Making your Kitchen More Functional with a Kitchen Island

If you are trying to find a way to acquire more usable storage and preparation space in your kitchen, an island could be the perfect solution. Apart from the cabinetry, the kitchen island is another focal point of a kitchen. You can apply the following ideas to figure out how to design an island and make it functional:

Making your Kitchen More Functional with a Kitchen Island

A functional kitchen island can help you a lot in your kitchen works.

Image via: Flickriver

Determine the Functions of the Island

Before setting up the island, think about the functions that you want the island to perform. While islands are mainly used for both cooking and eating purposes, determine the aspect on which you are going to put emphasis. You can put emphasis exclusively on any single type of work – preparation, cooking, eating, or cleaning. Otherwise, it can be used for all the functions including house projects and homework. So, set up your target first and then work according to it.

Add Appliances

Adding kitchen appliances to the island is a nice way to increase its functionality. You can add appliances depending on the functions for which you will use the island. If the sink is installed in the island, you can add a dishwasher to it. If you want to use it mainly for food preparation, you have to arrange for recycling, trash, and compost areas nearby. You can install cook-top too and store pots and pans in a deep drawer under that cook-top. You can also hang the cookware over the island on a pot hanger. In accordance with priority, make a list of everything you want in your kitchen island and then, add one by one.

Add storage and functionality with an island

Image via: Kohler

Storage Space

A kitchen island can be used as a nice storage too. Though island storage is not a priority if you have a fine cabinetry, you can store some things in it in order to get them at hand during prep or cooking time. Install cabinet style drawers and shelves, possibly with glass doors, in the lower side of the island and keep glasses, cups, and breakfast dishes there.

Ensure your Island is Placed for Efficiency

A kitchen island can make or break the traffic pattern in a kitchen. You can shorten the distance between workstations by installing custom-designed kitchen island. Readymade islands can also be used if you can match them with the design of your kitchen. If not planned well, islands can increase the distance between workstations besides creating obstacles in your works.

Movable Island for Small Kitchen

Setting up an island often becomes difficult if you have a small-sized kitchen. In that case, you can add function to your kitchen with a movable island with wheels. These islands are extremely handy as you can use them for adding workspace near the sink for food preparation and then simply moving them to another space for performing another function. This type of islands can be used in any type of kitchen – L-shaped or U-shaped.

A movable kitchen island – ideal for small kitchen.

Image via: Homedit

Just a good sense of proportion and careful planning will be enough to turn your island the main gathering and work spot in the kitchen.

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