Islands are becoming increasingly popular in kitchens today. They are very versatile and can be used for many things ranging from dining space to a cooking center. In this blog, I will talk about the many different trends in kitchen islands.
1. The Basic Built In
includes cabinets and countertop
provides extra storage space and counter space
this type of island can be accessed from all four sides
can add interest by using different colored cabinets and countertop
2. The Table as an Island
a way to create an original kitchen
is moveable and can be used as moveable work station
using antique tables work well in this application
3. The Two-Tier Island
adds dimension and visual interest
when in other areas of house, the second tier helps hide work station
second tier should stand at 42" so bar stools should be 30" high
4. The Cooking Center
while cooking, it helps keep visual open when there's kids or guests
allow 9" of counter space behind cooktop
hood options can include sleek hood for focal point of downdraft ventilation stystem
5. The Entertainment Hub
guests can gather around the island
can include a beverage center or wine refrigorator, bar sink and can be used as buffet
if back side is not used for seating, use different design elements to help flow between rooms
6. The Butcher-Block Island
usually come as stand-alone work stations or carts with butcher-block countertops
another option is attaching a butcher-block surface into the countertop
materials used include maple, walnut, cherry and teak woods
7. The Clean up Station
both sink and dishwasher is located on island
trips to and from dining table can be shorter
8. The Three Level
solves height problem, if there is drastic height difference
gives the table-height option to eat
the top level will typically be 42", good place for microwave or warming drawer
9. The Irregular Shape
a triangular island gives a better walkway and provides storage and work space
a semi-circle or half a hexagon create a 'command central'
can be a focal point
All Pictures and Information came from www.kitchen.com
Directions: Home>Design>Layouts>Kitchen Island
can add interest by using different colored cabinets and countertop
2. The Table as an Island
a way to create an original kitchen
is moveable and can be used as moveable work station
using antique tables work well in this application
3. The Two-Tier Island
adds dimension and visual interest
when in other areas of house, the second tier helps hide work station
second tier should stand at 42" so bar stools should be 30" high
4. The Cooking Center
while cooking, it helps keep visual open when there's kids or guests
allow 9" of counter space behind cooktop
hood options can include sleek hood for focal point of downdraft ventilation stystem
5. The Entertainment Hub
guests can gather around the island
can include a beverage center or wine refrigorator, bar sink and can be used as buffet
if back side is not used for seating, use different design elements to help flow between rooms
6. The Butcher-Block Island
usually come as stand-alone work stations or carts with butcher-block countertops
another option is attaching a butcher-block surface into the countertop
materials used include maple, walnut, cherry and teak woods
7. The Clean up Station
both sink and dishwasher is located on island
trips to and from dining table can be shorter
8. The Three Level
solves height problem, if there is drastic height difference
gives the table-height option to eat
the top level will typically be 42", good place for microwave or warming drawer
9. The Irregular Shape
a triangular island gives a better walkway and provides storage and work space
a semi-circle or half a hexagon create a 'command central'
can be a focal point
All Pictures and Information came from www.kitchen.com
Directions: Home>Design>Layouts>Kitchen Island
