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Things To Consider When Choosing A Kitchen Island

By: Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry Inc.

Photo: Angus Fergusson Photography

If the kitchen is the heart of the home... then the kitchen island is the heart of the heart of the home. 

The kitchen island is where the family gathers to eat breakfast, where you can whip up family feasts, and where some of the best moments of your dinner parties take place. In short, the kitchen island is pretty integral to life’s happenings at home... so you’ll probably want to get it just “right”. We can help with that! Here are a few kitchen island essentials you may want to consider incorporating into your design.

7 Kitchen Island Essentials

Traffic Flow

Photo: Virginia Macdonald Photography

Before you determine style, materials, or colours, you’ll need to decide where the island will go and how it will integrate with the flow of the rest of your kitchen. In essence, consider how the island will function as part of the kitchen. Ask yourself these important questions!

  • How is your existing kitchen configured? You’ll want to ensure that island drawers aren’t colliding with perimeter appliance or cabinetry doors when opened simultaneously (if these drawers and appliances are going to often be open at the same time!).
  • How will you move between the island and the countertops when you’re cooking or walking through the space? To accommodate foot traffic, a kitchen island should ideally have 36-48 inches of space around all sides. Sometimes more if you have back-to-back working zones, this is why it’s best to consult your expert Bloomsbury Kitchen Designer!

Space for Seating

Photo: Kassandra Arbour Photography

Once you’ve decided how the island will fit into your kitchen traffic flow, decide whether you want to allocate space for seating at the island - and for how many?!. 

Kitchen stools provide the ideal spot for breakfasts, casual meals, homework stations or a space for the family to sit while spending time in the kitchen. Selecting the perfect kitchen bar stools is no easy feat, so be sure to check out our tips and tricks here!

Built-In Features

Photo: Kassandra Arbour Photography

Kitchen islands aren’t just pretty to look at… they’re great functional assets! Built-in mechanics, appliances, sinks, electrical elements and other features can be integrated into your island, which really helps customize the kitchen island to your specific needs.

Do you need extra drawers? Or maybe a second dishwasher? Or maybe a beverage fridge for drinks & wine? Or maybe a place to hide the microwave out of sight?

Built-In Open Shelving

Photo: Kassandra Arbour Photography

Opting for open shelves in your island can certainly create some handy storage space. Think of the kitchen island as an opportunity to store overflow pieces that don’t necessarily have a “place” around the perimeter of your kitchen. Your island can be a great place to store some of your cookbooks, small appliances, dishware, cooking tools, decor… the options are endless! 

Materials

Photo: Virtual Tours Visions

Now… onto the fun part! Once you’ve decided on the structural features of your island, you can turn your attention to the stylistic elements. Like materials!

Traditionally, islands are typically constructed with a wood cabinetry base, and stone countertop… like marble or granite! However, you can definitely get creative when it comes to materials and how they’re configured or re-imagined. Ever heard of a waterfall kitchen island? We are loving this trend! What is it? A waterfall kitchen island is when the counter material (ie. marble, quartz or granite) continues down the sides of each end of the island cabinets to create a sleek, sophisticated cascading effect!

Or for a warmer look, opt for waterproof wood countertops with painted cabinetry for an English country look that is both beautiful and durable!

Photo: Kassandra Arbour Photography

Finishing Touches

Photo: Kassandra Arbour Photography

Kitchen islands present an opportunity to have a bit of fun with some design features! Your island gives you the chance to add stylistic features to your kitchen that can draw the eye in and create a great focal point for the room. Use bright gold, copper, or silver hardware on your island kitchen cabinetry to add some texture and intrigue to the space.You can even opt for a two tone look, painting the island a different colour than the perimeter of the kitchen to create a truly custom look. 

Have fun with it… but not too much fun! Your kitchen island should still blend seamlessly with the rest of your space to create a cohesive look. It’s a fine line… but we can help with that! 

Overhead Lighting

 

Photo: Kassandra Arbour Photography

Finally, consider overhead lighting options! And when it comes to lighting… the options are truly endless! Pendants, recessed lighting and chandeliers are all great options for kitchen islands - it all depends on the look and style that you’re trying to achieve! But when you get it right, it will help tie everything together perfectly.

How many pendants you ask? Well that depends on the size of the fixture, but generally as a rule we suggest 2 larger pendants for islands up to 9ft in length, and any island 10ft or larger can handle either 2 larger pendants or 3 medium sized light fixtures. When in doubt, ask a designer!

Summing Up

Once you start making plans for your kitchen island, you may be surprised by just how many considerations need to be made! Which is exactly where we come in. Contact us today and we can make your kitchen island dreams a reality!

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Newmarket (905) 853-7700
Newmarket Address
Toronto (416) 782-7900
Toronto Address