Factors to Consider for a Kitchen Island During a Remodel

Posted on: 1 March 2023

One thing you may be excited about when remodelling your kitchen is the idea of installing a kitchen island. These pieces of furniture can create so many socialising opportunities and make your kitchen more versatile. Here are several factors that you need to consider.

Size and Shape

One of these factors is the size of the island. It can be easy to relish the thought of the extra counter and storage space an island offers. However, it pays to keep the total floor space at the forefront of your mind when deciding on the island size. A big, wide structure can dominate the room and make it hard to get around and even open the oven door. The free floor room may be empty, but this open area is important. It can help make a room feel more spacious and calm. Your renovators can suggest optimum sizes for various kitchens to provide an extra bench and storage area that you want without overcrowding the room.

Functionality

A task that you may enjoy is imagining how you will use your kitchen island after it's built. This will help you work out what features to include and clarify what's important to you. Do you want an extra-expansive countertop where you can roll pastry? Do you want so much kitchen storage that nothing is cramped in the cupboards? Depending on its size, the island can offer these practicalities while working as a social hub. If you want it for additional seating, ensure that whoever sits there can relax and stretch their legs. While it can be hard to visualise measurements and put them into context, you can compare the proposed island counter proportions with your current benches to get a relative idea.

Plumbing and Wiring

If you place a sink or dishwasher on the island, it will need plumbing pipes, which will add to the renovation costs. Electricity is always a handy addition, regardless of whether or not you install an electric cooktop on the island. Outlets will let you charge your phone and laptop and use small appliances, and the kitchen will be more convenient for it.

Island Aesthetic

While an island's size will influence how dominant or otherwise it seems in the room, its design is also crucial in this regard. If you want to generate a spacious feel, you could use subtle colours on the island that blend with the other elements. On the other hand, if your kitchen is wide and open, you may decide to use the island to generate contrast and excitement. For example, in a mainly white kitchen with black accents, you could install a dark, moody stone countertop on the island. Alternatively, if your kitchen is rustic or industrial in style, you could add repurposed wood or corrugated metal sheets to the island sides.

Keep these tips in mind when looking to build a custom kitchen with the help of a local service.

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