Talking of creativity and aesthetics kitchen is one of the most challenging spaces to design in a house. Being such a huge part of our livelihood a kitchen needs to be efficient and fully functional.

But what most of the homeowners face is a lack of space to make it work!  Imagine you are trying to prepare a meal and got all cramped up between the stove and the microwave trying to chop some vegetables. At this moment all you desire is a bit of extra space and storage.

Hold this thought! Because we just have the perfect solution for you, a kitchen Island! 

Kitchen Island satisfies your secret desire of having an extra counter space and storage space. You can use it as a go to prep station and storage space with those extra cabinets underneath it for your culinary haven. Or you could have the space below the cabinet be completely open and stack high chairs and stools around it, so you have a prep station and dining area. 

Let’s get started and learn more about the importance of kitchen islands and how you can design one to fit your needs.

1. Determine the main purpose

Every kitchen island counter has a main function: it can be for washing, cooking, storage, and even for dining. Determining the purpose of the counter beforehand makes it easier for you to plan and build it.

2. A kitchen island needs sockets

You will be placing some electrical appliances on your island counter. Connecting these appliances to sockets that are on the counter itself makes it easier and safer than having wires or electrical cord running along the whole space.

3. Choose the right size

For a fully functional island counter a few sizes to be considered are:

• A counter height of 36 inches
• A bar height of 42 inches for a 30 inch tall stool
• Countertops overhang of 24 inches for leg and knee room
• A width of 24 inches per person/stool
• A minimum 36 inches of walking space

4. Divide the counter

Dividing the counter to create two counters makes it a multipurpose one where you can use one for the secondary sink and the higher one as a bar or dining lounge. 

5. It should fit the work triangle rule

In the kitchen work triangle the stove or oven, sink, and fridge should be located opposite each other to resemble a triangle. This arrangement ensures the efficiency of kitchen work and maximises the space available.

So if your island counter is meant for cooking, it should be built near to the sink or fridge, and vice versa.

6. Wider and bigger is not always better:

Islands that are too wide will prevent you from reaching the center of the island and make it difficult to clean and utilize all the space. Instead, carefully plan your island’s size, placement and function based on the size and layout of your kitchen.

7. Select your material wisely

While selecting a material you should always think about the design of your kitchen and whether the material complements your style or not. Also selecting a light coloured material might not be a good idea as it can corrode faster due to spillage!

POPULAR ISLAND COUNTER STYLES

Base Cabinet with Countertop

It is a permanent built in island made out of pre-existing materials: a base cabinet (or two or four) topped with countertop material. The permanency gives away to the need of installing electrical receptacles. 

Fully Functional Island 

This isn’t just “auxiliary counter space.” This is almost an entire second kitchen with electrical, sink, drainage, and ample countertop space.

Double-Tiered Cooking/Eating Kitchen Island

This type of island is ergonomically correct: with counter height of 36 inches, and the bar top height of 42 inches. The cooking space is reduced and there is no way to prep food on the upper deck. 

MATERIALS

Materials play a major role in the installation of island counter which makes it important to choose the perfect material for the perfect design. Some of the most in-demand countertop materials on the market today are:

1. Quartz

Quartz is a popular material with high durability and low maintenance. It comprises of minerals and resin and mimics the look of stone, only far more robust.

Quartz is available in a variety of vibrant colours and patterns, some of which look identical to far more expensive materials such as granite and marble.

2. Granite

Another popular kitchen countertop material characterized by its own rare colours and veining. Granite is robust and can withstand high temperatures, cuts, abrasions, and scratches like no other material. 

3. Marble

Being one of the most luxurious countertop materials, marble requires a high maintenance. This includes instructions on sealing, daily use, care, and cleaning. 

The most popular Italian marble varieties are carrara, calacatta and statuario. They resemble one another with a slight difference which must be noted to choose the right one for your kitchen

Carrara marble is grayish-white with less large veins and fine, feathery veining that appears to be linear.

Calacatta marble is rarer than carrara with more white than grey and dramatic veining resulting in thick, predominant patterns.

Statuario is the most precious marble varieties found in Italy with distinctive veining that ranges from gold to gray.

4. Laminate

Laminate countertops are affordable and simple to install. This material is comprised of layers of fabric or paper, laid over the top of composition wood and sealed with resin.

Available in a huge variety of colours and patterns, laminate is far more modern and robust. It is resistant to stains and heat, but prone to marks and scratches.

5. Solid Surfacing

Seamless finish between joints makes it ideal for kitchen countertops and backsplash areas. It’s a highly durable material, resistant to stains, nicks; cracks, heat, and abrasions can be easily repaired.

6. Wooden Butcher Block

With popular wood variations such as maple and teak it adds warmth to the space. It’s easy to install and repair, but the finish used to seal your wood butcher block makes all the difference. The wood is well varnished for countertops to withstand stains. 

7. Tile

It is the trendiest kitchen island counter material. Ceramic tile is best suited for this role as most of the tiles are just too thin and would crack too easily. It is usually installed over a plywood countertop surface. These tiles are heat, scratch, and stain resistant but are prone to cracking.

With the freedom of little creativity ceramic tile can turn your kitchen into a real architectural statement.

The kitchen island has always been a big part of kitchen décor. It has lived through generations with transition in style to achieve the perfect look for main cooking space. A kitchen island beautifies the space and creates a warm and welcoming aura with a stunning ambience.

The kitchen island is home to so much hidden design potential.

Thus for a picture perfect kitchen all you need is to figure out just the right kitchen island incorporating these design ideas and integrating your own personal style!