Choosing The Right Kitchen Islands

A kitchen island is a countertop or cabinet unit with all sides open, accessible, and not bounded by a wall. It could be fixed, portable, small, or as big as you like.

Kitchen islands are popular features that many homeowners want to have in their houses. Whether for a remodelled or new kitchen, a kitchen island can make your space more enjoyable and functional.

However, choosing the right kitchen island can take time because of the many available market options. The most common choices are the mobile or portable kitchen island and a permanent island fitted with several utilities. What's important is that you get a kitchen island appropriate for your needs and make sure that it's placed in a spot that would make it fully functional.

There are certain factors you need to consider when choosing a kitchen island. Here are a few things you should know.

Shape and Size

Kitchen islands can make your kitchen efficient and functional. Having an area where you can prepare your food could also serve as additional storage space. However, a kitchen island could also be an obstacle if it's too small, too big, or in the wrong shape.

There's no standard guideline for the size and shape of the kitchen island. A kitchen island that's too small will be rendered unusable, but if it's too big, it could significantly slow down your kitchen's workflow.

Utilities

It would be best if you also considered your kitchen island's purpose. A kitchen island could be a table and so much more. It could be fitted with certain features depending on your needs. You can add wheels to it to store and move it easily. It may have electrical wiring and plumbing to add a microwave or sink. You should know what your needs are in the kitchen and what function and purpose you want your kitchen to serve so you can choose the appropriate island.

Style

Of course, you also need to think about the style, which should fit the design of your entire kitchen. When it comes to shape, it can also affect the aesthetics of your kitchen island. You can choose from different materials, from granite to wood.

Space

A kitchen island won't be beneficial but will become detrimental if placed in an area without enough room to move around. Having at least 48 inches of free space on each side of the kitchen island is best. With this, the kitchen won't be too crowded, and there will be enough space for everyone who wants to help out in the kitchen.

Chairs

You can also add matching chairs to your kitchen island if you want to use them as an informal space for dining, office work, school work, and more. The chairs' style will depend on your kitchen island's overall style. The width should be at least 24 inches per individual, ensuring enough clearance between your knees and the bottom of the island counter.

Open or Closed

An open kitchen island is cheaper, and you also use it to display your kitchenware and other stuff. It also looks uncluttered. However, a closed kitchen island works well if you have a lot of things in the kitchen that you want to hide. Of course, arrange them well, so you're not just hiding your clutter.

There are common factors you need to consider when designing your kitchen island. Be sure to do your research well to make a well-informed decision. 

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