Remodeling Tips: Adding a Kitchen Island
Americans are super consumers, and we’re always looking for the latest gadgets to help us out in the kitchen. For homeowners looking for a way to tuck away more gear in the kitchen, adding a kitchen island is a perfect solution. The kitchen island has also become an important gathering area for families today.
Approaching today’s must-have renovation
The flow of the kitchen is vital to an efficient and effective use of it. However, families today use the kitchen for much more than meal preparation – they’re using it as a gathering space to enjoy each other’s company and entertain themselves. However, the flow is still important. Some refer to it as the “work triangle,” which is the three uninterrupted points between the refrigerator, stove and sink.
The work triangle concept has been around since the 1920s, but with the relatively recent trend of adding kitchen islands, another concept called the “work zone” has been developed.
Combining the work zone with the work triangle
Is your kitchen now opened up to your living room? This is increasingly the case with new construction and with renovations of older homes that cater to the needs of today’s families. However, the design is still being tweaked. For example, many early open plans included a small desk, which is now being phased out because it became a catchall and took up valuable room for kitchen-related items.
Work kitchen island is now considered a work zone that can double as an entertainment zone, integrating perfectly with the work triangle. This means you still have your natural flow for preparing meals while integrating a new area for anything you want.
The island has multiple uses – a place to sit and watch television while snacking, a focal point for a festive gathering, a workspace for a big dinner or a place to kick back and have drinks with friends.
Some of the more advanced kitchen islands are incorporating cooktops, wine refrigerators and sinks. However, don't forget kitchen faucets, the right faucet can endure decades of daily use and adapt to different needs.
Big or small, the kitchen island offers plenty of functionality
Islands come in all shapes and sizes. For small kitchens, the island might be nothing more than a small worktable on rollers that can be tucked into a corner when not in use. Or, the island could be quite expansive, seating multiple people and topped with an expensive marble or granite.
You need to figure out how you intend to use your island, and then you’ll have a better idea of the best design option for your kitchen. Is a prep sink, microwave oven and wine fridge on your list? You’ll probably need a large space to accommodate it.
Do you want to use it for eating and socializing? Your perfect island island might be one that resembles a bar with high chairs.
Islands are excellent for extra kitchen cabinet storage. Not only will you have more countertop, but also you’ll have space for shelves and perhaps even drawers to store your small utensils.
Hire a trusted design-build contractor
Coming up with new ideas to renovate your kitchen is exciting, but it can also be challenging if you’ve never had any experience with renovations. Bring your ideas to us we’ll make them become reality. At New Concept 180, our designers have worked with many clients on kitchen projects, including adding a kitchen island. Our expertise, along with your vision of new kitchen, combines to offer excellent results. Contact us today and let’s talk about what we can do for you.
