How to Choose the Right Kitchen Island for Your Home
Are kitchen islands going out of style? While the place of the island in the typical kitchen is being rethought these days, that hardly means islands are on their way out. Now more than ever it’s exciting to consider what an island can do for you and your kitchen. What functions does your island serve? What’s most important to be on your island? How will an island structure the design of your kitchen? Hopefully, you’ll find it rewarding to ponder these questions and more with us here, before deciding on a final island design.
The Benefits of Adding a Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands have a variety of benefits, not the least of which is freeing up more counter space for the rest of your kitchen. While most islands feature a sink, even the ones that do not add ample amounts of room for you to spread out and cook a dish without your appliances getting in the way. With the number of countertop gadgets you may have, including perhaps a toaster, a blender, a food processor, and more, it is oftentimes freeing to just have a blank slate for you to work on as you tackle your next cooking project. Islands also serve to bridge the space between your kitchen and the rest of your home, often having seating at the edge closest to your living area. This means that guests are able to seamlessly interact with you as you perhaps prepare, set up, and then serve a charcuterie board to them before everyone moves to a more formal dining area. If you wish to show your skills while you are doing the cooking itself, you may wish to have even a full stovetop on your island, from which you can serve many dishes you expertly craft hot and ready.
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Island Features for Your Lifestyle
If you are not sure what the most important part of your island would be, it is important to consider when you would most want to be facing the rest of your home. It can get dreary if you are always facing a wall when preparing food for perhaps lengthy periods of time—if you can alternate your tasks between facing outwards and inwards, you can make yourself feel less cooped up in your kitchen, giving yourself a sort of break at different times in your cooking experience. It is also worth considering if you value spending periods of time gazing out of the windows of your home, or watching the light change on your furniture as your sun rises or sets—with a kitchen island, there are many ways of being in your kitchen! Remember that, if there are times you would not like to be in the kitchen, such as when you have to wash up after cooking a large meal, a kitchen island’s greater integration into the rest of your home can make even this task a much more pleasant experience.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Island Style for Modern Kitchen Design
How an island will structure the design of your kitchen gets at the core of what sort of design your kitchen island should have in a modern kitchen design. For example, more ostentatious sorts of islands such as the multi-level island or the double island are not for every kitchen. We have discussed already how an island can open up an area and bring closeness between you and your guests—both of these kinds of islands jeopardize those core functions.
Multi-Level Islands
The multi-level island is really only best if you value bar-style seating—it still has its place if you perhaps have a home brewery.
Double Islands
The double island—which, just as it sounds like, is simply two islands—works best in a large kitchen, where you may need two workspaces for the two sides of your space. Otherwise, a simple table may serve the same purpose. But while it is true that having either one of these kinds of islands in every kitchen is going out of style, your standard island continues to be a relevant and worthwhile part of your home.
Peninsula Design
Consider the width and depth you want and how it will go with the rest of your space—you may even prefer to have a peninsula design rather than an island if your space is smaller or you want more upper cabinets. The bottom line is the island is becoming less of a luxury item and more of a feature that showcases your kitchen’s unique personality.
How to Decorate a Kitchen Island
Once you have all the essentials of a kitchen island down, how to decorate a kitchen island is also an important step to consider. The openness of an island is one of its most important features, so any decoration you choose should more serve to accent your choice of stone or composite than be the main attraction. It is likely that one side will be a functional cooking surface and the other will be reserved for guests. Some decorative plants on the island’s sides or at the corners near where your guests are could be a nice touch. Some candles in the middle of your island could also add some potential ambience. Remember as well that decoration in your kitchen can always be simultaneously functional and delicious—putting a fruit bowl on your island will add a pop of colour to your home and actively invite your family members to sit with you as you prepare a meal. There are many choices to choose from!
Finding the right island ultimately comes down to knowing your space, your habits, and your style. From compact peninsula designs to full custom kitchen islands, Toronto homeowners have more options than ever to create a kitchen that feels both functional and personal. If you are ready to take the next step, working with a kitchen design specialist can help you bring your vision to life; whether that means choosing the right stone, planning your layout, or deciding on the perfect finishing touches for a modern kitchen design that works for you.
