Kitchen Island Cabinets
Kitchen islands are a necessity in some kitchens. Kitchen Islands add both storage and counter space to a food preparation area. In some homes, kitchen islands have even replaced the kitchen table. There are so many options to consider when designing a kitchen island, but keeping a few key points in mind will make the process go a lot easier.
Location, location, location.
If the kitchen island is going ot be an addition to an already existing kitchen, you can pretend it’s already there and play with where it should go exactly. Tape off an area where you think the kitchen island is going to be installed. This will get you used to something being there. Better yet, and this may seem even sillier than tape, get a couple of empty kitchen cabinet boxes. You can move them around to suit your needs and will have a good idea of where the kitchen island will go before anything gets screwed down to the floor.
Level 1, Level 2?
What is this kitchen island going to do? Food prep? Seating? Both? If it’s going to be one or the other, than you might consider just one level, and think hard about how high that should be. For food prep, the kitchen island will be regular cabinet height (34 1/2″ to the bottom of the countertop) and for seating you’ll want something higher, like 40″ or so. For this, you can either shim up base cabinets or use wall cabinets (36″-ish) on the floor. Just block the cabinets up and apply some toe kicks.
If the kitchen island is going to serve two purposes (food prep and seating) then you should make it multi level. Have your sink or stove on the lower level, and then create a raised part of the kitchen island where folks can sit. This will allow you to visit while you cook!
What types of cabinets should a kitchen island include?
You’ll want a sink at least, maybe a cook top or oven. You’ll also need counterspace to chop, mix, and set dishes, so there should be some cabinetry on either side. If you’ll be cooking, then throw in some cabinet that have roll trays and lid organizers; they’ll be a handy addition to a “cooking” kitchen island. If the area is mostly for prep and cleanup, a trash pullout is a good idea. You won’t have to walk far with waste this way. Just scoop garbage right off the counter (or dirty dishes) into the can.
Remember, as you’re planning a kitchen island, that function is key. Make the kitchen island earn the space it will take up, not just look cool. You’ll be much happier in the end.
Written by:
Craig
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