An island can have a significant impact on kitchen design and functionality. It’s an ideal way to add more storage and workspace while also establishing a social center in your home. Think about your requirements and space limitations before proceeding with a kitchen renovation. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to observe.

Do:

Make the kitchen a social hub.

A well-designed kitchen island facilitates conversations and social interaction. Add seating for dining and to establish a zone where children can do their homework while you prepare dinner. When guests arrive, turn the island into a breakfast bar or self-serve buffet.

Add your favorite amenities.

Islands help with kitchen design by creating more space for appliances. If you’re having a custom island built, add a warming drawer, wine refrigerator, sink, and power outlets. Splitting the height of a counter allows for multilevel workspaces or separation of space for working and eating.

Don’t:

Overcrowd the space.

Before purchasing a prefabricated island, measure your space. Allow a three-foot walkway around each side. Overlarge islands make a space look cramped and impede your ability to maneuver around a kitchen safely. In a small kitchen, movable carts and buffet tables, in contrast to an anchored island, are solutions for utilizing space more efficiently.

Forget storage requirements.

Use an island in your kitchen design to maximize storage capabilities of your space. Make accommodations for all your equipment, cookware, and cooking implements to keep your counters clutter-free. Extra storage in an island frees up space in your cupboards and drawers to hold foodstuffs, utensils, dishes, and glassware without overcrowding.

If you need creative, luxurious interior design services, contact Spyglass Design, Inc. They’ve served residents across New Jersey and in Philadelphia and Metropolitan New York since 1995, providing sustainable and functional designs to meet unique needs, style preferences, and budgets. Services include 3D rendering, custom cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom renovations, and lighting design. Visit their website to view a gallery of their work, or call (609) 466-7900 to speak with a helpful staff member today.