With so many different styles, sizes and shapes of Kitchen Islands and Kitchen Carts available on the market today when you decide to purchase an Island or Cart it does require some planning. Here are nine pointers to keep in mind to ensure you purchase the kitchen island that is the best fit for both your needs and your kitchen.
When it comes to selecting a kitchen island, size does matter. If you need more preparation, storage space or additional seating in your kitchen an island can certainly provide a workable solution. From the tiny apartment size kitchen to one as large as a small football field, with a little thought and planning, an island can transform transient areas into a workable and efficient space. Here are nine points to help you purchase the kitchen island that will best fit your kitchen and satisfy your needs.
1.) 36" is a reasonable distance to allow between the edge of any side of an island with neighboring appliances, doors, walls or cabinets.
2.) If you are considering an island with drawers or closed cabinets make sure you have room to open them without bumping and scratching adjacent appliances or walls.
3.) Keep the "kitchen work triangle" in mind if you are installing a permanent island. What works for you may not work for the next homeowner.
4.) Height is important as that will impact your lighting choices. The trendy pendant lighting does not allow for anything more than a standard height cabinet of 32" to 34".
5.) If installing any appliance in the island, whether an oven or wine cooler, remember to check clearance for ease of opening any doors and removing or placing items in the appliance.
6.) If you are considering an overhead pot rack also keep the height of the counter in mind. Having to dodge and duck every time you work at the island can be irritating and gets tiresome quickly.
7.) Any door knobs or handles that might be part of the island should have rounded edges or be closed handles. These are safer options for the kitchen as they are less likely to easily catch on clothing or skin.
8.) Consider your primary use for the island. This is an important consideration when it comes to selecting the type of surface. For cutting and food preparation, a butcher block top has always been popular. If you need something easy to clean & heat-resistant consider a stainless steel top.
9.) If additional seating is the goal with kitchen islands remember to check for the additional clearance needed for any type of stool. Stools without backs or oversized seats should fit securely under the seating area. If you have stools that swivel or with backs, remember to allow the necessary additional space to make them work.
If selected with care and consideration kitchen islands can provide a great return on your investment. They can take an ordinary kitchen and transform it into one that has maximal versatility by adding the desired or needed extra work space, increasing the storage capacity or adding additional seating.
