Does Your Kitchen Need an Island?
When remodeling your kitchen, you might be asking yourself “does my kitchen need an island?” Some homeowners swear by a kitchen island, while others don’t see their benefit. So as you consult with Sordan Construction and plan your design build, here are the pros and cons of kitchen islands so you can decide for yourself if it should be added to your kitchen remodeling project.
Pros of a Kitchen Island
More Counter and Storage Space
The biggest benefit of a kitchen island is how much additional counter and storage space it provides. It’s a whole extra surface to do cooking prep, hold appliances, and set out food for guests. This is ideal for party planners and home chefs who find there’s never enough counter space for prep, cooling, and garnishing.
The space underneath a kitchen island also has the potential to become cabinets or drawers, providing additional storage space. This can be where you keep large pots, pans, and single-use appliances that would otherwise take up space elsewhere. By turning what would be empty floor space into a kitchen island, you’re giving yourself additional means for organization and efficiency.
Family Togetherness
Another major benefit of a kitchen island is that it can bring families together. The kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where everyone spends at least some time, whether it’s cooking dinner, putting lunch together, or just getting a snack. A kitchen island provides a space for everyone to congregate. Kids can do homework or draw at the island while you make dinner. Everyone can come together to decorate cookies during the holidays. You can set out snacks and treats for a big party, or set up a buffet that guests can get food from before settling down at the dining room table.
Cons of a Kitchen Island
Only Works in Large Kitchens
The biggest con when it comes to kitchen islands is that you need a very large kitchen to accommodate one. According to Forbes, “The minimum recommended size of an island is 2-by-4 feet. However, the island’s total area should be at most 10% of the kitchen area.” As for the area around it, the industry standard is to include 36 to 42 inches of walking space around the island.
You might feel like this is too much empty space and not enough kitchen island, but there is a good reason for it. The kitchen is meant to be an area where you do a lot of work. You need enough space to maneuver around the kitchen island as you cook, prep, and clean. On top of that, if your kitchen island has drawers or cabinet doors, you need enough clearance for them to open fully without banging into something. So, if your kitchen isn’t large enough to accommodate this, then you should rethink getting an island.
A kitchen island can be a major benefit in the right home. If you feel an island is right for your kitchen, talk to your designers and builders. We can tell you how to make the most of your kitchen island so you’ll have as much storage and countertop space as possible for your dream kitchen.
