HOW TO SELECT THE BEST KITCHEN ISLAND
With the many kitchen island designs and styles available in the market, you can easily miss it trying to get the best for yourself.
Therefore, to select the best depends upon various factors which include mainly the function of the island. Thus, when going to the market the next time for your kitchen island, keep this guide close to you.
Decide on the Activities to Take Place on the Kitchen Island
Are you going to need extra cooking or storage space in your kitchen? Will you be entertaining visitors in your kitchen? Will you or your children read on the island?
All these and many more are the activities that can take place on your kitchen island. Therefore, to make a better choice, start with a list of activities you feel would take place on your island.
What Kitchen Island Size Will Be Suitable?
The size of your kitchen island depends mainly on the space available in your kitchen. Other factors are your kitchen layout and workflow, and the intended uses of the kitchen island.
Your renovation contractor will help you decide on size by choosing the most suitable workflow for your kitchen space. This will involve due consideration of the cooker, sink, and refrigerator distances.
Choosing Kitchen Island Materials with Respect to Your Budget
Certainly, you can choose from the various kitchen island materials ranging from granite, quartz laminate, marble, to butcher block. The thing that can stop you is your budget. And, affecting this budget is the size and material you choose.
Just choose the best style that your budget supports. Remember to research on the pros and cons of any material you may want to choose.
The local market prices for the various kitchen island materials include:
Kitchen Island Materials
Cost (per sq.ft)
- Stainless Steel
$120 – $410
- Marble
$80 – $120
- Granite
$80 – $100
- Butcher Block
$60 – $100
- Quartz
$60 – $80
- Laminate
$20 – $40
The Different Kinds of Kitchen Islands
- Moveable Kitchen Island
Some kitchen islands come with wheels for movement and position adjustment. There are many designs available for moveable kitchen islands. If you have a small space in your kitchen, then this kitchen island type is for you. Very easy to push aside when the need to create more space for accessibility arises.
Waterfall Kitchen Island
If your kitchen style is generally farmhouse or traditional, the waterfall kitchen island will add class and style. You’ll usually find a waterfall kitchen island with marble countertop that reaches to the floor on both sides.
Salvaged Furniture Kitchen Island
Your old piece of furniture doesn’t have to go for nothing when you can bring it into the kitchen. Yes! You don’t have to spend to have a kitchen island. Salvaged furniture kitchen island will definitely make your kitchen stand out.
Kitchen Island with Adjoining Table
You may decide to join your dining table to your kitchen island. This is possible when you have your kitchen and dining in the same space which is becoming the trend. If your kitchen is lengthwise, you’ll have enough space using kitchen island with adjoining table.
Kitchen Island with Lunch Counter
Lunch counters gives you the opportunity to entertain people in your kitchen while cooking. There are seating spaces around this kitchen island style.
What Storage Options Best Suits Your Kitchen Island?
If you must use storage spaces in your kitchen island then choose the most convenient option for your home. Drawers will help you keep and retrieve pots and pans quite easily. Do not limit yourself with storage options, try to explore. You can still expose items with your kitchen island storage. Also, you may decide to hang other objects, although hanging is no longer in vogue.
What Technologies Can You Use in Your Kitchen Island?
So many appliances with innovative technologies flood the market on daily basis. Your kitchen faucet can now filter water as it dispenses with recent water filtration technology. You can now have your wine cellar in your kitchen island. The list is limitless.
Recent technologies will have your kitchen island counter displaying your recipe as you cook. It can integrate modern induction hob which only activates upon placement of induction-ready pans and pots. There are so much more amazing things your kitchen island counter can do for you with emerging technologies.
What are the Best Lighting Choices for Your Kitchen Island?
With special lighting for your kitchen island, the activities it holds becomes more interesting. So, choose lighting styles that you feel is suitable for your lifestyle. There are several sizes, shapes, and colors that you’ll find in the market. The choice is yours!
A minimalist design will incorporate a more rectangular lighting shape. Your farmhouse style will go well with a gold tone rounded lighting fixture.
Track lighting can add life to your kitchen as it highlights particular spots in any direction of your choice. You may want to install lights under your kitchen island to help illuminate the storage spaces.
Are There Special Kitchen Island Designs that Stand Out?
Certainly, you can do something outstanding with your kitchen island design. Your kitchen island can be your home fish tank if you are a lover of colorful aquarium fish. It sounds awesome right? For more ideas, consult an expert kitchen island designer to help you create something unique and different for your kitchen and lifestyle.
Go for the Best You Can
Don’t feel limited with what you can do with your kitchen island design. Remember that you’re the one using the kitchen. Make sure that your choice suits your style while achieving functionality.