How to Make your Kitchen Island Highly Functional
How well does your kitchen function? Kitchens continue to be one of the most used areas of many home and sometimes the room that causes us the most frustration. This month we’re focusing on one of the most loved, hated or desired items in your kitchen – the kitchen island.
The centerpiece of many kitchens is the kitchen island. It serves as both a gathering place and as an area for prepping, cooking, serving and entertaining. The kitchen island is a place to share your life with family and friends. Here are some important items to consider when planning for your updated island.
Purpose
The first question is: “How will you use your kitchen island?” Some people need extra space for food preparation, some need it for extra storage. The island can serve multiple functions. Many families use it as a place for children to do homework as well as food preparation. It is also used as a place to serve food to large or small groups. Once you know what your plan is you can start setting out the special features you need to include in your island. That allows you to plan for things like charging stations, specialty drawers, and needed seating.
Scale and Height
When you decided on how you want your kitchen island to function, you can figure out how large you want it to be. If you entertain in your kitchen frequently or plan to eat as a family for meals around the island, you may need a larger island. If you have major traffic patterns that run through your kitchen, you may want a smaller island all at one height to make sure that people can still easily move around the island through the kitchen. In both cases the size and height of your island is an important part of both its functionality and design.
Materials and Colors
One of easiest ways to add interest to your kitchen is to make your island stand out from the rest of the kitchen. This can be done by choosing different counter surfaces or different cabinet colors. The key is choosing something that both contrasts and blends with the rest of the kitchen. It is also important to select materials that will stand up to your expected usage of your island. If you are planning on that area for frequent use you may want to choose a counter of granite or quartz instead of something more easily damaged like marble.
Whatever the design of the kitchen in your whole home remodel, the kitchen island is a functional hub and gathering place to share with family and friends. Our team of designers and construction professionals can guide you through the process of remodeling your kitchen so that you can have an enjoyable, stress-free experience. Click here to contact us to see how we can help you get the island of your dreams.
