There are a few different features you may be considering for an upcoming kitchen remodel, and one of these that’s been a relative constant in the kitchen design world for decades is the island. Many homeowners love the idea of a kitchen island that can serve multiple purposes – and if you’ve decided to go this route, you have numerous options at your disposal.
At Ideal Kitchen & Bath, we’re happy to assist with many different elements of kitchen remodeling, including measuring, planning and building custom kitchen cabinets and other quality items. What are some key areas to consider while looking to select the optimal island design and features for your kitchen remodel? This two-part blog series will go over all the important facets to cover.
Island Size
As you may have guessed, one of the single most important factors of any kitchen island is its size. It needs to be big enough to accommodate all the features you want it to provide, but it also can’t be so large that it takes up too much space and makes your kitchen feel cramped.
One key variable to think about here is the distance between the island and other countertop spaces. In most cases, you want this gap to be between three and four feet for optimum usage. Additionally, it’s beneficial to leave at least two feet of clearance around all sides of the island – allowing for ample space to move and work from all angles.
Island Material
There are also multiple material types to choose from when it comes to your kitchen island. A common material used in modern kitchen islands is wood, as this creates a very natural and inviting feel for the space. Other popular materials include stainless steel, quartz or granite. In addition to looking great and being durable, these materials are also easier to maintain than other options.
Shape Desires
You should also be closely considering the shape of your island. If you have a smaller kitchen, it’s usually best to opt for an L-shaped island as this provides ample room to work on either side. If space is not a problem, then you can select from any number of shapes – such as square islands or even ones with curved edges or other artistic touches.
Some modern homeowners even look into unique, customized shapes that allow for more efficient usage – such as having rounded edges in the corners to provide additional space. No matter what shape you decide to go with, make sure it matches the overall aesthetic of your kitchen and works well with all the other features present.
In part two of our series, we’ll go over some additional areas to keep in mind as you source the optimal island for your kitchen remodel. For more on this, or to learn about any of our kitchen or bathroom remodeling services, speak to our team at Ideal Kitchen & Bath today.
