When you think of a luxury kitchen, you probably think of ones that have beautiful kitchen islands. An island in your kitchen should serve more of a purpose than just a focal point. If you do not choose a kitchen island that works well within your kitchen space, you will be unhappy with it and it will not provide you with the convenience and additional storage space you are after.

Below, we will talk about kitchen islands and some of the things you need to consider as you shop for one for your home.

1. Know the Size of Kitchen Islands

When it comes to kitchen islands, do NOT choose one that is too small or too large. One that is too large will overwhelm your kitchen space and one that is too small will serve no purpose. You should measure the space you have available and keep in mind that you should have a minimum of 36 inches on all sides to provide walking room.

2. Consider Seating Options

Many homeowners enjoy when others sit within the kitchen as they cook and a kitchen island can serve as an informal dining area for those days when you do not want to set the traditional dining room table.

If you do want to use your kitchen island in this way, make sure that the island you choose has a lip that allows for seating or bar stools to slide under. It would be a big inconvenience to choose a small island without a lip, as you would need to pull the bar stools out of storage each time you want to use them.

3. Consider the Features

Kitchen islands come with many different features, but you do not have to use all of them. In fact, you can choose a basic island or you can choose one that has many different pull out drawers, a sink, and even a small cooking space. The options are endless, but they are ultimately up to you.

You should sit down and think about what you want to get from your island BEFORE you shop for one. Having an idea in your head will help you stick to what you want without choosing too many features you do not need.

4. Consider the Material

You can choose from many different material types for your kitchen island. For example, you can have a stainless steel top, wood top, marble top, and many more options. You need to think about what you plan to use the island for. For instance, if you will be using the kitchen island for food prep, a butcher’s block top is the best option as the wood is not porous, is easy to clean, and has antibacterial properties.

Kitchen islands are beautiful and they add a touch of luxury to any home’s kitchen. Before you settle on the first island you see, make sure that you evaluate your needs and then choose the one that makes the most sense when it comes to functionality and versatility.

In addition to choosing the right kitchen island, you also need to think about the layout of the space. Make sure you are avoiding these kitchen layout design mistakes and here are some tips for choosing the right color for your kitchen.