Kitchen islands are as versatile and stylish. Not only does an island add countertop workspace, but it also provides storage and seating. Whether you’re getting ready to create a new kitchen or remodel an existing kitchen, the best kitchen island design will be based on how you use your kitchen. With a variety of options that include kitchen islands with storage, kitchen islands with seating, and more, there\’s a solution for any need and any kitchen style.
Kitchen Island Ideas
If you’re in the design stage, there are plenty of kitchen island ideas to inspire you. Some homeowners appreciate sleek, minimalist islands for their clean, modern look, while others like rustic farmhouse tables that can double as prep stations.
Consider waterfall edges or mixed-material countertops, for example, or incorporate open shelving into your design. A two-tone island with pockets of contrasting cabinetry will be a focal point in your room. Whether your look is modern, traditional or somewhere in between, the appropriate design will blend both beauty and utility.
- Modern finishes
- Rustic wood
- Dual-height counters
- Accent colors
- Smart lighting
Kitchen Island with Stove
A stovetop on your kitchen island can make a world of difference to your cooking experience. Moving the cooktop to the kitchen’s center not only creates an efficient work triangle but also blends prep and cooking into one activity. This layout is particularly useful for open-concept spaces in which the kitchen shares adjacent space with the dining or living areas.
Good ventilation, either a ceiling-mounted hood or a downdraft system, is a must for both safety and functionality. This configuration is perfect for home cooks who like to be social with guests or family while making a meal.
- Cooktop centered improved workflow
- Social setup
- Custom ventilation
- Seamless design
Kitchen Island With Seating
A kitchen island with seating is one of the most popular hutches for islands in modern kitchens. It’s great for those looking for somewhere to enjoy breakfast together or hosts who love to entertain.
Thanks to the space saver, you can custom-design your island to seat two, four or even more! A 12-inch or larger overhang provides an ample amount of legroom, and counter height or bar height stools can provide various decorative effects. But chairs on all sides and seating make your island a prized piece of (seating and working) real estate.
- Casual Dining
- Bar stools
- Legroom space
- Social spot
- Multi-purpose
Kitchen Island With Storage
One of the greatest advantages of constructing a kitchen island is the extra storage it adds. A well-built kitchen island with storage can store pots, pans and small appliances. There are a variety of features possible, including deep drawers, custom shelving, pull-out shelves, and hidden compartments, if you require them.
Open shelving makes cookbooks or ornamental wares readily at hand. Kitchen islands with storage help eliminate clutter in the rest of your kitchen, leaving more space available on your counters and in your cabinets for all your gadgets, appliances and gizmos, and keeping everything within sight and in reach.
- Pull-out drawers
- Open shelving
- Appliance space
- Organized layout
- Custom cabinetry
Also Read: Best Color for Kitchen Cabinets!
Kitchen Island Countertop
It’s important to select the perfect kitchen island countertop that can handle the needs of your everyday life in style.
Quartz, granite, butcher block or even polished concrete are visually appealing materials with durability that will last. Your countertop should be able to stand up to everyday use, resist stains and clean up with a damp rag. If your island has various uses — for example, prep zone, dining area, or cooking area. You would want to divide these up and mix materials in for a fresher look. For example, you might use butcher block for chopping and quartz for serving to have the advantages of both.
- Quartz surface
- Butcher block
- Mixed materials
- Heat resistance
- Seamless finish
Benefits of a Kitchen Island
There are a myriad of reasons as to why homeowners opt for a kitchen island in their kitchen renovation. The most advantageous features are the extra counter space, storage, and a place for guests or casual dining. An island can also help with the floor plan by providing good circulation around zones. And for families, it’s a convenient spot for the kids to do homework while the meals are being cooked.
From a real estate standpoint, a well-designed island can provide a landlocked kitchen with an anchor and, often, substantially more resale value.
- Extra prep space
- Increased storage
- Hosting area
- Family-friendly
- Value boost
Drawbacks of a Kitchen Island
Although a kitchen island is a value-added element, there are a few disadvantages to think about. If your kitchen is small or has a weird configuration, an island can feel crowded and stop the flow of traffic.
The installation will cost more for adding utilities like plumbing or electrical appliances. Furthermore, poor island positioning may decrease effectiveness, as opposed to increasing it. That is why thoughtful preparation and the help of a pro are critical. Always measure the space and consider how you will use the island before constructing.
- Space concerns
- Cost increase
- Layout disruption
- Utility needs
- Limited access
Kitchen Island Alternatives
If a built-in island doesn’t fit your space or your budget, other options provide many of the same benefits. A kitchen island cart offers the perfect solution to the problem by adding additional counter and storage space, as well as colour and texture, in a zone where you can prep, serve and store food without having to walk to the other side of the room.
A kitchen island table can serve as an informal dining area for the kids, or it can be the place where families gather for breakfast and lunch, and the dining table becomes the hub for dinner parties. Great for preparing snacks or meals. The following options are affordable, adaptable and work well in apartments or smaller homes specifically.
- Rolling cart
- Island table
- Fold-out design
- Portable option
- Flexible use
Shop Kitchen Island Options
Builders Group Construction has simplified kitchen island creation that accentuates a client’s lifestyle. Whether you need a simple food prep station or a luxurious, custom island with all the amenities, you’ll get the help you need for every part of the process from experts who understand exactly what it takes to help you create the functional kitchen space you’ve always wanted.
From the material to the layout to the features, our design team will help bring your vision to life. From consultation to installation, we are here to make your kitchen island beautiful and strong.
- Personalized design
- High-end finishes
- Smart layouts
- Expert advice
- Quality build
Let’s Build Your Dream Kitchen
Whether you’re considering cool kitchen island ideas or just thinking about how to design a kitchen island, we can help you bring your vision to life. Check out the different types of kitchen sinks to complement your island design perfectly. Let us start with your dream kitchen upgrade today and get the quality you know you deserve.
Contact Builders Group Construction and start making your dream kitchen a reality.
FAQs
How to make a kitchen island out of base cabinets?
You can reuse stock base cabinets by screwing them together, throwing a countertop on and finishing the sides. This is how you achieve a functional inset island with storage!
How to create a kitchen island: Step by step?
Begin by taking stock of your space, then decide on a layout and materials. Raise your base, add the top, paint or trim as desired and connect utilities as required.
What is the purpose of the kitchen island?
A kitchen island increases available workspace, storage space and seating, and it enhances the flow and efficiency of workstations, too. It usually also serves as a focal point for food prep and socialising.
How to build a kitchen island with cabinets and seating?
You can pair and stack base cabinets for storage and have an overhang on one side of the countertop for leg room. Include stools for relaxed dinner parties or lively entertaining.
How to build a kitchen island with a breakfast bar?
Extend the countertop over the island base 12–18 inches to form a breakfast bar. Use supporting brackets at the bottom and place some stools for the final arrangement.
How to build a kitchen island with a sink?
Plumb the sink before setting it on the countertop. Select a base cabinet that contains plumbing and opt for waterproof materials in the vicinity.
