Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
The kitchen is oftentimes the focal point of a home. Kitchen islands make your kitchen more practical and enhance its overall appearance. A kitchen island is a freestanding cabinet/countertop piece. It is not connected to a wall, making it accessible from all sides. Kitchen islands come in many different designs, colors, and shapes. Some islands can be moved around, while others are fixed. Some are designed with storage space prioritized, while others are designed with work space prioritized. Due to the many options, picking an island can be a daunting task. Below we break down different kinds of kitchen islands.
What are the different types of kitchen islands?
Galley kitchen islands: This is the classic rectangular shape for a kitchen island. This is great for smaller kitchens because all sides are accessible. They often offer an adequate storage area and can be used as a seating area as well. They are reasonably priced and easy to find.
L-shaped kitchen islands: An L-shaped kitchen island is perfect for a large kitchen with lots of space. This type of kitchen island has ample space for food preparation, storage and seating. This is a great option for homeowners that want the kitchen to be a gathering area for guests. A downside is the large size may make it harder to move through the kitchen.
Circular kitchen islands: If you want to have a unique kitchen island, go for a circular shaped island. The majority of kitchen islands are rectangular, so picking a circular one will make your kitchen stand out. Circular kitchen islands bring an elegant aesthetic to the kitchen. Additionally, they have plenty of work space for food preparation. However, some areas may be hard to reach because of the circular design. This shape is not easy to find and will most likely need to be custom made, which will be more expensive.
Bi-level/raised bar kitchen islands: This kind of island has two levels. One level is a workspace, while the other level is a seating area. This allows you to face your guests while you prepare foods on the lower level. This option is great for families because it allows family members who are eating to spend time with members cooking in the kitchen. The only downside is that the bar-style seating area limits the cooking space.
Mobile kitchen islands: Mobile kitchen islands are practical because you can move your workspace anywhere. This is a great option for smaller kitchens that need extra preparation space but do not have the space for a large island. This is also a very affordable option compared to fixed islands. A downside is the minimal storage space. Additionally, they are not as sturdy and can also be a hassle to move around (especially if they’re heavy).
Waterfall kitchen islands: This is a modern and elegant option for a kitchen island. The countertop spills over the sides, giving it a unique appearance. These islands are often made out of quartz, granite and marble. This countertop is easy to clean up due to design.
U-shaped kitchen islands: This island is U shaped, making it perfect for large families. They offer tons of storage and workspace. This kind of island takes up a lot of space so it’s better suited for a large kitchen. This shape is also on the more expensive side. A downside is that it can be difficult to maneuver this shape in the kitchen.
The addition of a kitchen island can give homeowners more counter space, seating space, and storage space. The islands mentioned above are some of the most popular styles. Some of them can be made fully functional (plumbing and electricity). This would increase cost because plumbing lines would need to be hidden. However, this addition can make your kitchen island more practical and increase the value of your home.
If you are still unsure with which style to pick, consider what you are hoping to get from a kitchen island. Are you wanting a seating area? Storage? Counter space? Asking yourself these questions will help you narrow your options. Also consider the size of your kitchen; ideally you want at least 42 inches of clearance around the island. If you need some guidance, consider reaching out to a kitchen designer. They are knowledgeable in the different kinds of kitchen islands and can help you make the best decision for your kitchen.
Kitchen Remodeling Orlando
I-4 Kitchen Bath provides guaranteed, quality work that can fit any budget, from residential to commercial jobs. Here at I-4 Kitchen Bath, we are a great mix of kitchen and bath designers with architectural, tradesman, and general contractor backgrounds with combined experience in every aspect of the kitchen/bath build, from the ground up. For more information, call us at (407) 246-0636 or make an appointment online.
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