There are many types of kitchen islands available to suit different budgets and specifications. The design of the kitchen island can vary from a simple table in the corner, surrounded by stools for seating, to a fully fitted cooking area with cabinets, sink and hob. Some models come with wheels attached making them easy to move around, others may have built-in storage or have a small hood that allows you to cook whilst also using your worktop surface at the same time. Kitchen islands can be made from a variety of materials including wood, marble, granite, and stainless steel which all come with their own benefits and drawbacks so it’s worth having a think about what type of material will suit your home best before making any final decisions.
What Is The Best Size for Kitchen Island?
The best size for the kitchen island will depend on your room. If you have a small space, then it’s probably not the best idea to invest in one that is too big since it’ll take up much of your floor plan and possibly make the rest of the room feel smaller than what it should be.
If you have a fairly small kitchen then fitting a small island will help to free up some much-needed space without having to spend thousands of dollars. Installing an island is also a great way to make your kitchen look more spacious, modern, and stylish.
Do Kitchen Islands Need to Match?
The best part about kitchen islands is that they’re actually quite flexible in terms of design and decorating. You can mix and match different types of appliances, fixtures, and furniture so that you get the best look for your particular kitchen space.
There are also many different designs available when it comes to islands which means there’s no need to spend extra money on something that doesn’t really fit into the rest of your kitchen.
A Basic Introduction To Kitchen Islands
Kitchen islands are an excellent way of creating extra space in your cooking area and there are various different types of islands available on the market to suit everyone’s budget and tastes. By choosing one that is best suited to your needs, you can enjoy having a multi-functional cooking area that also looks fantastic.
Choosing A Kitchen Island
There is no doubt that when you have a larger living room or open-plan design in your home, you will need some sort of dividing system so why not consider using kitchen islands? They come in all shapes and sizes including wooden, glass, or stainless steel so whatever type of look you want for your home, there should be something available to suit your requirements.
Kitchen Islands Made with Stainless Steel: Advantages and Disadvantages
Stainless steel has become a very popular material for kitchen islands, it is resistant to heat and scratching however the main drawback of the material used in this type of island is that it can show any finger marks. Stainless steel is also a very heavy material so if your kitchen doesn’t have a lot of solid surfaces to attach the island to, you may find that it slides during use. Stainless steel also tends to be more expensive than other types of materials.
Clean and Maintain Marble Worktops and Kitchen Islands
Marble worktops are highly durable but they are porous so if spills occur you will need to use special cleaners to ensure there are no permanent stains or damage. You will also need to wipe your marble kitchen island down on a daily basis, or after every use to prevent dirt and food from building up. Marble Kitchen Islands aren’t usually fitted with built-in sinks because the marble scratches easily.
Kitchen Islands Made From Laminate: Advantages and Disadvantages
Laminate worktops are low cost and easy to maintain however if you burn anything on the surface it is likely that it will be permanent. Â Laminate islands can come in a variety of sizes and shapes, making them ideal for small spaces. If you need to cut on the surface of your kitchen island, it is best to use non-metal blades and you will also need to make sure there are no sharp corners that children may be able to reach. This type of surface doesn’t come in the same large range of colors and styles as other materials so it’s not ideal if you want to match the island to your existing kitchen units.
Granite Islands: Everything You Need to Know
Granite islands are extremely hard-wearing which means they don’t need much maintenance but again granite can show scratches easily so you may find yourself spending more time than cooking! Granite also comes in different colors and patterns, this means that the exact shade of your round kitchen island will depend on what type of granite is fitted.
Choose and Maintain a Plywood Islands: Kitchen Island Tips
Despite being inexpensive, plywood worktops are extremely hard-wearing which makes them ideal for kitchen islands. The main issue with this kind of surface is that it can become damaged if cut directly onto so it’s advisable to use a chopping board or tray when preparing food. Plywood can be difficult to clean because water can penetrate the material depending on how thick it is kitchen island countertop space.
Wooden Kitchen Islands: How to Care for and Paint Them
Wooden Kitchen Islands closely resemble natural wood however care must be taken with these types of surfaces as they tend to show scratches very easily. You also have to prepare wooden surfaces carefully before painting or varnishing as these products may not adhere properly and can leave your island looking messy and uneven.
Tile-Fitted Kitchen Islands: Everything You Need to Know
Tile-fitted kitchen islands offer the homeowner a large selection of different designs, colors, and patterns to choose from. The main advantage of these types of material is that they are completely waterproof so if any spills occur it will be very easy to clean up afterward. Your tiles will also stand the test of time as they won’t scratch or show stains however there is one drawback which is that they can become extremely cold in winter.
Choosing a Kitchen Island With Sink
One thing that must be considered before buying a Kitchen Island with a sink, is where you plan on putting it. If you’re going to put the island in front of an existing window, does it need to have a sink with a window above it? This is necessary if you want to be able to see outside. You also need to consider how deep an under-mounted sink is. An under-mount sink is mounted into the beige granite countertops and stone countertop instead of being set on top of it, so depth is important. Generally speaking, though, deeper sinks are better for preventing splashing and getting larger pans underneath without difficulty or accidents.
Kitchen Island With Oven And Stove Top
For many people who love cooking, the kitchen island with oven and stovetop will suit their needs perfectly as it offers them everything they could possibly need but in one compact space which saves valuable floor space. The perfect kitchen islands are made from stainless steel with either gas or electric hob and oven and these can be found in a range of designs and sizes to suit every taste.
Kitchen Island With Seating
If you love to entertain and cook for your family and friends, a kitchen island with seating might be the perfect choice for you. These worktops typically come with three or four built-in stools and they make a great place for people to sit and watch you cook! They give your kitchen a more open feel and can add interest and style in a matter of minutes. They also provide an easy and convenient place for your family and friends to sit and chat while you cook.
One of the most important features that you can go for when looking at kitchen islands with seating is comfort, as people will use the area to relax, eat and socialize so it’s crucial that you buy an island which has comfortable seating for everyone.
An Island View Kitchen Benefits And Drawbacks
Often it makes sense to have your kitchen island facing one particular wall which means having windows on either side of it. If you are not able to achieve this then it might make more sense for your kitchen island to face into the room instead. The disadvantages of this are that there is no window which means you will always have to make sure there are adequate lights on. One way around this would be to install blinds onto the outside of your windows so that they can be closed when appropriate.
An Island View Kitchen Benefits And Drawbacks
There are plenty of reasons why people choose to have an island in their kitchen, but there are also many different variations available to suit everyone’s needs. Whatever type you go for though, it’s important to consider how much space is actually going to be used by it. If you don’t have enough space then your island could look cluttered or out of place so it’s essential that the size.
Island With Dining Table
Kitchen islands with dining tables are becoming increasingly popular for many homeowners who want to enjoy the benefits of having a large surface area in their kitchen where they can prepare meals, eat and socialize with friends and family. They can also be great places to put plants or ornaments which will add color and warmth. Having an island with seating also allows you to use it when entertaining guests in your home.
Kitchen Island With Breakfast Bar
Breakfast bars are fantastic for creating extra space in your kitchen without actually taking up any floor space… They are perfect if you have limited room because you are able to make use of vertical wall space rather than horizontal floor space. Many people also find having breakfast bar stools much more comfortable than sitting at regular kitchen table chairs.
Kitchen Lighting: The Best Types of Lighting for Kitchen Islands
Planning the lighting for your island is vital because it has the potential to make or break the overall look and feel of this ample dining space. If you haven’t had any experience with lighting before then why not ask an electrician if they will come round and give you some advice on how best to light up your cooking space? They can advise you on everything from which lights you should use to where they should be placed.
The main function of lighting in your kitchen is to help you see what you’re doing so that there are no accidents. There are many different types of lighting available to buy for kitchen islands which can make a big difference to the overall look and feel of your cooking area. They can also be installed behind cabinets or at the back of your island for added depth and style. LED strip lighting is a popular choice because it’s so easy to install and it comes in so many different colors.
Plants in the Kitchen: The Benefits of Adding Greenery to Your Island
Have you thought about what it would be like if your kitchen had more plants in it? This might seem a little impractical but there are many benefits to using plants in your kitchen space, especially if you have an island with seating or a breakfast bar. Houseplants can add life and color to any room so for this reason, they’re perfect for stylishly decorating your kitchen.
It’s actually quite common these days for homeowners to include plants inside their homes, especially when it comes to interiors where they’re used to having lots of hard surfaces such as tiles or concrete.
Kitchen Islands With Storage
Many homeowners are now starting to consider kitchen islands as a means of creating more storage space in their kitchens. This is because they can be fitted with hanging rails, shelving units, and drawers so that you can use them for many different purposes including keeping crockery or small appliances out of sight. Using your rustic kitchen island as an extra storage space also ensures that the rest of your kitchen remains neat and tidy at all times.
If you have a fairly small kitchen then installing a kitchen island is a great way to free up some extra room without having to spend thousands of dollars. One good thing about islands is that they can easily be moved from one part of your kitchen to another so you can experiment with different layouts until you find one that works the best. The main thing though is to try and use as much counter space as possible by maximizing your vertical height as well as getting creative with surfaces. This way, no matter what type of island you choose for your kitchen, you’ll have a better chance of making it work to your advantage.
Glass Kitchen Islands
If the glass is your favorite material when it comes to kitchen wall cabinets, appliances, and other fixtures then you might also want to consider using glass kitchen islands too… This type of island lighting will work well with stainless steel or chrome because the contrast between these colors makes them really stand out.
There are so many different types of lighting that can be included inside your kitchen island. It’s important that you choose the right light levels for this ample dining room so that it feels warm and inviting yet doesn’t cause glare which could prove dangerous when preparing food. The main function of lighting in your kitchen is to help you see what you’re doing so that there are no accidents. There are many different types of lighting available to buy for mobile kitchen island ideas which can make a big difference to the overall look and feel of your focal point cooking area.
