An island can give you additional work and/or seating space in your kitchen, but it’s not a good choice for every home. An island can sometimes make a kitchen feel smaller and make it harder to get work done.
Reasons to Install a Kitchen Island
If you need more space to prepare meals, an island may be the solution. It can give you a place to cut vegetables, use appliances and set ingredients and utensils. An island can also be helpful if you like to cook with a family member, but you often find yourselves bumping into each other.
An island can increase the amount of storage space in your kitchen. It can be designed with built-in drawers so dishes and small appliances are easily accessible, but out of sight when you don’t need them.
Working at an island can let you face family members and friends, and talk to them while you prepare a meal. That can be much more pleasant than conversing while you’re facing a wall with your back to others.
While you’re working at a kitchen island, you’ll be able to see other parts of the house. That can make it easier to keep an eye on your kids if they’re in another room.
A kitchen island can be a place to sit and enjoy breakfast or a snack. You can also have your kids sit at an island to talk or do homework while you’re cooking.
An island can also be an attractive focal point. It can be covered with a different material than the counters or painted in a different color to make it stand out.
Kitchen islands are popular. An island can increase your home’s value and appeal to buyers if you eventually decide to sell the property.
Potential Problems With an Island
Some kitchen designs lend themselves to an island, and others don’t. Installing an island sometimes creates logistical hassles and disrupts workflow.
An island shouldn’t keep you from easily getting to the refrigerator, stove or sink. It shouldn’t be so close to appliances or cabinets that it’s difficult for people to walk around the kitchen while someone else is cooking.
A kitchen island that’s used for seating can restrict the amount of space available in the rest of the room. Depending on the layout, adding an island might make even a spacious kitchen feel small and cramped.
Installing an island can create other challenges. If you want to add plumbing or electrical outlets on an island, that will be more difficult than running utilities to an area adjacent to a wall.
An island is a permanent fixture. Unlike a table, you won’t be able to move an island if you need more space in the kitchen for some reason.
Should You Install a Kitchen Island?
An island may be right for some homes, but not for all. The size and current layout of your kitchen are critical factors to consider. If you’re thinking about adding an island, seek advice from a qualified local contractor.
