Your "Fantasy" Island
It’s ever present in your dreams-a drop-dead gorgeous island-for your kitchen, not a vacation getaway. If you’ve ever lived in a home with a large island, then ended up moving to a new home without one, you may be dreaming of adding an island. Perhaps there isn’t room for an island, but the need is there. So many homeowners crave the space and function an island adds to a kitchen. Our customers are requesting islands that are unique and more like freestanding furniture.
Our newest designer, Christina, and I recently visited a client wanting to remodel her kitchen. She requested an island that’s cutting edge in style and design, noting that what she has is very basic and lacks the features she desires. The current island is about six feet long, with a gas cooktop in the center and a 15-inch overhang on the backside. Since she’s remodeling the entire space, we’ll be able to expand the current island and add a dropped down table on one end. The best part is she wants new appliances in the kitchen, and the island will be the perfect place to house them. A warming drawer and undercounter refrigerator drawers will easily fit into the new and improved island.
To determine if you even have room for an island, measure out 36 inches from the front of the existing countertop to the front or side of the island. If you allow 36 inches (minimum) all the way around the island space for your aisle, it should work. Also, take into account any door openings or appliances that have to open. Take a table or large cardboard box and place it where you want an island. Sometimes it helps to have a three dimensional object in place to get a feel for what will really work.
Remember that islands don’t have to be 24 inches deep. They can be much deeper or more shallow, depending on the manufacturer of cabinets. Islands also don’t have to be bolted to the floor. In some cases, it’s desirable to have the ability to move them. If they’re placed on bun feet or casters, be sure they aren’t more than 48 inches wide or 24 inches deep. Otherwise, it gets harder to move them.
Think about what you’re lacking in the current kitchen and place that into the island. This is the perfect spot for a trash base, cookie sheets, pots and pans, or a decorative bookcase. TPW
Our newest designer, Christina, and I recently visited a client wanting to remodel her kitchen. She requested an island that’s cutting edge in style and design, noting that what she has is very basic and lacks the features she desires. The current island is about six feet long, with a gas cooktop in the center and a 15-inch overhang on the backside. Since she’s remodeling the entire space, we’ll be able to expand the current island and add a dropped down table on one end. The best part is she wants new appliances in the kitchen, and the island will be the perfect place to house them. A warming drawer and undercounter refrigerator drawers will easily fit into the new and improved island.
To determine if you even have room for an island, measure out 36 inches from the front of the existing countertop to the front or side of the island. If you allow 36 inches (minimum) all the way around the island space for your aisle, it should work. Also, take into account any door openings or appliances that have to open. Take a table or large cardboard box and place it where you want an island. Sometimes it helps to have a three dimensional object in place to get a feel for what will really work.
Remember that islands don’t have to be 24 inches deep. They can be much deeper or more shallow, depending on the manufacturer of cabinets. Islands also don’t have to be bolted to the floor. In some cases, it’s desirable to have the ability to move them. If they’re placed on bun feet or casters, be sure they aren’t more than 48 inches wide or 24 inches deep. Otherwise, it gets harder to move them.
Think about what you’re lacking in the current kitchen and place that into the island. This is the perfect spot for a trash base, cookie sheets, pots and pans, or a decorative bookcase. TPW