Designing Your Dream Kitchen Island, Manchester New Hampshire
Designing Kitchen Islands For Your Home
Kitchen islands can be a fabulous addition in your home, but is it right for your next remodel?
Adding the right kitchen island might just be a game-changer to your kitchen. Not only does this feature offer a central gathering spot for friends and family, but it also provides additional storage, seating, and prep space, transforming your cooking space into the dream kitchen you’ve always wanted.
We’re so thrilled to show you our guide to designing your kitchen island, let’s dive in!
- Common Questions About Adding A Kitchen Island
- Overcoming Common Kitchen Island Problems
- Design Choices That Make Your Kitchen Island Stand Out
- Contact Us For Your Free Kitchen Consultation
Common Questions About Adding a Kitchen Island
Do You Have Enough Space For A Kitchen Island?
This is one of the first questions we ask before adding an island.
It’s not just about the island itself, space to walk around is crucial to any good kitchen design. It’s important to have at least 42 to 48 inches of clear space around the island to ensure easy movement and traffic flow. Even with space limitations, there are many different sizes and alternatives to islands we can collaborate on.
What Functions Will My Kitchen Island Serve?
Function is at the heart of any kitchen design. At Dream Kitchens, we take into consideration what you need in this space and how to make an island work best for you! We’ll ask questions like:
- What do you want to store in the island?
- Do you want to have seating?
- If seating is a priority then for how many people?
A kitchen island can serve multiple purposes, from additional seating and cooking space to extra preparation and storage areas. The design of your island should reflect its primary functions, whether that’s hosting dinner parties, providing a spot for kids to do homework, or enhancing your cooking and baking operations.
Choosing the Right Storage Solutions
The type of storage you’ll need in your kitchen island depends on what items you plan to store. Deep drawers, cabinets, or open shelving are popular options that can be customized to suit your storage needs, ensuring everything has its place.
What Appliances Can I Add To My Kitchen Island?
Your kitchen island can do more than just be a space for storage or prep! Consider adding appliances like:
- Glass or grill cooktops
- Ovens
- Dishwashers
- Sinks
- Microwaves
- Mini-fridges
- Trash bins
If you’re considering appliances like a dishwasher, sink, or cooktop to their kitchen island, it’s crucial to factor in the necessary plumbing and electrical work. These additions can boost your island’s functionality, making meal prep and cleanup a breeze.
Selecting the Perfect Countertop Material and Style
The countertop material should not only be durable but also complement your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of traditional designs, the clean lines of modern styles, the cozy vibe of farmhouse looks, or a blend with transitional styles, there’s a countertop material out there for you. Here’s a short list of materials you can use for a countertop:
- Quartz
- Granite
- Marble
- Soapstone
- Ceramic
Since there are so many types of materials, consult your kitchen designer for styles, materials and budget concerns.
Overcoming Common Kitchen Island Problems
From dealing with space limitations and budget constraints to ensuring adequate seating and sufficient lighting, there are several problems you might face when adding a kitchen island. Solutions include opting for cost-effective materials, designing the island with an overhang for extra seating, installing pendant lights or under-cabinet lighting for better illumination, and planning for built-in outlets to support various appliances.
Design Choices That Make Your Kitchen Island Stand Out
Your kitchen island can be customized with features like soft-close drawers, pull-out shelves, custom organizers, and integrated appliance garages to meet your specific needs. Additionally, unique island features such as drop-down leaves, wine racks, towel bars or hooks, and bookshelves for cookbooks can further enhance its functionality and appeal.
By carefully considering these aspects, you can create a kitchen island that not only meets your needs but also adds value and beauty to your home.
- Soft-Close Drawers: Enjoy the luxury of drawers that close gently and quietly, preventing slamming and reducing wear and tear.
- Pull-Out Shelves: Maximize storage space and accessibility with shelves that pull out, allowing you to easily reach items stored at the back.
- Custom Organizers: Tailor your storage solutions to fit your unique needs, with organizers designed for utensils, spices, and more, keeping everything neatly in place.
- Integrated Appliance Garages: Keep small appliances like toasters and blenders hidden but easily accessible, maintaining a clutter-free countertop.
- Drop-Down Leaves: Add flexibility to your kitchen island with drop-down leaves that can be extended to provide additional prep space or seating when needed.
- Wine Racks: Incorporate built-in wine racks into your island, creating a stylish and convenient way to store and display your wine collection.
- Towel Bars or Hooks: Ensure kitchen towels are always within reach by integrating towel bars or hooks into your island’s design.
- Bookshelves for Cookbooks: Display your cookbook collection and keep your favorite recipes at your fingertips with built-in bookshelves on your kitchen island.
What’s trending with kitchen islands this year?
We’re seeing two big trends with kitchen islands this year!
- Big Islands: Large islands come with so many benefits! Homeowners are dreaming of larger kitchen islands which have ample storage and prep space. So many different types of cabinets can be installed in a large island like mixer lifts, trash bins, spice racks etc…
- Splashes of Color: Additionally, we’re seeing an increase for two-toned kitchen islands. This style choice provides a stunning pop of color that can seamlessly integrate into an existing kitchen space or be a standout feature in a new kitchen remodel. This trend is an excellent choice that elevates the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Contact Us For Your Free Kitchen Consultation
Is a kitchen island right for your home?
From sizes, cabinets choices, colors, countertops and more, the possibilities are endless! There are so many decisions to make so let our kitchen design experts help you with your Dream Kitchen island! Contact us now to schedule your free kitchen design consultation right in our 3,000 sq/ft showroom. Call 603-891-2916 now or just click the button below to schedule your consultation!
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