Kitchen islands are all the rage in the gourmet world, and for good reason. They offer fabulous additional counter space and also allow for needed additional storage without having to add more cabinetry. In other words, and island allows you to expand within your kitchen without tearing down any walls. Nice, huh?
This is the perk many homeowners are looking for nowadays, which is why so many are turning to kitchen islands for that extra “something” to put in their kitchens. They offer extra counter space, storage capabilities, and even a nice touch of design to truly enhance the value of your kitchen (for you) and home (if you ever want to sell it). However, if you do want to want to add an island to your kitchen, it’s good to know what you’re looking for so that you don’t add the wrong type to your space.
How to Choose the Right Size for Your Island
Luckily, choosing an island that will properly fit your kitchen is pretty easy. Kitchen islands come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, allowing you to find just what you’re looking for based on the size and shape of your own kitchen. To determine what you need, simply measure your space, making sure to give your and other family members room to move around on all four sides. Once this is done, you’re ready to start searching for your island.
Kitchen Islands and Their Countertops
When choosing your island, it’s good to think in terms of size, storage capabilities, and also countertop. There are numerous countertops to choose from based on the types of activities you plan to perform. For instance, a butcher block kitchen island is a great option for those who need a strong cutting surface. However, if you’re less concerned with cutting and more with adding warmth to your kitchen, you might consider a wood countertop. Some other homeowners like to go with a modern look, opting for a stainless steel countertop that is durable, heat resistance and easily-to-clean. However, what you choose should be strictly up to your style preferences and function needs.
Make Sure It Will Last
While you may not want to pay an arm and a leg for your island (which you don’t have to do), you also want to make sure that it offers a certain level of quality and durability so that it will last for years. So while you may have fallen in love with a hickory wood island, this type of wood isn’t very resistant to decay and insects. Instead, you might try a cherry or mahogany because they offer beautiful color and are very resistance to warping and other decay issues.
Upgrading a kitchen is one project many homeowners love because just the smallest tweaks can make such a huge difference in its overall appearance. Luckily, adding kitchen islands can provide those necessary tweaks, often without rewiring or plumbing adjustments. If you think this is a route for you, start searching for options today!