Home |
Room by Room Articles |
Kitchens
Island Kitchens, Part 1
If you have enough space, a well-planned central island can become the functional heart of a kitchen, providing extra storage, work surfaces, or a venue for quick meals.
An island kitchen is essentially one that is large enough to allow a central working unit. This can be as complex as a custom-built unit, possibly on more than one level, with or without built-in appliances, or as simple as a wheeled work trolley or a table. The island need not be square or rectangular. Depending on the space available, it can be circular, oval, geometric, angled, or an L shape with a cooktop on one arm of the L and a sink or breakfast bar on the other.
Installing an island in a large kitchen can help to avoid the problem of an over-extended work triangle as services can be positioned close to each other by installing the cooktop, sink, or cooling equipment in the island. Piping and wiring will need to be run under the floor which will increase installation costs. Because of this disruption, it often isn't practicable to add an island fitted with appliances or a sink to an existing kitchen.
An island without appliances can be just as useful as one with. The base can be a mix of cupboards and open storage, such as pull-out wicker baskets for vegetables, a space for baking trays, a wine rack, and open shelving. The counter can be extended beyond the base at one side to make a breakfast bar, and extra storage can be created by hanging a utensil rack from the ceiling. The possibilities are endless, even if your budget is limited.
Finding Space
Island kitchens are not suitable for very small rooms as space is needed all around the island to allow cupboard doors both on the island and on the facing runs of base units to open easily.
The size of the island depends on the space available, but generally it shouldn't be any smaller than 23 ½ x 35 ½ in (600 x 900mm). Too big an island can involve unnecessary walking, so don't be tempted to install a large unit just because there's enough space for one.
The island doesn't have to be square or rectangular. In a smaller room, a curved island with no corners to knock against may be more convenient than a square or rectangular shape. In a very large room, you could opt for an island based around a rectangle with angled wings at each end, or a multi-purpose, multi-level island with a granite or solid wood work surface at one side and a table at the other for eating.
Copyright 2009 Rhonda Morin, MyInteriorDecorator.com. May not be reprinted.
Related Articles
Kitchen Decorating
The kitchen is a room that is more personal than anything. Decorating a kitchen has more to do with you as the personal decorator than anything else. When considering taking on a kitchen redecorating project...
Dream Kitchen
Discover the trends in creating your dream kitchen from stainless steel to what type of stove to the quiet dishwasher.
5 Ways to Spruce up Your Kitchen for Under $400!
Every homeowner knows that modernizing the kitchen is one of the best ways to add value to their home. But it's also one of the best ways to increase their enjoyment of the kitchen, a room that undoubtedly gets a lot of traffic on a regular basis.
Island Kitchens, Part 1
If you have enough space, a well-planned central island can become the functional heart of a kitchen, providing extra storage, work surfaces, or a venue for quick meals.
Island Kitchens, Part 2
Designing a kitchen with an island in it is an incredible way to add extra surfaces, cooking areas and storage.
Island Kitchens, Part 3
Island kitchens have unique challenges. This third articles in the series helps you wrap it all up.
Single-Line Kitchens, Part 1
Compact and easy to run but often tight on space, single-line kitchens need to be planned with ingenuity if they are to offer a workable layout.
Single-Line Kitchens, Part 2
Single line kitchens are challenging, where to store, types of cabinets to use, how to make use of the space plus more.
Scandinavian Kitchens, Part 1
With its streamlined country elegance, the Scandinavian style is an ideal solution for the heart of the home. Natural finishes and understated decorations combine to create a sense of warmth and hospitality for a family kitchen.
Scandinavian Kitchens, Part 2
What to use on walls, floors, for storage and how to make it all work is important in an scandinavian kitchen design.
