A kitchen island offers many benefits, including an additional workspace, a new spot to dine and socialize, and a visual diversity that adds interest and depth to larger kitchens. To ensure an easy and stress-free installation, think about the type of design that will best meet your needs and the demands of the space. Below are a few kitchen remodeling tips to help you with this process.

How to Incorporate an Island in Your Kitchen Design

1. Consider Function

Ask yourself how the island will be utilized. This will give you an idea of the right shape and location for the new addition.

If the area is intended for food prep, you’ll want plenty of counterspace and a small bar sink or countertop opening for a trashcan. You'll likely want the island near the stove as well. If the island needs seating, the design will have to accommodate legs and pushed-in barstools or chairs.

The material you choose can also affect the island’s functionality. Granite can withstand heavy use and excessive heat, while tile might be more suited for a casual, conversational space.

2. Have a Size in Mind

You don't want an island that takes up the entire room. The island shouldn't take up more than 10 percent of the total square footage of the kitchen.

If you're unsure about the size, hold off on your kitchen remodeling until you conduct some experiments. Place tables of varying sizes in the middle of the room to see what works and feels best. Pay attention to how you cook and clean around the fixture; if you bump into the sides or have trouble reaching certain appliances, try a different size.

3. Make It Accessible to Utilities

Utility accessibility is essential to the proper placement of an island. If you want the island to have a stovetop or oven, it will need to be connected to an electrical or gas line.

If you want it to have a central sink, it will need to be linked to the water supply. As part of the kitchen remodeling process, pipes or lines may need to be brought through the floor, so be sure to prepare for a more in-depth installation.

When you need a new kitchen island installed, trust Spyglass Design, Inc. Since 1995, this kitchen design specialist in Hopewell, NJ, has served clients throughout the New Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York Metropolitan Areas. They offer luxury kitchen renovations that work within your budget and enhance your entire home. Call (609) 466-7900 or visit them online to request a quote.