Kitchen remodeling projects are popular home improvements, and islands are often a place to start. They’re an excellent functional and aesthetic addition to a kitchen, and there are certain design guidelines to follow. The following will help you ensure you get the right layout.

A Guide to Kitchen Island Design

Purpose

First, decide what you want to achieve with the island. If you want to add seating, under-counter storage, or premium features, you’ll need to factor those elements into your budget.

Knowing your goals will also help you begin exploring materials. Granite is a popular countertop finish that’s durable and versatile. You can choose cabinets that match your hardwood flooring and stainless-steel appliances to achieve a contemporary aesthetic.

Placement & Dimensions

The wrong-sized or a poorly placed island can create a lot of roadblocks in the kitchen. Generally, kitchens that are less than 13 feet wide won’t comfortably accommodate an island.

If you have the space, use the working triangle to determine placement. Draw lines from your sink to your stove and to your refrigerator. This should form a triangle—the most efficient layout in a kitchen. Make sure the island doesn’t impede these walkways to allow the natural flow of the kitchen.

Next, determine the dimensions. There should be at least 3 feet of clear space on all sides of the island so the kitchen doesn’t become cramped. You’ll also want to note the dimensions of any additions. If you want a sink, cooktop, storage, and other features, these will need to fit comfortably into the island.

Storage

Islands are an excellent kitchen remodeling project to expand storage. Take a look at how crowded your cabinets are. You can estimate how much additional space to build in. Generally, a pair of 24-inch base cabinets will fit comfortably into a 3-foot island. Make the countertop at least 42 inches tall to maximize under-cabinet space.

For the best results, turn to the pros for your kitchen remodeling needs. Atlanta Hardwood Flooring & Cabinetry has created stunning results for Alpharetta, GA, residents since 1997. They specialize in hardwood flooring and custom cabinets and will handle all of your installation needs. Call (404) 919-7010 to schedule a consultation and visit their website to learn more about their services.