Yesterday's post about kitchen counter bars seemed a perfect jumping off point for these tips on how to create a functional and attractive center island. Some are obvious -- use a heat-resistant material if your island includes a cooktop -- but downvents and raised bars are smart considerations before jumping into such a project. See the entire list of tips below the jump!
1. Be realistic about how large a center island you should squeeze into a room the size of your kitchen.
2. Don’t let the shape of your kitchen dictate the shape of your center island.
3. Fess up to being a small appliance lover before the cabinetmaker builds your center island.
4. Aim not to end up with ‘ducks-in-a-row’ seating at your breakfast bar.
5. Know your food prep and cooking habits.
6. Factor in ergonomics as you settle on the depth and height of a breakfast bar.
7. Look to the period of your home for design details to accent a center island.
8. If your island will include a cooktop, select a heat-resistant material for the countertop.
9. Guests enjoy watching a cook work, but they don’t necessarily want to look at a mess while eating.
10. If your household includes kids, think about how an island could serve their needs, too.
11. A kitchen island can help define a floorplan.
12. A movable island can improve how a kitchen functions.
13. Downvent an island cooktop to preserve a world-class view.
14. Customize your island to fit your needs.
15. Use an island to add an element of fun and individuality into your kitchen.
For a more detailed explanation about why these tips work, visit Oregon Home.
Image: Laura Resen for Domino
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
All reviews I've read indicate downvents are not very effective, unfortunately, especially given that most cooktops have the largest/most often used burners in the front, farthest away from the vent. If, despite this, one plans on using a downvent, be sure to factor in the depth that one will require in the countertop and in the cabinetry beneath the countertop.
view lovemcm's profile
My husband and I killed 2 birds with one stone when we put casters on his huge, unwieldy flat file and added a butcher block on the top to create an island/casual eating area. We also added colorful labels for the drawers that match the room's overall feel. It added seating space and counter space, while conveniently camoflaging one of our biggest and ugliest furniture items.
view bmb's profile
i'd love to see a pic of your kitchen, bmb.
view loislane's profile
Great tips, Oregon Home. Here are a few more:
Sizing your island (including NKBA guidelines):
http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2008/12/island-fever-i-sizing-things-up_02.html
Equipping it with the right appliance/storage mix:
http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2008/12/island-fever-ii-equipping-dream.html
Styling it to coordinate with your existing kitchen:
http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2008/12/island-fever-iii-styling-your-isle-tis.html
view JG_Kitchens's profile