The kitchen is the central part of a home where everybody gathers to eat, do homework or just hang out. Adding a kitchen island as part of your kitchen remodeling project will not only add much needed countertop and storage space, it will also create a new space where your family and friends can gather to socialize, essentially turning it into the new hub in your home. According to the National Association of Home Builders, 3 out of 4 home buyers consider a kitchen island an essential part of the kitchen. Kitchen islands have literally become an icon for a modern kitchen and are a must have for many homeowners.
When considering adding a kitchen island to your existing kitchen, planning ahead is key. Some things you should consider include the size of your kitchen island, style and function.
Kitchen island size and shape
The size of your kitchen island should match the size of your kitchen. You should select an island that has enough counter space to meet your needs while looking proportional to the rest of your kitchen. An oversized kitchen island in a small kitchen or small kitchen island in a large kitchen would look out of place. Since a kitchen island is the center piece of a kitchen, you will need to get it right or the entire look of your kitchen will look off. The same goes with the shape of your kitchen island – if you have a long kitchen, having a long kitchen island makes sense. To be sure that your kitchen island fits well, make sure to leave at least 4 feet of space around it for foot traffic and to allow opening cabinets without obstructions.
FUNCTIONALITY
What important features are you looking for in kitchen island? Additional storage, more workspace, an added sink to wash vegetables and fruit, a cooktop, a stove, a place to sit and grab and quick bite? An island can be many things and you will need to determine what is the most important to you. If you’d like your kitchen island to be an informal place to grab a quick meal, you should account for at least 2 feet of width per person and per chair, as well as have an overhanging counter top so there is enough leg room to sit comfortably. As a rule of thumb, the higher the island counter top, the less overhang will be needed as knees bend less on tall kitchen stools.
STYLE
As you remodel your kitchen to include a kitchen island, the island itself will become the center piece of your kitchen so you will want to pick a style that complements your kitchen and not take away from it. If it’s off, the whole kitchen will be off. Cabinet colors, countertop material, sufficient amount of outlets to connect appliances, all need to be taken in consideration. At PRO-TOPS, we specialize in kitchen remodeling and are knowledgeable about the latest trends in kitchen designs. Call us today or visit our brand new complete kitchen and bath showroom in Matthews to get inspired.
