Kitchen island ideas

When it comes to multitasking, kitchen islands are hard to beat. Packing in storage and bonus counter space, kitchen islands improve function and efficiency in the kitchen, adding valuable work space.  Islands can contain a sink, a cooktop, warming drawers, refrigerator drawers, or a dishwasher, an island makes food preparation and cleanup much more convenient and often more social. Add space for counter stools, and you have a spot for breakfast or snacks. Positioned as a room divider, a kitchen island becomes a self-service buffet for a party.


Where a kitchen island works


Islands aren't made to go in every kitchen!  If you have a small kitchen, make sure you're not "squeezing" in the island just for extra counterspace.  Kitchen islands work well in U-shape and L-shape kitchens because they shorten the distance between work centers and direct traffic outside the work core.

The U-shaped kitchen layout is one of the basic kitchen layouts.  It's a useful and versatile layout for a small, medium or large kitchen. A U-shaped kitchen consists of work space on three adjoining walls, two parallel walls perpendicular to a third.

The L-shaped kitchen layout is one of the most popular and versatile kitchen layouts. It consists of work space on two adjoining walls perpendicular to each other. 

Add an eye catching contrasting island

Contrasting islands are in right now.  Different colored islands and even different color cabinets in the perimeter are the new trends.  Make your kitchen island stand out by choosing a wood tone that contrasts with that of your cabinetry. Then tie it all together by trimming the cabinets by using moulding the same color as the island.

This island can resemble a piece of fine furniture. The warm, dark wood contrasts with the white cabinetry, but the traditional style is consistent throughout the room.  See more kitchen island ideas here.

Kitchen Island Design Details

Some kitchen islands are elaborate custom-built pieces of fine cabinetry and include a sink, granite counters, a cooktop, cabinets for storage, a second dishwasher, a warming oven, or a small refrigerator. The sky's the limit if you have room in your kitchen.  You'll see that most kitchen islands are longer and wider than ever before and include architectural details. 

 



Island with "bump out"







Island using a corner post





Island using open shelving