Add An Island To Your Kitchen Remodel

One of the biggest complaints of most homeowners is that there is not enough counter space in the kitchen.  It doesn’t seem to matter how much or how little counter space there actually is, it is not enough.  A kitchen remodel is the best time to fix this problem.  Whether you’re looking to create an actual work space or just somewhere to toss the keys, islands are the perfect kitchen remodel project.  There is a wide range of islands that are ready and waiting to be installed in your kitchen remodel.  If you are planning a kitchen remodel and want to include an island, there are a few things you should consider.

The first and most important things to check is that there is enough space between the other work areas and where you plan to put the island.  If you end up disregarding this and just adding the island you may have a huge problem at the end of your kitchen remodel.  The last thing you want is a brand new kitchen where you can’t fully open the cabinet doors or work without bumping into other people in the kitchen.  This is also a good time to determine what function you want the island to serve.  You can have the island in the middle of the kitchen or as a divider between the kitchen and a family room.  Knowing this before the kitchen remodel is essential.

You need to determine if you want to relocate any of the other appliances in the kitchen remodel.  Adding as island will permit you to move the refrigerator or the oven or sink to the island and free up additional counter space.  If a cook top will be included on the island in the kitchen remodel, with a stove elsewhere, you may want to consider some pull out drawers for pots and pan.  Of if the kitchen remodel will include adding a second sink to the island, consider a pull out wastebasket to go underneath.

Be sure you’ve considered what mechanical of plumbing changes will need to be made in the kitchen remodel to accommodate your island.  If the island will have a sink you’ll need supply and drain lines, or for a stove you’ll need a ventilation system.  Both these things could mean breaking through the floor.  If you have a basement then this is no problem and the kitchen remodel can go ahead as planned.  If you have no space beneath the kitchen floor, this could present a problem.

If your island will separate a kitchen and family room, it can be multi-purpose.  Include in the kitchen remodel, glass paneled cabinets on the family room side for display purposes.  While on the kitchen side, go with standard cabinet fronts for good storage.  Finally, don’t neglect adequate lighting in your kitchen remodel.  Without proper lighting, the island loses most of its appeal.