The trend in kitchens these days is towards kitchens that are open to the main living areas of the house. If you’re thinking about adding an island to your existing kitchen, or to a new one that you’re planning, read this information first.
An island is a great place for you to prepare food while your kids do homework on the other side. Also, an island is a good place to set out party foods people can access without having to cross into your cooking and prep zone. They not only provide more countertop space but also come with more cabinets, meaning more storage. Utilize under-island cabinets for things you need to access frequently, or use the additional space for accessories such as garbage/recycling centers or pull out drawers for pots and pans.
Kitchens of all sizes may benefit from the inclusion of a kitchen island. If you have limited space, explore all the size options before deciding that one simply won’t work for you and your home.
The narrowest kitchen that can fit an island is generally an open-concept room that faces dining or living space. This is due to the fact that the circulation space on the far side of the island can belong to the neighboring room.
Because islands need circulation space on all sides, try to align that space with the circulation space coming and going from the room. If you can move continuously from the dining room, through the kitchen, to the mudroom or back patio, space feels more open.
