Put the Fun in Functional: Kitchen Island Trends

By Guest Blogger Lauren Brucato

Kitchen renovation is a productive way to update technical appliances at the same time as improving aesthetic features. Adding an island is a growing trend that improves both the functionality and the look of the kitchen.  Depending on your lifestyle needs there are many options to consider when designing an island.  Below are some accommodating ideas of how to design a new kitchen island. 

Additional Storage Space

            Building cabinets into the island creates more storage space for pots, pans, or food.  Depending on the style of your kitchen, there are plenty of cabinet options, whether you have a preference for cabinet doors that swing open, or drawers that pull open.  Shelving can also be added into a side of the island in order to create space for cookbooks or decorative pieces.

Install Lights and Appliances

            Installing a microwave, dishwasher, or an additional sink into the island are useful ways to utilize space.  These appliances add to the functionality of the island and having these appliances in close vicinity streamlines the cooking process.  Overhead lighting can be installed above the island, which improves the cooking space and is an opportunity to add a creative element to the kitchen.

Functional Cooking Area

            Adding an island creates another food preparation area, eliminating  cluttered and allowing more than one person to cook at a time. The functional countertop can be used for not only preparing food, but also serving food in a buffet-style manner when entertaining guests.  It is important to choose a countertop that visually suits the kitchen, but can also be sustainable for cooking as well.

Materials to Use

 Use the island as an opportunity to create a space that makes the kitchen “pop.” Granite countertops are durable, heat resistant, and come in a wide variety of colors. Stainless steel is a traditional, yet contemporary food preparation surface material that doesn't require sealing. Matching the cabinets in the island with the cabinets of the rest of the kitchen is not necessary.   Painting the island cabinets an accent color brightens up the kitchen.  

Create More Seating

            Chairs or stools can be added in order to maximize the space around the island.  Adding a seating area creates a destination for people to come sit around the island to converse or help cook.  Chairs can be on one side of the island, or can form a table-like arrangement on both sides (but on one end) of the island, depending on how much space is available to do so.  The style of seating that is chosen can really improve the overall look of the space.