The heart of the home, the kitchen is where families come together for cooking, dining, and socialising. Therefore, it is only natural to feel overwhelmed when going through the process of renovating one.
In almost every kitchen remodel, homeowners tell us they want to incorporate an island to centralise all their needs in one convenient space. With more space to prepare food, extra storage, and seating options, it’s easy to understand why an island is a great addition to a new kitchen design.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Shape
An island can be a great option for any open-plan kitchen or living space. Designed as a focal point of the kitchen, an island frees up valuable counter space, whether you’re cooking a meal or doing dishes.
When choosing an island design, there are many factors you should consider. Keep in mind that the island should enhance the kitchen and not take away from it. When choosing dimensions, take into consideration safety and comfort levels using leg and elbow room. Proper planning prevents poor performance. You should make sure that your kitchen contains an adequate safe zone to prevent accidents when you open doors, drawers, and appliances.
Think carefully about how you will use the kitchen island. This will help you decide on its size, shape, and material. Will it be a breakfast bar that needs to accommodate bar stools? Are you simply looking for storage space? Or maybe you will use this countertop space for your work areas?
Keep reading to discover the pros and cons of different types of kitchen islands.
Rectangular Island
A simple, no-frills design that is all about function, this traditional island is a great addition to a small kitchen as it provides a generous amount of storage. However, its simple and small design does not allow for large appliances and it may be considered generally uninteresting.
U-Shaped Island
This island is a popular choice, as it allows for ample storage and preparation space. They are great for big families or for those who entertain multiple guests at once. However, this island takes a lot of room, which is not ideal for all types of kitchens.
Circular Island
Whether it’s a full circle or a semicircle, this island brings a touch of elegance to your kitchen and creates a beneficial environment for conversations. However, this design takes a lot of space and you will often have to sacrifice storage options.
L-Shaped Island
Not to be confused with the l-shaped kitchen, this island can be the perfect choice for those in need of extra storage, work areas, and even seating options. This is not ideal for those with small kitchen space, as l-shaped islands are large and can make navigating around difficult.
Portable Island
A rolling kitchen island is the perfect solution for smaller kitchens that need both counter and floor space, but can’t handle a larger permanent island. However, it doesn’t offer as much storage space or surface area as a regular island.
Conclusion
These multipurpose tables serve as an entertainment centre, a place to enjoy meals with family and friends, and a work area for cooking experts. When it comes to selecting the ideal kitchen island, there are many factors that come into play. Make sure you’ve considered all your options before making a decision.
Reach out to our kitchen renovation experts at Nicholas Carpentry to help you transform your kitchen island. Call us now at 0419 606 288 to find more information about kitchen renovations Sydney.
