What Everyone Ought to Know About Kitchen Islands

Topping the list of must-haves in most kitchen renovations, an island is the perfect value-added improvement, one that transforms the way you use and enjoy the busiest room in your house.

At a minimum, an island adds counter and storage space just where you need them. Outfitted with fixtures and appliances, such as a sink and cooktop, or bar stools for dining, an island itself can become the hub of activity. Such utility is the reason builders and designers say that adding an island offers more bang for your buck than just about any other kitchen upgrade.

So, what's it cost, you might ask?

Freestanding worktables or rolling carts can be had for as little as $200.00. Basic built-in islands made with stock cabinetry and affordable countertops can run as low as $600.00. More features, larger sizes, and costly materials can easily push the price above $5,000.00.

How big should it be?

An island ought to have enough counter space to meet your needs, look proportional within the kitchen, and have ample pathways around its perimeter. For smaller kitchens, a worktable or rolling cart may be a better choice than a built-in.

When designing your island consider function first, then create one that suits your kitchen's size and your budget, and has the look you want.

A Working island: The furniture pieces, styled after vintage worktables, often have drawers and open shelves. Their "see-through" design takes up less visual space but makes it hard to hide things. 

A Storage island: A basic freestanding or built-in island providing counter and cabinet space without the expense of sinks or major appliances. Open shelves can store cookbooks and other display items.

A Prep-and-Wash island: Sinks make islands ideal for washing hands and food and bartending for parties. Tuck bar sinks into corners to maximize counter space.

A Dining island: An overhang counter for casual eating needs space for knees, for diners to scoot chairs back, and for seating - at least 24 inches of width for each chair.

A Cooking island: A cooktop on an island turns the chef toward the center of the room so that he can keep an eye on the action. But unlike a range by a wall, a cooking island leaves hot pans more exposed and will cost more to ventilate.

Having the space for a kitchen island is an ideal addition for your kitchen remodel. Having the budget to make it large, functional and beautiful is another great ideal. The best solution for getting the perfect island for you and your kitchen is to hire a designer. They have all the proper tools and knowledge to create your dream. To meet with our designer at our kitchen and bath showroom in Santa Maria, call (805) 937-9836. New Life Bath & Kitchen can provide you with your dream kitchen or bath remodel.