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Design Choices For Kitchen Islands
Kitchen islands add a decorative element to
the kitchen. They also add extra work and storage space. Space to
store things and prepare meals is often lacking in kitchens. An
island is the perfect solution to these problems. Some offer
additional areas for cooking or an extra sink for cleaning up. There
are designs and features to fit every lifestyle.
Choices Available in Kitchen Islands
The simplest kitchen islands resemble a table. They have legs and a
flat counter space for cooking. These are functional for preparing
foods and serving meals buffet style. In addition, they add a design
element to the room. The draw back of these islands is they don’t
add additional space for storage.
Another simple design involves a simple flat counter area with
storage space underneath. These are generally drawers and cabinets.
They can be built to match the surrounding cabinets in your kitchen.
This gives additional storage space under the island, rather than
the wasted space of a table top design.
More elaborate designs include custom built islands. These can
include a sink, cook top, warming oven, small refrigerator or
dishwasher. A granite island top or other solid surface will allow
you to roll dough and prepare food right on the counter, without a
cutting board. Bucher block allows you to cut right on the counter.
You can have any combination of these features included in your
island. The design elements of a custom built island are flexible,
as it is built to suit your specifications.
Multi level islands offer more flexibility and design choices. They
have a smaller overall work space, but allow you to incorporate a
variety of functions. These are generally larger islands and may
include areas for food preparation and separate eating areas. You
could have a sink or cook top on one side with a flat counter on
another level.
Measuring for Islands
The sizes of kitchen islands vary widely. You need to be sure the
one you want will fit your space. Measuring the area is one way to
determine how much room you have. This can be hard to get a feel for
with just two dimensional measurements. A better way is to place a
piece of furniture or boxes in the size of the island in the center
of the kitchen. Leave it for a few days and see how you feel about
it.
When taking measurements, make sure you have at least three feet of
space around the island. You want to have room to move and easy
access to your appliances. Make sure you can open all the appliances
and have room to work with the island in place. You don’t want to
open the dishwasher and hit the island or open the oven and not have
room to maneuver when cooking a meal.
If space is too limited for a large island, consider a portable one.
These are often on wheels and can be moved out of the way when not
in use. They are great for adding additional workspace when needed,
but are portable. They won’t be in the way when not needed. The down
side of these is you will only have additional work area. You won’t
be able to add features like a cook top or extra sink.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
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