Kevin Conrad
Home Magazine
(http://www.pointclickhome.com/home/articles/design_basics_kitchen_islands)
As the size of kitchens continues to soar, so does the popularity of countertop islands. Present in more than 50 percent of the houses in the United States, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, these versatile elements—whether built-in or movable—not only provide homes for appliances and additional seating, work space, and storage, but also often serve as a kitchen’s hub and social center. Large kitchens may even have multiple units, each dedicated to a specific use. So prior to sitting down with your architect, kitchen designer, or cabinetmaker to plan your fantasy island, consider its scale, function, and style. The following tips will help you create and equip your space.
Set the Boundaries
First determine whether you have adequate room in your kitchen for an island. The magic number is 42 inches: That’s the minimum amount of space you’ll want between the unit and any surrounding object to ensure that the former doesn’t obstruct traffic flow. If you have tight quarters or a compact kitchen, San Francisco–based designer Lou Ann Bauer suggests opting for a small portable piece such as a butcher-block counter on casters in lieu of a built-in, so that the fixture can be moved when not needed.
Consider the Function
How will you use the unit: Will it be where you’ll create gourmet meals? Eat breakfast? House your china? Vary an island’s height—or employ a variety of countertop surfaces—to create distinct zones for different activities. For example, your design could include a 36-inch-high work counter for food prep and a 42 inch high bar for casual dining; likewise, you might incorporate a wooden butcher’s block into an otherwise marble-topped unit. Of course, if you opt to have multiple islands, each can be devoted to a separate set of activities. No island should be more than 4 feet wide, so that you can easily reach the middle of its countertop.
An island’s purpose determines its placement. You can use the element to divide the kitchen and living areas in an open-plan house, or to delineate working and eating zones. If you want to utilize the unit for baking, make sure it provides easy access to the stove, sink, and refrigerator. If you will employ it for buffets, keep the public side open. And remember: Rounding an island’s edges draws in guests while squaring them creates a buffer.
Outfit it Accordingly
Equip an island to serve its role. If it will function as a breakfast bar, stools and a cantilevered countertop are essential. If it will house a cooktop, add a vent hood overhead or a pop-up downdraft venting system; choose a unit in the size and power recommended by your cooktop maker and have it finished in a material that coordinates with your kitchen. If food prep will be the main activity, consider installing a small sink; make it more than 9 inches deep to prevent splashing. Be aware that some fixtures may require a plumber or electrician to put in additional supply and drain lines or outside venting.
Islands can greatly expand a kitchen’s storage space. Options range from cabinets and drawers for stashing china and utensils to shelves and openings perfect for holding cookbooks and baskets. As for appliances, wine chillers and warming drawers are popular; orient them toward adjacent dining or entertaining areas.
Lighten Up
As the center for so many different kinds of activities, islands require a versatile, multilayered lighting scheme. Recessed canisters throughout the area can provide general illumination, but you’ll also want to supplement them with overhead spotlights or pendants for close-up work. If the countertop is made of a reflective material such as stainless steel, be sure to fit your illumination sources with bottom diffusers or use half-chrome-mirrored bulbs to prevent glare.
SYNC the Style
By virtue of its location, size, and bulk, an island acts as a focal point in many kitchens. But rather than visually dominate the space, it should fit in with the overall design scheme; this is especially true for units that function as transitional points between the kitchen and adjoining spaces. Designers can also switch up an island’s appearance by giving it furniture-look paneling, varying the finishes on its countertops and surrounds, and experimenting with its shape, for example, by adding curved edges.
By creating an island that combines form with function, you will help your kitchen look and perform better. Keep the above principles in mind when mapping out your multitasking unit, and it will serve you well for years to come.
