A kitchen island can be a valuable addition to a home. First introduced in the 1970s, interest in kitchen islands has grown considerably during the past few decades. As more people have relocated to the suburbs and homes have grown larger, islands have gained more popularity. Many people enjoy having kitchen islands for both the aesthetic and the functionality. With highly customisable options ranging from simple, square tables to complex, granite-topped blocks, you’re sure to find something that fits the bill. The following details the top reasons to add a kitchen island to your renovation.
Space
One of the most popular reasons that homeowners explore the notion of a kitchen island is because they want more space. Many older homes have smaller kitchens with limited benchtop and storage space. An island can double the kitchen storage space while providing ample working space without compromising the flow of the room. You can choose whether you would like drawers, cabinets, or both. If you’re planning to use the island for food preparation, you may consider adding a built-in cutting board and/or a prep sink.
Functionality
For many families, the kitchen is the hub of the home and serves many purposes beyond cooking and eating, such as socialising and completing homework. If you’ve been struggling to find a place at home to work on large projects, such as canning vegetables and making home decor pieces, a kitchen island can be a great option. You’ll have space to spread out and work on an island in a way that most kitchen benchtops can’t offer.
Kitchen islands are available in both built-in and freestanding designs. With a built-in island, you must have the capacity to install electrical outlets, which comes with the additional expense of hiring an electrician to run electrical lines through the floor. Many people choose a built-in model so that they can include a sink in it, which will involve hiring a plumbing contractor as well.
A freestanding or movable kitchen island gives you the flexibility to keep the island in the room when you need it for preparation or seating and then move it out of the way when you’d rather have the open extra space. It’s a great way to get the best of both worlds.
Seating
Not all kitchens come with space to fit a kitchen table or even a few chairs around the bench. A kitchen island is a great way to add seating while still increasing the functionality and efficiency of the kitchen. Consider a height that will allow people to sit comfortably on standard kitchen stools. From seating for two kids to do their homework to seating for six adults to hang out during dinner parties, it is always nice to be able to seat a few more people in the kitchen.
Customisation
Kitchen islands are not a “one size fits all” feature. Be honest about the components that you want in your kitchen island that will make meal preparation simpler and less stressful. If you don’t need more cabinetry, explore other options for your island such as a bookshelf or wine rack. Would you like to add another appliance to your kitchen but don’t have room along the walls? A kitchen island is perfect for a microwave, small refrigerator, or even a small dishwasher. For other people, it might be most helpful to use the island as a makeshift office area.
Are you still unsure whether or not a kitchen island is a good fit for you and your family? Talk to family and friends who have kitchen islands and ask them what they do and don’t like about their islands. If their islands were also part of kitchen renovations, discuss the renovation process with them. They may be able to offer valuable tips and insight that will help your renovation go more smoothly.
