Kitchen islands allow more counter space in an open kitchen, but that’s not all it does. When it comes to both function and aesthetics, there are numerous possibilities. Whether you’re thinking of a full kitchen remodel or just an update, here are some kitchen island ideas that will really make your kitchen one of a kind.
Ample Seating
The kitchen is often the liveliest room where families get together to cook, eat, and socialize. For many, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s important to offer plentiful space and seating for everyone. There are many kitchen island designs which offer breakfast bar seating. When there’s lots of children around, add a shorter table adjacent to your kitchen island so they don’t have to sit on stools that are too high up from the ground.
For those with larger kitchens that have a lot of space, you may consider getting a kitchen with tiers that will be comfortable for both standing users and seated users. Or, you may even consider getting a second kitchen island to accommodate even more people!
Storage: Hidden or Not?
It’s always a good idea to think about what you want to use your kitchen island for as there are a lot of ways you can create storage space. For example, avid home cooks might like a built-in bookcase for their favorite cookbooks. If your kitchen island comes with a built-in stove, then you may also want space for your pots, pans, and cooking utensils, or pull out drawers to separate your trash and recycling.
Next, think of the style you want in your kitchen island and how you want it to work with the rest of your kitchen. Do you want to put your beautiful collection of china on display? Or would you rather have everything hidden away for a clutter-less kitchen? Built-ins and open shelves are just as popular options as enclosed cabinets and hidden drawers.
Upgrading the Gadgets
For those that love the idea of upgrading to a smart kitchen or having a kitchen of the future, why not upgrade your kitchen island with top quality appliances? Just like hidden storage, you can use your kitchen island to hide appliances away when you’re not using them. From built-in cooktops to beautiful sink fittings, you can make your kitchen island work for you. If using your kitchen island to store dishes and books isn’t exactly what you had in mind; what about installing subzero wine coolers to store your favorite beverages? Another great feature of modern day kitchen islands is hidden outlets. You can have outlets placed below the counter ledge or off to the side to keep wires and cords out of your way.
Making a Statement
Kitchen islands naturally become the centerpiece of most kitchens. So when you’re choosing your next kitchen island, look at your options as if they are sculptural pieces of art. Waterfall kitchen islands, where the tabletop material flows down one or both sides of the island, are especially popular, especially to dramatically show off natural stone or marble. However, you can also find waterfall kitchen islands made of wood or metal.
Let WPL Interior Design help you choose the perfect kitchen island for your home. We’ll help you with kitchen island ideas based on your needs, lifestyle, and personal style to find the perfect match for you and your family. Contact us to learn more about our kitchen renovation process!
