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Kitchen Island Designs

published Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 at 9:14 pm by admin

The kitchen island has become the must have feature for new kitchens and for those updating their kitchens. These days kitchen islands come in all sizes and designs to suit any home. The kitchen island is placed in the centre of the kitchen and becomes the focal point for food preparation by adding workspace. It makes the kitchen a more social place where the family can gather around. Kitchen islands come in various sizes from small to oversize that can even function as a dining table for the whole family.

I wanted to find out more about the kitchen island designs and what you should consider if you are thinking of building a new kitchen or renovating your existing space. Firstly the kitchen island does not come in a standard size or shape. You may think of the kitchen island as a rectangle, most are but do not need to be. They can have rounded edges, they can be L shaped, U shaped or practically any shape that will fit into the centre of the kitchen. So as you are not limited by standard designs, you can use your creativity to design the kitchen island that fits best into your kitchen.

One of the questions that you can think about is what function you want your kitchen island to perform. Most kitchen islands are used for extra workspace and for food preparation. But if you have room, they can double as a casual or even semi formal eating location. If you have limited room, you could round off the edges of the island and use it as a breakfast bar. If you have a little more room, you can extend the island further than you need for preparing food and have space for a family of four or five. The ultimate kitchen island if you have space is to install two, one for food and one for eating.

Once you have decided on the function of the kitchen, you can think about what features you want it to have. These days kitchen islands can have an amazing range of features built right into them. The most obvious features are drawers and cabinets, to give you extra storage space. Another idea is to use the space under the island for your kitchen appliances, such as the dishwasher and even refrigerator drawers. Depending on the space and if you plan to have people eating at the island, you can have cooking facilities built in, although you need to think ahead on this one to make sure it will be safe.

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The kitchen island has proven to be the essential feature in today’s modern kitchen.
Not only do they complement the kitchen’s overall design, but they serve as a food prep area, a work space and a dining table. The kitchen island design can vary depending on the size and style of the kitchen. While kitchen islands add to the aesthetics of the kitchen, it’s versatile and multi-functional aspects are also important factors in deciding which kitchen island design to choose.

Countertop Space

Deciding on the need of the countertop space is very important in determining size. If having a dining area is one of the main purposes of the space, then a multi-level kitchen island design can be beneficial. The higher level can have stools or chairs for eating, while the lower level can function as a cooking and serving area. The countertop can also extend beyond the base to allow face-to-face seating. The countertop dimensions can be dependent on whether the space is going to be used to prepare food or operate as a work zone.

Storage

Determining the inventory that needs storing in the kitchen island can be a factor in choosing the size and type of cabinets or shelves that are needed. Cabinet and shelf styles can come in various forms. Drawers with handles, open shelves, cabinets with drawers, and cabinets with shelves are popular choices. To optimize space, an organizer can be added to the island and function as a spice rack and cooking utensil holder. Wire baskets can also be installed underneath the island to tuck away dishcloths and potholders. Three tier pull-out stations designed into the side of the island can slide out dishes and glasses with ease.

Appliances and Accessories

There are many things to add to the kitchen island design to make life easier. Appliances can be built into the island as well as extra accessories. A wall-mounted paper towel holder can be hooked to the side of the kitchen island for easy access. For additional workspace, rolling carts can fit underneath and slide out when necessary. A range, sink, dishwasher and microwave can also be installed in a kitchen island. When choosing a range for a cooktop island, a down draft venting system or a ventilation hood that vents up through the ceiling is used. The sink in the island can be the main sink or serve as a secondary sink. Plumbing and electrical features should be thoroughly planned out when choosing to have appliances within the island.

Countertop Designs

Island countertops can vary in texture, size and cost. Granite is a very popular countertop design. It is a hard, natural, speckled stone that ranges from black to white. The granite is sealed to resist damage and is great for water absorption. A marble countertop is very durable and is resistant to heat. Laminate is an affordable and versatile option for countertops. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors. Solid surface countertops have a smooth surface and are very easy to clean. Butcher-block countertops vary in grain patterns and color. It has a thick, tough surface and retains its quality for years. Wood countertops are natural protectors from bacterial build-up. They are long-lasting and easy to refurbish.

Designs and Trends in Kitchen Islands

Kitchen island designs can come in many different themes and styles to enhance the overall appearance of the kitchen. Depending on if your kitchen is L, U, or G shaped will help determine the design style and space needed for the island. Traditional kitchen islands can come in natural oak with wood countertops, while a contemporary or modern kitchen can feature cherry wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Some popular trends in kitchen island designs include the country kitchen, French kitchen, Italian kitchen, and the all-white kitchen. Dual Islands are increasing in demand as they provide a separation of space and they complement as well as contrast each other. One island can be used for food prep, while the other island can be used for placing platters of food for entertaining guests. The mobile island is the preferred choice for flexibility. It can be moved around as needed to create more space in the kitchen.

A Place to Come Together

In many homes, the kitchen is the major relaxation area to cook, eat or just to socialize. The kitchen island becomes the main focal point. Everyone gathers around the island to congregate and catch up on the day’s happenings. The popular dual islands are the perfect choice for two cooks who want separate cooking spaces. It can also be used as extra space when more table space is needed for entertaining large crowds. Kitchen islands can also be used in Al Fresco kitchens, where parties can be held outdoors. The outdoor kitchen island can be installed with all the necessities, including a grill, side burners, and an outdoor mini refrigerator.

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Choosing the Best Design

published Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 at 9:13 pm by admin

Different Kitchen Islands for Different Needs

If you are thinking of installing a kitchen island, it may best if you consider all the options before you go ahead and decide on a shape and design. There are a lot of unique, beautiful and stylish designs for every kind of kitchen. You can choose from small kitchen islands, large islands, country and outdoor, you can have it with a breakfast bar or you can just have it custom made. Having one installed should be taken into careful consideration and one should put a lot of thought in it. It does not come cheap so it would be better to have everything well planned than to have to do it all over again.

A small kitchen island is, of course, ideal for a small kitchen area. However, you would not want to have the island too small as it may lose its main function. You should always keep in mind your purpose of having one installed. If you want to have an additional sink, an island that is too small would not have enough space for the countertop. So, you should measure everything carefully and determine the exact size of the kitchen island.

If you want to have a large kitchen island, it should also follow that you have a large enough kitchen that could accommodate the size of the island that you want. Having a large one inside a small kitchen would prove to be very inconvenient. This means that people will not have enough space to move around and it can delay the tasks at hand. Having an island means that you could have extra space so that you could prepare and cook food in an easier manner and a lot faster, too. But, if your island is too big for your area, then it defeats the purpose of having one. It will only make the task longer to do and inefficiently, too.

One classic kitchen island is the country style. Somehow, the look of old wood and classic country design seems more inviting than that of a contemporary design. People like the look of this old wood because the country look makes them feel more at home and relaxed.

Outdoor kitchen islands, on the other hand, are great to have especially during spring, summer and autumn seasons. More and more people like eating outdoors as compared to eating inside a closed space. With a kitchen island outdoors, they do not have to go back and forth to the kitchen and get some supplies. Everything that you need could be stored there. You can, then, cook in a different environment and atmosphere which can be a very delightful experience for you. You will be able to join everybody else and talk to them while cooking.

A kitchen island with a breakfast bar is a delight to many especially the kids. Everybody can just grab a stool and prepare sandwiches for breakfast and perhaps a burger they can take to school for lunch. This kind of setting makes it a lot informal and everybody can enjoy the coziness that it offers.
While you can order a ready-made design, it is also possible to have it custom made. If you are the type who wants to have an island that caters to your every need, then this could be the right choice for you. However, many things should be thought of carefully especially the measurement. You do not want to order one whole kitchen island that will not fit inside the area.

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Why Do You Need a Kitchen Island

published Sunday, April 29th, 2012 at 3:57 pm by admin

The kitchen is probably one of the most important areas in the house. This is where the family prepares and cooks their food. Meal times can be a lot of fun for the whole family especially if everyone participates in preparing and cooking food. It could be a bonding time for mothers and daughters or perhaps husband and wife. However, the experience could be so much more pleasurable if you have a kitchen that is cozy and easy to work at.

If you are looking to make your kitchen more conducive for the task at hand, you may want to look at adding a kitchen island. Preparing food can take up space especially if there are two or more people doing it. If the preparation area is too crowded and cannot accommodate everybody, it is perhaps pointless to participate in the activity. By adding a kitchen island, you will provide more space for your family members as well as additional storage area.

Advantages of a Kitchen Island
The most common function of a kitchen island is to give the house owner additional counter space as well as storage area. Some household owners buy so much stuff for the kitchen that they do not know where to put everything. Also, the island can be used as a partition between the kitchen and the dining area. Not all homes are big enough to have separates areas for kitchen and dining. In fact, many houses only have one room for the kitchen and the dining area. By installing a kitchen island, you will have instant partition between the two. You can also make use of your kitchen island as an informal dining area. If you have a small family or perhaps you have one, two or three friends over, you may all gather at the island and have your meal there while enjoying each other’s company and conversation.

Kitchen Island Designs
Designing your very own kitchen island is not as hard as one might think. There are a lot of designs available depending on the size and shape of your kitchen area. However, the first thing you have to decide is what to install in your kitchen island. Some people prefer to have an additional sink installed, a small fridge perhaps or maybe a dishwasher. The great thing about having an island installed is that you could also have additional spaces to put all of these things.

When you have decided on the amenities that you want to be included on there, the next step is for you to decide on the design. Most kitchen island designs would also match the main kitchen but not always. You can have a different design for it, making it stand out and become the center of the kitchen. However, this is not to say that you will have a kitchen island that is so totally out of sync with the entire kitchen area. It could stand out but not so much that it will look out of place.

Keep in mind that the countertop is the most important part of your kitchen island and the whole kitchen in general. You should try and look for a good quality countertop that will last for a long time.
If you are in doubt on what to buy, you can always consult an expert so you do not waste time and money. The best advantage is that you will know that your kitchen island will be installed the right way and that it will have the same good quality in the many years to come.

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Choose the Best Kitchen Island Design for your Kitchen

published Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 at 2:10 pm by admin

There are many kinds of kitchen island styles and designs that you can choose from should you decide to have one installed in your kitchen or outdoors. It is needless to say that having one in your house can have a lot of benefits.

The most common shapes would be the square shape, rectangular and oval. These are the traditional kitchen island styles. Square shaped islands are best for kitchens that have large areas but not all the time. You can have a square shaped island even if you have a small area provided that it is not too big. The rectangular shaped island is the most common of all. It is much easier to fully utilize.

Round shaped islands are the least common because one usually needs a large kitchen for them to be able to install it. These days, however, it is gaining popularity for those who have large kitchens as it can provide better use. Most of these circular islands have a sink in the middle and a countertop around it so there is no need to leave the area when preparing food.

For those who are more creative and want something different, you can opt for curved designs shaped like a letter “C” or an “S” if the area permits it. Stylish designs such as these are only ideal for large kitchens as it takes up space. But remember that having slimmer designs can save you more space and gives a more contemporary look.

The next thing you need to decide on in the color and the material that you are going to use for your kitchen island. The most common materials that you can find in most homes are wood and marble. You can decide on the material depending on what kind of weather you normally have in your area. It should be able to withstand the weather and last for a long time as having it fixed or changed only after a while can be costly and impractical.

You can also play with different colors if you are more adventurous. The typical kitchen island matches the colors of the kitchen itself but if you want it to stand out and become the center of the kitchen, you can choose different colors but make sure that it will not look so out of place. You can opt for a more modern look or you can have a more inviting color scheme like a country theme.

Kitchen islands can be made to order but you also have the option to build one on your own. If you order one, make sure that you have an expert from the company you are ordering it from have a look at the area where you are going to install the island. These experts can give you professional advice as to the shape, design and color scheme. However, if you decide to build one on your own, careful planning should be made.

The most important thing to do when you build your own island is to measure correctly. You have to mark the spot where you are going to put your island so you will determine the size of the island that you are going to build.

Kitchen islands do not only make your kitchen look good and sophisticated but it can also make food preparation and cooking a lot faster and easier. Family and friends can gather around and help each other with the preparation while having good conversation.

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Kitchen Island Accessories and Appliances

published Sunday, October 16th, 2011 at 8:55 pm by admin

Kitchen islands are a really great way to add both style and functionality to your kitchen. These spaces can be used predominately for seating and gathering, or they can be used as functional preparation and cooking spaces. Depending on your needs, that choice is up to you. You can even choose whether you would like to have a permanent or a movable kitchen island space too!

And if that weren’t enough, there are tons of different kitchen island accessories and appliances you can choose from to personalize and add function and utility to your new kitchen island space. You do not have to sacrifice style for functionality either. These accessories and appliances come in a huge number of different styles so as to provide you with plenty of choice. You can choose these additions as complements to the style of your kitchen and to enhance the usefulness of the island as a cooking space.

Functional

For the avid cook, a kitchen island is an excellent way to enhance the utility of your cooking space. Not only can functionality be part of the design of the kitchen island itself, you can also find tons of different, highly functional additions for your island as well.

Extra prep space

Sometimes the counter space in a standard kitchen is just sorely lacking. A kitchen island takes what is otherwise fairly useless space and turns it into an area that can be used. This is a great place to set up cutting boards and other prepping stations so as to make meal planning a lot simpler.

Cook tops

You can even go so far as to have a cook top stove placed in your kitchen island. This is one of the best kitchen island accessories and appliances for the home cook that has a lot of people to feed. It provides additional cooking space with the convenience of being directly next to a prep area. This extra space can be a hot commodity when cooking for a crowd.

Butcher Board Tops

When you choose a kitchen island, there are a number of different choices as to the surface you pick for the top of the island. For the home cook looking to use this area as a preparation space, you can consider the addition of butcher board tops. These are tops that are, for all intents and purposes, giant cutting boards. Easy to clean, these tops turn your entire island into a prep space in waiting.

Sinks

There is nothing worse than preparing a home cooked meal and drenching yourself and the kitchen in the process. Any meals that require a large number of fresh ingredients pose this risk. The sink is often not in the same part of the kitchen that prep and cooking take place in. This means that once you have your produce clean, you have to lug it across your kitchen to your work station. You can have a sink, with or without a garbage disposal, installed into your kitchen island, making this an even more functional work area.

Extra Storage and Convenience

There is a lot of wasted space in most kitchens and the kitchen island, by its very nature, is a way to maximize your use of space. There are ways to maximize your use of space even further, as well as the convenience of your kitchen through your choices in kitchen island accessories and appliances.

Cabinet and drawer space

Kitchen islands are tall cabinet-like structures that take up the middle of the kitchen. The sides of these islands are not useful for prep, but they are useful to storage. You can put in a number of different tired storage spaces in a kitchen island to store extra tablesettings, appliances and more. You can even add drawers kitchen utensils, keeping them in easy reach.

Places for appliances such as microwaves

Small compact appliances that are designed for use in a kitchen island are cropping up. You can find convenience items such as microwaves available for kitchen islands. These are great choices as they provide a space maximizing way to have a convenient appliance.

Kitchen island accessories and appliances come in a wide variety of proverbial shapes and sizes. Depending on what you intend to use your kitchen for, your choices are near endless. You can find accessories and appliances that will help maximize the work space available to you, cooking space, and storage space. You can choose appliances that will created added convenience to your kitchen without taking up a ton of premium space.

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