Brilliant Kitchen Islands and Ideas

Kitchen islands are a great way to add extra storage and surface space into your kitchen without ripping apart the existing space. You can have a built in option or a freestanding addition. Islands can double as a counter or bar for eating on the other side and create a communal aspect to any kitchen, this way you can entertain guests or kids as you cook. You can decide how much privacy and delineation of space you would like by choosing between a all counter height island for a more open and egalitarian feel or a bar height one to control mess and separate activities. If you choose counter height for the whole island the height should be set at 36” high.

When opting for a bar height one set the counter side where you will work to 36” high and the bar side where guests will eat to 42” high. Either way doesn’t forget to leave 15-18” for the chairs to tuck under and the guest’s knees to fit under while they eat. You do need quite a bit of space in order to have an island in your kitchen, typically you will want to leave about 48” between the island and the cabinets against the wall to be able to open cupboards and for appropriate circulation space for two people. If you decide to put seating on the opposite side you will want 60” from the edge of the counter to the nearest wall in order to accommodate chair push back and circulation space behind the island. Don’t have 60” behind your island but still want to allow for seating, try moving the chairs to the side also maximizing storage and space all around your kitchen island!

An island can be no only useful but become a great statement piece in your kitchen. Some ways to emphasize an island are to try painting it a different color, preferably a darker one as your eye will be drawn to it that way. Keep the countertops consistent to make sure the kitchen remains visually cohesive when using a different color cabinetry. You can also try a different material all together for example; if you have painted cabinets try a wood island.

Another great way to draw focus to your kitchen island is to put lights above it – they will not only draw your attention there but also make it easy to use!