BEFORE

It's safe to say that 9 times out of 10 when I meet a potential client who has a kitchen they're unhappy with, the conversation turns to their dreams of having an island.
For many homeowners, islands are indicative of a kitchen which is large and spacious, and I dare say many are drawn to them because of what the island means to the attractiveness quotient of their home.
Beyond the obvious aesthetic beauty of having an island, the benefits are numerous. Islands often allow for a user friendly "work triangle" which means that the stove, refrigerator and sink are in close proximity/across from each other in the space, allowing for an efficient work flow for cooks and those working in the kitchen area. An island can also provide for a more effective flow of traffic in a small kitchen, allowing cooks access to the island and work surface from all sides.

Islands can also free up the surface and storage space of existing cabinets which are anchored to a wall. Strategically placed dishwashers, bar fridges and counter-top ranges can mean that the island provides alternate places for large appliances that might otherwise eat up valuable cabinet space.

Finally, and for many most importantly, an island provides homeowners with a more enjoyable cooking environment which can allow them to socialize and enjoy their guests or family while continuing to prepare meals and serve food. A kitchen is truly at the heart of a home and including one in your kitchen design can greatly alter both how you use your space, and your kitchens functionality.

However, many homeowners rush into installing an island in their home without ensuring that there is an adequate amount of space. ALWAYS ensure that you have a MINIMUM of 36" from the edge of an island to surrounding walls or counters. Avoid placing large appliances directly across from each other between a counter and an island so that you ensure not to have appliance doors interfering with each other when they are open.

Do not underestimate how much space an island requires... installing one improperly can ruin an already well functioning kitchen floor plan.

Happy designing!
Janice

AFTER