KITCHEN ISLAND: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Kitchen Island is now a very important part of today’s kitchen as it serves several functions. This wasn’t the case some years back. In fact, the design of the kitchen now and then is entirely different.

Let us therefore learn how the kitchen island came into existence and the components.

Brief Introduction to Kitchen Island

The arrangement of the kitchen in the late 1970’s took it back to the period wherethe stove was positioned centrally. It served as the main source of heat in the home. Therefore, everybody would usually gather around it. The needs for a kitchen increased in recent times leading to the extension of the kitchen to the living area. As more gadgets, utensils, and appliances surfaced, more storage and counter space became important. With this in mind, kitchen designers found a solution by isolating some storage and counter spaces, keeping them central. This saw the introduction of the kitchen island into the kitchen.

With improvements, kitchen islands improved aesthetics and highlights the theme of the kitchen. A kitchen island is the component of a modern kitchen, not minding how simple it appears. It positions as your kitchen’s center of activity.

You’ll most likely find kitchen islands with single surface in many kitchens. The design is table-like and the countertop can be of any desired materials. For example, you can have marble, granite, quartz, or laminate. There are high stools for this kitchen island so you can eat on it. Other designs may include multi-level islands, irregular-shaped islands, those built with several components such as sinks, cooktops, shelves, etc. A kitchen island can serve as a multiple workstation serving more than one person at a go.

A Kitchen Island Implies More Kitchen Space

If you wish to add a kitchen island to your kitchen, ensure to make enough space for it. When renovating a galley kitchen, the need for space becomes crucial. The homeowner will now have to decide what components to keep or discard. Is there any wall linking the next room to remove?

In a typical bungalow, moving the wall linking your kitchen and dining, you’ll likely create enough space for cabinetry. You would comfortably include a kitchen island and other components.

Common Types of Kitchen Islands

• Simple Stand Kitchen Island

Uses a moveable stand, either wheels or stationary stand, to ease movement during meal preparation. Usually comes with an under storage.

• Radius Island

With one end in a round shape tapering off toward the kitchen side. Radius island will normally have stools around for sitting.

• Two Islands

When you combine a radius island and a traditional island, you have two islands. Just enough space would be available for circulation.

• Sliding Top Island:

You can include up to 2 extra leaves in your kitchen island design. These leaves will slide out when the need for extra surface area arises. Go for this type of kitchen island if your kitchen requires more space.

• Fan-Shape Kitchen Island:

With the large fan side facing the living room and the narrow side toward the kitchen, you’ll have fan-shape kitchen island. Including a cooktop, sink, etc. on this island type is very easy. It also lets you entertain visitors with ease.

The Components of Kitchen Islands

• Utilities

With plumbing and electrical outlets, room controls, cookbooks and other small items storage, your kitchen is serving as the control center. Meal preparation is more effective with the additional functions.

• Countertops

Countertops provide work area for your kitchen. Some common materials for your island countertops include granite, quartz, marble, laminate, and butcher block. Another material in use by some designers is concrete.

• Range Hood

If you have your cooktop on your kitchen island, then the range hood becomes part of your island. Using enamel coating, plated copper, antique brass, or stainless steel for your range hood will improve the aesthetics without compromising functionality. The function of a range hood is to remove fumes and odor from the kitchen while cooking.

• Storage Cabinets

You can have extra storage units in your kitchen island. The design may vary from the wall cabinets, depending on what the designer intends to achieve.

• Lighting

There are usually lights above the kitchen island to help focus on the activities taking place on it. Kitchen island lights plays great role while entertaining your visitors.