As home layouts became more accommodating, the kitchen island began to take on a unique role in the overall design of the space. Now, with an array of colors, designs and accessories, you can develop an eye-catching kitchen island design that can be the highlight piece of your home.
What’s The Role of a Kitchen Island
The kitchen used to be focused on the periphery, meaning that it was underneath the cabinets on a relatively narrow countertop. Proper kitchen island designs move the activity to the center of the kitchen, making it the prime hub.
Along with moving the stage to the center of the space, a proper kitchen island design will allow for extra preparation area and will set the tone of the kitchen design. It can offer both a stylish and functional outlet, making it the perfect addition to any kitchen.
Choosing the Right Size & Shape of Your Island
It is important to understand that an island should fit in your space, not overwhelm it. This is why it is critical to select the right size and shape of your kitchen island that serves both your aesthetic and functional needs.
Therefore, make certain that you take into consideration the space between your kitchen island and your other features such as counters and appliances. Examine your overall floor space, your needs for seating and work areas, as well as how your kitchen flows.
Meeting Your Seating Needs
One of the prime benefits to having the ideal kitchen island design is the extra seating it creates. To make sure you can take advantage of this attribute, take into consideration the height of your kitchen island, whether you would like to use bar stools or traditional chairs, and who will be using this feature most, adults or kids.
Picking the Perfect Look for Your Kitchen Island Design
The island will be the first feature people will see in your kitchen. So you want an attractive piece that will stand out. Don’t settle for cheap materials like veneers, fillers or particle board, instead choose quality woods such as Birch, Maple or American White Oak.
In addition, consider the following material options:
- Nano Crystallized Glass or quartz for durability and elegance.
- Wood for a timeless and warm look.
- Stainless steel for a sleek, contemporary feel.
When you choose the right materials, your kitchen island design will shine, and will be the centerpiece you always desired.
Farmhouse Style
Though many will choose more modern or sleek appearance, others will like a more rustic look in their kitchen island design. For those individuals, the “Farmhouse Style” is a great option. Farmhouse style islands offer a warmth and coziness to your space.
Implementing the use of apron-style sinks and vintage fixtures will provide that old-style charm. In addition, open shelving can complete the look and turn your kitchen into the heart of your home.
Storage
It is important to remember that your island is not just a countertop and seating area, but a functional space that creates options. Make certain to take into consideration your storage needs for both cookware and appliances.
Additional features to explore include:
- Pull-out spice racks
- Custom utensil trays
- Concealed trash bins
Lighting Options
If your kitchen island is going to serve as one of the highlights of your space, you want it to be seen, and this is where proper lighting comes into play. Lighting not only enhances visibility, but can create the overall atmosphere, making your space more welcoming.
Pendant lighting is always a popular option, as it is both sleek and can focus light on specific areas of your island, while recessed lighting can brighten the entire space at once, adding warmth.
In addition, under-counter lighting can add depth and highlight areas around your countertop. This is an especially popular option when wanting to focus attention on colors or cabinet designs.
Creating Contrast
Our eyes are immediately attracted to contrast as this is our brain’s way of judging depth, and the more contrast the bigger the space will feel. A well done kitchen island design will take advantage of this fact by incorporating a different color than the rest of the space.
To gain this desired effect, it is recommended to choose a contrasting color to the rest of your cabinets. For instance, Fossil Nuovo Gray for your island is a fantastic contrast to Spartan White cabinets that serve the rest of the kitchen. You may wish to go even more dramatic by incorporating Classe Black cabinets with Napoli White Nano Crystallized Glass countertops and backsplashes.
Choosing Your Appliances & Hardware
Your kitchen island does not have to be relegated to a simple countertop. You can incorporate appliances and striking hardware to enhance the overall appeal of your space. Installing a sink or cooktop in your island creates a new found functionality. In addition, adding a small drink refrigerator or wine cooler can add both convenience and class.
For your hardware, the contrast principle should be applied. Choose brass or polished chrome for your handles and knobs, as when properly selected, they can stand out and create a sense of elegance.
Putting It All Together
Choosing the right island design is a function of taking all the relevant factors into consideration. By looking at your overall space, assessing your needs, and taking into account the quality materials you will need to build the functionality and aesthetic you want, you can create the kitchen island design you desire and build the space of your dreams.
