August 13, 2019 // Posted in:
- Home Design
Last Updated on June 10, 2022
You are watching: The Do’s and Don’ts of Kitchen Island Size & Design
Islands can be the heart of the kitchen, where families gather to have casual meals and share stories of their day. Aside from their social function, kitchen islands should be sized, designed, and installed for a specific purpose. Homeowners today are opting for multi-functional islands equipped with sinks, cooktops, microwaves and even mini refrigerators.
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With so many expectations on kitchen islands, homeowners tend to overcompensate for their excitement and make critical mistakes that they may regret later. That’s where Granite and TREND Transformations steps in. Our industry trained design consultants have the knowledge and experience to guide you every step of the way. Plus, our beautiful selection of etheriumTM by E-Stone surfaces can not only make your kitchen island dream a reality it just may be the talk of the town.
Here are some do’s and don’ts when designing your kitchen island:
Do’s:
- Assign a specific task or function for your island: If its main purpose is a cook center, install a cooktop, drawers for utensils and storage for pots and pans. For a food/prep center, be sure to install a sink, chopping area and even a small refrigerator. If the main purpose is to provide an additional casual dining area, include seating and storage for dishware and serving.
- Find the right dimensions for your kitchen island: Determine how much space your kitchen will allow for an island (permanent or temporary). An island that is too small for the space won’t be functional; one that is too big may cause a disruption in traffic or workflow. The recommended width of a work island in a kitchen is 42 inches. For larger kitchens, two islands might work better than one large one.
- Plan for electric: Ideally, you want at least two electrical outlets – one at each end of the kitchen island (depending on its size). Also, be sure to follow electrical codes for kitchens.
- Design: It is always best for your island to match the overall style/theme of your kitchen. If your kitchen is modern with stainless steel appliances, then your island should be complementary – one of our trendy etheriumTM by E-Stone surfaces and aluminum stools would pull the look together beautifully.
Don’ts:
- Poor seating accommodations:We all come in different shapes and sizes, so be sure to consider the heights of all family members and guests if you’re planning on using seating around your island. Most kitchen island guidelines suggest a comfortable counter height of 42 inches for 30-inch-tall stools. Be sure to allow 24 inches of width per person/seating and 18 inches of countertop overhang for leg and knee room.
- Not enough storage:Homeowners can get so caught up in the idea of the island that they forget to allow for enough storage to make it function efficiently. Designing your kitchen island with organized storage (like pull-out shelves in the cabinets, sectioned drawers for knives and other utensils and even spice drawers) can save you steps and make your kitchen island more functional and easier to use. Shelves for cookbooks or a built-in wine rack are popular uses for the sides of islands (without the drawers/cabinets).
- Wider and bigger is not always better:Islands that are too wide are a common mistake that some design experts see in today’s kitchens. Islands that are too wide will prevent you from reaching the center of the island and make it more difficult to clean and utilize all the space. Instead, carefully plan your kitchen island’s size, placement and function based on the size and dimensions of your kitchen, and it should serve you well for years to come.
Are your ready to experience how beautiful our etheriumTM by E-Stone surfaces can look in your home? Contact Granite and TREND Transformations today for a complimentary in-home design consultation. Your new kitchen island awaits.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens
