Five Creative Kitchen Islands You'll Love
Do you know why people love kitchen islands? The reason is quite simple. A well-designed kitchen island can make your kitchen metamorphose into a chef’s paradise. In fact, according to a study by the National Association of Homebuilders, 80% of the homebuyers consider Kitchen Island as a necessity in their homes. Kitchen islands don’t just provide the much-needed workspace, but also expand your kitchen design and entertaining options. For instance, moving your stove range to the centre of the island proves to be a great way to engage with your guests while cooking.
Before getting into the nitty-gritty
Multiple work areas
The major benefit of a kitchen island is the addition of a usable counter space. More often thanever, something as simple as a workspace addition can make a mountain of a difference. Another important aspect that you can experiment with your kitchen island is the countertop selection. Butcher block countertops have been a lasting trend in farmhouse-style kitchens and also in some contemporary homes.
On the other hand, cultured surfaces are available in many styles and are more affordable in comparison to their marble, granite and quartz counterparts. Selecting a durable countertop is a necessity to get the most out of your new workspace.
Range relocation
Relocating your range or cooktop into the island is a convenient option to rejuvenate your kitchen. This slight adjustment can turn your kitchen into a social gathering space. Even expert chefs such as Eric Ripert prefer locating the stovetop on the islandto get the perfect kitchen layout. He further goes on to explain that this style of kitchen is ideal because you do not have to turn your backs on your guests. Instead, “you are with them, cooking, talking, and entertaining.”
However, just because an island range suits a master chef’s needs, it does not mean that it could be right for you as well. In fact, many DIY kitchen remodelers found this arrangement to waste the valuable workspace and also found many potential ventilation issues and design considerations. So, it is safe to tread with caution in case you are going this way.
Range relocation
Relocating your range or cooktop into the island is a convenient option to rejuvenate your kitchen. This slight adjustment can turn your kitchen into a social gathering space. Even expert chefs such as Eric Ripert prefer locating the stovetop on the islandto get the perfect kitchen layout. He further goes on to explain that this style of kitchen is ideal because you do not have to turn your backs on your guests. Instead, “you are with them, cooking, talking, and entertaining.”
However, just because an island range suits a master chef’s needs, it does not mean that it could be right for you as well. In fact, many DIY kitchen remodelers found this arrangement to waste the valuable workspace and also found many potential ventilation issues and design considerations. So, it is safe to tread with caution in case you are going this way.
Additional seating areas
The kitchen has become the primary gathering place in many North American homes. Families are now busier than ever in the kitchen, using it for meals, scheduling appointments, or just catching up with their loved ones.
One creative way to make the most out of this situation is to add seating to your kitchen island. Although some islands do not have enough capacity for seating, there indeed are ways that this issue can be taken care of.
A seating area can be created with the use of a two-level counter. Here, the raised counter can also act as a suitable spot for serving.
Overhead storage area
The space above your kitchen island can be utilized for creative storage ideas. The most popular option is to hang your pots and pans. If you have high-quality cookware, this could be a great option. However, if you have a variety of pans that just don’t cut it for an aesthetic display, you can let your imagination and creative juices flow.
Other storage ideas include hanging baskets, fruits, vegetables and bread. You can also go a notch higher to integrate decorative elements and storage space lighting to create an attractive overhead storage area. The main idea here is to keep all the hanging elements above eye-level and at the same time within arm’s reach for efficient ease of access.
Overhead storage area
The space above your kitchen island can be utilized for creative storage ideas. The most popular option is to hang your pots and pans. If you have high-quality cookware, this could be a great option. However, if you have a variety of pans that just don’t cut it for an aesthetic display, you can let your imagination and creative juices flow.
Other storage ideas include hanging baskets, fruits, vegetables and bread. You can also go a notch higher to integrate decorative elements and storage space lighting to create an attractive overhead storage area. The main idea here is to keep all the hanging elements above eye-level and at the same time within arm’s reach for efficient ease of access.
Portable kitchen island
In smaller kitchens, every square foot is precious. In order to make your kitchen more efficient and flexible, a lift and move or rolling island is an ideal option. A small rolling island could serve two purposes – act as a cutting board and also function as a storage area for important utensils. With a little creativity a portable island can be extended to your existing countertop to blend in, without getting in the way.
With these five creative kitchen island ideas, we just scratched the surface. There are thousands of other ways to make the most out of your kitchen. So, dabble and experiment with your creativity to create the perfect kitchen island to suit your needs.
Or in case you get stuck, get in touch with our kitchen experts for professional guidance.
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