. For this, the legs on either side can fold out and stabilize the surface; when not in use, they can be neatly tucked away to make the extra countertop look like an extension of the overall design. Furthermore, you can have a folding leaf on both ends of the island that lifts up to offer extra space.
A kitchen island can turn into a great focal point that will instantly lift the overall look and feel of your kitchen. However, when planning it, you need to consider its practicality and aesthetics. With the clever tips mentioned here, you will be able to create a kitchen island that serves different purposes while also being the space’s centrepiece.