Simple Tips For Planning A Kitchen Island
Eight years ago, I finally remodeled my kitchen. This had been a long time coming, but all my visions were finally going to become reality. High on my wish list: more storage and more counter space. By adding an island, I could have both. I wanted the island to be the center of activities and to include an overhang for seating and eating.
In larger kitchens, an island can often be added without enlarging the room; unfortunately, I wasn’t that lucky. I had to knock down a wall between our L-shaped combination dining room/family room. We then made this space the informal eating area/great room. The family room became our formal dining room.
Is an island in your future? Consider the following planning ideas I used in designing my own kitchen island.
Countertop: I choose a Corian surface, which has turned out to be super easy to clean up. It’s convenient for rolling out cookies or piecrust. It’s definitely an upgrade that I’m glad I opted for.
Electrical outlets: If you can, install one on each end. You need at least one outlet for any appliances, such as a mixer, you might want to use. (It’s also nice to be able to plug your laptop in at the island when you want to work in the kitchen.) It doesn’t take much to install a second outlet, especially if you are already running electricity to the island.
Cooktop: I have my cooktop on the island. I ended up choosing a Jenn-Aire with a downdraft exhaust vent. For me, the island was the best placement for the cooktop. But your decision should depend on the general layout of the rest of your kitchen. You might want to put a countertop/work area or a sink in your island instead.
Overhang eating area: I extended the countertop on one side–12″ at each end, curving slightly to 18″ in the middle. This is the part we have enjoyed the most! We do breakfast and lunch here on a daily basis. What’s nice is that now when we have company, the cook can visit with guests while keeping an eye on the meal. This space also comes in handy as a buffet and serving area; the food can be kept warm by turning the burners low.
Whether the island contains a cooktop, sink or cutting board, I really encourage adding an overhang. Even if you just have room for one stool, that will make a wonderful space to sit while doing some of the food prep or while reading the paper and having a cup of coffee!
Lighting: Don’t forget lighting over your island. This is one area you don’t want too dark. We solved this problem by installing three recessed canister-style fixtures over the island with a dimmer switch.
Keep in mind: You want to have a minimum of two feet around the island for traffic flow and of course more space if you plan to have an eating area.
Avo Barsoumian has been part of the interior design and home flooring community for the past 25 years. He is the owner and manager of a popular flooring installation company in California. The offer the largest selection of elegant hardwood flooring, beautiful laminate flooring and plush carpeting under one roof. Searching for carpeting costs for your new town house or buy laminate flooring to redecorate your older home? Then Carpet Wagon carries everything you need.
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