Today, more than ever, we hear a lot of requests to incorporate a kitchen island into our client’s kitchen space. Kitchen islands are growing more and more popular, and we understand why. Islands are a great way to incorporate additional storage, add seating, and also house that wine unit you’ve been wanting. There are a lot of advantages to having a kitchen island, but there are also some disadvantages you may not have thought of. Join us today as we uncover the advantages and disadvantages of having a kitchen island.

Beginning with the advantages:

Extra Amenities

A kitchen island is all about the extras, and we begin with extra amenities. Incorporating an island is a wonderful way to include a beverage unit or even a microwave drawer (as long as there is electrical to the island). You can also incorporate the sink or an additional smaller one (if there is plumbing) or even the cooktop (if there is electrical/gas) which will free up space on the main kitchen areas.

Tip: If you want an island that also has amenities, then your design will require planning and possibly involving a designer (Why, hello there!).

Extra Storage

Whether you include extra amenities or not, extra storage is something clients always want. Islands are a great way to include extra storage for those non-everyday items such as a stand mixer, countertop oven, and so on.

Tip: Here you can get creative with the type of storage you want: think shelving, drawers, roll-outs, or even lifts (for that heavy stand mixer).

Extra Seating

Extra seating brings people into the kitchen (like you really needed another reason to hang out in the kitchen)! All jokes aside, the seating area at the island is a great spot to serve breakfast, have your kids do homework, or even help out the cook.

Tip: To calculate how many seats will fit at your island, take the length and divide it by 24 (each seat requires about 24”).

The possible disadvantages:

Takes up Space

This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s something to think about. Does your kitchen have adequate space for an island? Whether you have a big or small kitchen, an island typically sits in the center which can make the space more cramped and possibly even become a road block.

Tip: Feel like an island will work in your space? A great way to test it out before you commit is to outline its shape with tape on the floor and see how it functions having to walk around it for the next few days.

May Disrupt Work Flow

If the island doesn’t serve a purpose in your kitchen, it will simply disrupt your work flow and stand in your way. With the kitchen possibly getting the most traffic in your home, you will want be sure the flow, design, and all elements of the space work for you.

Tip: Be sure to utilize a kitchen island to its fullest with some of the advantages listed above.

The Wrong Size

An island too large to get around, or too small where it becomes a nuisance is not an island you want. Don’t get me wrong, it is definitely possible to have a large or a small island, as long as it serves a purpose and is designed with functionality and flow. So, what’s the right size island? Well, an island that fits proportionately within the space, and also fits your needs is the right island for you!

Tip: Proper walkways require at least 36”. So, if you are measuring to see how an island would fit, be sure to allow at least that amount surrounding the island.

Lastly, we want you to enjoy some more beautiful islands: