Kitchen islands have become a very popular addition to the modern home due to the many benefits they offer. They add extra cooking, counter and storage space to your kitchen. They’re also an elegant way to separate your dining and living spaces. If your kitchen is large enough, you can even add multiple islands that serve different functions.

Some kitchen islands focus mainly on appliances while others focus mainly on seating. Most designs have the appliances on one end or side of the island and the seating on the opposite side. The first thing you need to do is decide which one you want to focus on the most, the appliances or the seating.

If seating is your main concern, comfort should be your priority. You want to be comfortable when eating and socializing or when the kids are doing homework and working on projects. If you need the extra counter space for appliances, you’ll need to determine which ones to use. Common appliances include the stovetop and a dishwasher but sinks and prepping areas are also popular.

Create a Kitchen Island Layout

Once you decide what type of kitchen island you want, the next step is to create a layout. The layout will include the exact position of each appliance, the seating and any cabinet space and drawers you need underneath the counter. Place the appliances on the side of the island that makes interacting with the kitchen cabinets the easiest. Place the prep area near the sink, fridge and wastebasket for convenience.

Your layout will also include the position of the island itself. This is very important because there must be enough floor space between the island and the kitchen cabinets, walls and refrigerator so you don’t feel crowded when walking through. Our professional designers can help you work out all the details and create the layout that suits your kitchen the best.

Choose the Right Width, Length and Height

Choosing the right width, length and height for your island is very important. Between two and three feet wide is standard although three feet islands seem to work the best. You can extend the width to four feet but anything over that loses functionality because you can’t reach the center.

The shortest length you can go and still have enough space to be beneficial is four feet long. However, if you include both appliances and seating, it’s best to choose an island at least seven feet long because the appliances will take up between three to five feet of the space.

The height of the side for seating should accommodate barstools up to 42 inches high without crowding but any higher will take away from functionality. The overhang should be at least 15 inches for maximum comfort.

As you can see, there are many details to work out when installing an island but we can help you make the best decisions to ensure you’re satisfied with the results. Contact us today and our experts will go over your needs and help you choose the right island for your kitchen.

We can also help you customize your island. For example, you may want to add a wet bar underneath the counter space if you entertain often or track lights overhead to ensure proper lighting. Kitchen islands add extra counter space and make your kitchen more functional but they’re also very stylish and modern making them a great choice for most any home.