When remodeling a kitchen, adding an island in the center of the room is a popular design choice. Kitchen islands can serve as a great visual focal point for the room as well as being a practical addition. If you’d like to add an island to your kitchen remodel, then here are some things to think about when designing it.
The countertop
The surface of your kitchen island will likely be the first thing that people notice about it when they enter the room, so it needs to suit the style of the room while also standing out. You could use the exact same style of countertop as the rest of your kitchen to create a uniform look, or you could choose something contrasting to make it stand out. For example, black kitchen countertops could be contrasted with a kitchen island featuring a white countertop.
Think about the material, too. Natural stone such as marble and granite make for a great aesthetic, but they don’t come cheap, so determine the budget for your remodel to work out what you can afford. If you can’t afford natural stone for all your countertops, then perhaps you could use it only on your kitchen island, just make sure that the two still complement each other. Choosing the right edge profile for your countertop is also an important decision.
Under-island storage
There is plenty of space underneath a kitchen island that you could utilize for storage. Kitchen cabinets, drawers, and shelving can all be installed to provide you with some extra space for utensils, cookware, and food items. It could even be a good place for a wine rack or wine fridge if that’s within your budget.
Like your countertop, the kitchen cabinets also take up a great deal of visual space within the island, so their design is important as well as their functionality. Make sure that your kitchen cabinets pair well with your island countertop. At The Kitchen Center, we can help you design custom kitchen cabinets with a variety of storage options and styles.
Appliances and fixtures
What will you use your kitchen island for? If it’s primarily somewhere to cook and prepare food, then you might consider having a stovetop or an entire oven fitted into your kitchen island. Or you could install a sink into your island for food preparation and clean-up. If you want it to be somewhere you can eat dinner with your family or have a drink with friends, then it may be better without any appliances, simply a clear countertop for people to sit at.
If you need help with the design and/or installation of your kitchen remodel around Winston Salem, NC, then contact The Kitchen Center to find out more about our services.