Kitchens are constantly evolving, and today’s kitchens are no exception. As kitchens are generally getting larger, there is more room for large islands. The latest trend is to create a considerably sizeable island as a focal point of the room. As kitchen islands grow, so do the number of designs.
Keep the Island Area Useable
Remember that at a certain size, the center part of an island won’t be functional. Put simply – no one will be able to reach the middle! Although large islands are desirable, wasting space is something everyone wants to avoid. Plan your designs around usable area. There are many creative ways to shape an island to suit your kitchen and stand alone as a focal point while avoiding wasted space.
Solid surface countertops
With any solid countertop comes the ability to shape it uniquely. Natural materials such as granite can be cut to the desired shape, and man made materials such as Corian can be formed. The edges of these materials forms a beautiful frame around the island. Because they are relative thick, they have enough substance to fill a space. You may want to consider adding a layer of counter material under the overhangs to create more substance and finish the underneath more completely.
Island Bars
As the kitchen becomes a social area, the desire for seating increases. As islands get bigger, the addition of an island bar with stools is a natural fit.
Installation Issues
During the planning stages, remember that the island countertop surface must be a manageable enough size to fit into the house. Many people prefer one piece instead of multiple pieces with seams, but if you can’t fit the piece through the door, you have a big problem. Design around reality to avoid problems in installation.