When speaking with homeowners about a kitchen remodel, an island is high on their wish list for their new space. Aside from added storage and counter space, an island can contribute to the function of a kitchen in many other ways. It can be a space to have a quick bite to eat, for a someone to sit while you prepare for a gathering, to direct people to other areas of your home (and away from the cooking area), and to simply stage food for your party. Aesthetically, it can conceal your cooking or prep areas from the dinner table or family room as well as add accent materials and colors for your cabinets and counter top.
However, the size of your kitchen will determine if an island will fit, what shape it can be, and how it can function. At a minimum, an island will need 36″ of walkway between it and another cabinet, an appliance, or a wall, but for a comfortable cooking and entertaining experience, a little more space should be considered, especially if more than one person will be cooking the same time. A properly trained kitchen designer will be able to help you determine the best spacing for you. At Design Build Pros, we group islands into 2 main categories: 1-Tier and 2-Tier. 1-Tier islands have one consistent counter height (generally 36″). 2-Tier islands, as you would expect, have counter tops set at 2 different heights, with the main area being 36″, and an accent or seating area at 42″ (bar height). In some instances, where a table is to be integrated, or a wheelchair accessible area is designated, the secondary areas will be lower than 36″ (more…)
