How to Design a Kitchen Island | 5 Mistakes to Avoid
You want to design the perfect kitchen island. Make these design errors in your kitchen remodel, and this hub of the kitchen might still function, but it will not be giving you 100%.
However, with the right advice, these five mistakes are easy to avoid.
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Your Kitchen Island is Too Big
One of the most common mistakes is choosing an island that is too big for the space. Many people seem to think the bigger the island, the better. Wide kitchen islands are sure to make a big impact in a kitchen. However they are not a practical solution. Remember you have to be able to reach the middle of the island when cooking. Keep your island no deeper than 4.5 feet (front to back).
The same goes for walkways, if your island is too big, the space between the island and your wall units can be compromised.
The most important consideration when planning a kitchen island has to be the walkways around the island. As a rule of thumb, walkways need to be 3 feet wide in order to be safe and practical in a kitchen.
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Your Kitchen Island Looks Beautiful But Does Not Address Your Needs
A kitchen island should enhance the rest of your scheme. A seamless design feature if you will. It should not jar visually and the island should feel like it has always been there. However, the island should also address the one element your kitchen really needs, be that more storage or seating.
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Your Island Is Too Small
A well designed kitchen island will include space for food prep, cooking, storage, and eating/socializing thereby forming a symbolic hearth of the home. A special gathering place to bring people together to partake in a variety of activities in one central zone.
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The Wrong Surface Material on Your Kitchen Island
Think of the countertop on your island like the icing on a cake. The counter top is the fabulous finishing touch that can offer value and style to the whole scheme. But there are practical considerations. For example, although stunning, marble is porous and can be high maintenance.
Quartz is an excellent countertop choice for a kitchen island. I have used it successfully many times. Quartz is hard wearing and hygienic, as well as heat, stain and scratch-resistant, so it is ideal for a well-used island worktop.
I have also used Quartzite. Not to be confused with quartz, Quartzite is an interesting but fairly expensive material. Quartzite is harder than granite and has good resistance to acid.
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Your Island Has Insufficient Lighting
Please consider lighting! Proper lighting is one of the most common mistakes people make. Consider the type of lighting you will need for the different activities around your kitchen island. If you are going to use your island for food prep, cooking, or washing the dishes and as an entertainment hub, then lighting is key.
The island needs to be well-lit. Whether opting for spotlights or lanterns, ensure that the center of the island, in particular, is bright.
Pendant lights work well and look great in rows. Consider making the lights dimmable so you can adjust them depending on the activity you are doing around your kitchen island.
Using that Well-Designed Island
If you are wondering what delicious, easy to make meals you can cook at that beautiful kitchen island, check out our uncomplicated cooking recipes post for inspiration!
—- Bottom Line —-
Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or renovate your home, these mistakes to avoid from Carrie Fitts will ensure you have no regrets and design ‘a kitchen island that Fitts’ your kitchen and your lifestyle.
Buying or selling a home? Reach out today to take the first step toward finding ‘A House That Fitts’. Give us a call at (205) 248-7353 or send us a message.
We look forward to working with you.