If adding a kitchen island is part of your kitchen remodel plan, there are several key elements you should take into consideration during the design phase. It’s important to think about the size and dimensions of your kitchen, the function you want your kitchen island to serve, and the overall look and feel of the space. With the help of this guide, you can start designing the kitchen island of your dreams in no time!
How big is your kitchen?
When designing a kitchen island, you must consider the size and shape of your space. The dimensions of your kitchen will help you decide how big your island can be and what shape it will take. The Kitchen work triangle remains the gold standard for an efficient kitchen layout. You should consult this guideline when deciding on the size of your island and where to place it.
The dimensions of your kitchen will also help determine the shape of your island. Some of the most popular kitchen island shapes include:
- L-shaped kitchen island
- U-shaped kitchen island
- Square kitchen island
- Circular kitchen island
What is the function of your island?
Once you determine the sizes and shapes most suitable for your kitchen island, it’s important to think about how you want it to function. Is its primary purpose for cooking, storage, or entertaining? Narrowing down the main function of your kitchen island will help you make a final decision on the shape and design of the island:
- If you want a kitchen island mainly for cooking, you might be better served by an L-shaped or square kitchen island. These shapes are optimal for efficient meal prep and clean up. This may also impact the surface of your kitchen island. If you’re going to cook a lot on your kitchen island, you will likely want to go with a durable, easy to clean countertop material. Some top choices include quartz and granite. View our slab gallery here.
- If you want a kitchen island mainly for storage, you might consider installing drawers, cabinets, and appliances in your island. Again, an L-shape or square shape is probably best for those installing an island for storage purposes.
- If you want a kitchen island mainly for entertaining, you will likely want some seating. You’ll also want to make sure your countertops are at a comfortable height for standing. Kitchen islands meant for entertaining can really take on any shape, however, a U-shaped or circular island may serve this function best.
What does your kitchen look like?
The look and feel of your kitchen will also help determine the design of your kitchen island. This will help you decide what materials and colors to use for the surface and base of your kitchen island.
If you have an industrial style kitchen, you may opt for stainless steel countertops and hidden cabinets for your island. If your kitchen has a more rustic look, you might choose wood countertops and dark cabinets instead. For those with an open, elegant looking kitchen, granite or quartz countertops may be a more suitable choice, with light wood or glass encased cabinets.
Additionally, many people work to avoid seams in the top material of their kitchen islands and countertops in general. Although seams are often dictated by other parameters, you can try to avoid them by taking the overall size of the cabinets that make up the island into account during the design phase.
Time to design the kitchen island of your dreams!
Your kitchen island will likely become the focal point of your kitchen, so it’s important to do your due diligence when planning this part of your kitchen remodel. Our expert team at Kitchen & Bath Center is ready to help! Don’t hesitate to reach out.
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