Kitchen Island Design and Ideas

The island is the centerpiece of a kitchen: a multi-functional space that can be tailored to the needs of the homeowner. Every kitchen is different and if you are interested in adding a kitchen island into yours, there are a variety of design choices and options to mull over. Figuring out how to design an island can be confusing.

While there’s no set formula for building an island, a few guidelines can help with the process. Below, we go over some considerations for designing a kitchen island for your space.

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An island can solve a variety of need: more counter space for prep and cleanup, more storage, and a place to eat and entertain. With no real standard for kitchen islands, you can easily create one that works directly with the way you use your kitchen.

Will A Kitchen Island Fit In Your Current Kitchen Layout?

Kitchens are anything but static. The nature of this space requires every part to be cohesively designed. Without planning it out properly beforehand, you may come to realize that you have not given yourself enough room to maneuver around the kitchen.

Walkways through the kitchen must be at minimum 36 inches wide. In work/prep areas, walkways should be at least 42 inches of clearance. If you do not have the floor space to accommodate that in your kitchen, a permanent kitchen island may not be in the cards. However, buying a portable island cart could be a good alternative for you. If any kind of island would get in the way of navigating your kitchen, having one would cause more problems than it would help.

Continue to read Kitchen Island Placement & Design Part 2.