Designing and furnishing your kitchen seems to be one of the essential elements of making your dream home. The kitchen is an important area where food is cooked and later served for the family to enjoy. Nowadays, modern homes seem to make the kitchen not just for its intended purpose but for other activities as well. Staying at home during the quarantines made the kitchen into a makeshift workplace and a living room. Due to these newfound purposes, it is no question that current homeowners are starting to take an interest in kitchen islands. Yet, despite the trend, many people still ask themselves questions such as “Do I need a kitchen island?” or “Is getting a kitchen island worth the money?” Besides the doubts, there is also the essential query like “What should I consider in a Kitchen Island?” Thus, for this article, Bria Homes will be providing critical information on the following questions. The ideas enumerated will bear the pros and cons of getting a kitchen island while also providing the basics and know-how of the kitchen island so as to help you make a decision should you be faced with the same dilemma.
Advantages
- More Space
The main purpose of a kitchen island is to provide more storage for small appliances and counter space. The added counter space will be especially useful for guests and members of the family as you congregate in the area. The additional drawers, cabinets, and shelves will also allow for more things in the area whilst keeping the kitchen organized. An added prep zone would also allow you to work more efficiently in the kitchen and would allow more freedom if you have guests or when you are hosting at your home. Basically, having more space would give you mobility and accessible space for more activity when using the kitchen.
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- Transforms your Kitchen
By this idea, we mean that from a place where food is prepared and cooked, it slowly develops into a place where other activities can be done. For example, it can serve as a dining table where the family can grab a quick meal or snacks before going to work or to school. Also, buying additional stools together with the kitchen island would give more room for guests during gatherings and parties. At the same time, making your kitchen a comfortable place with seats and tables would also allow them to conduct other activities such as attending their online classes or having zoom meetings. The comfort of the kitchen and its easy access to food will especially make the kitchen a favorite place to do online activities.
- More functionality in the kitchen
By this idea, we mean that from a place where food is prepared and cooked, it slowly develops into a place where other activities can be done. For example, it can serve as a dining table where the family can grab a quick meal or snacks before going to work or to school. Also, buying additional stools together with the kitchen island would give more room for guests during gatherings and parties. At the same time, making your kitchen a comfortable place with seats and tables would also allow them to conduct other activities such as attending their online classes or having zoom meetings. The comfort of the kitchen and its easy access to food will especially make the kitchen a favorite place to do online activities.
Disadvantages
- Eats up Space
Turns out, the added space provided by kitchen islands are also its main disadvantage. Before adding your kitchen island, make sure that you have considered the dimensions of your counter. Kitchen islands tend to eat up more space, thus limiting the movements of those who are using the kitchen. Consider putting objects in the middle to mimic the size of the island, is it improving the space or creates more hassle than efficiency? Try working within that space, is it tighter? Properly measured countertops and working space are essential before putting a kitchen island. This will help in making an island that is fit in your space. Also remember that not all kitchen spaces need an island. Always consider the dimensions of your space and the potential size of your island. It is meant to improve the space rather than make it more tighter and inefficient.
Read article: 10 Best Kitchen Organization Ideas
- Additional Expenses
“Do I need a kitchen island?” is the real question at hand especially if it would involve more spending and expenses. Kitchen Islands were meant to improve the counter space of the kitchen and also its efficiency. However, this option can potentially cause more expenses. To improve efficiency, it is also important to choose the right material for your island counter. Kitchen islands vary from wood, marble, granite, stone, etc. Consider your budget and also the longevity of your material as well as the people who will use this space. Oftentimes, kitchen islands were also added with bar chairs, appliances, stovetops, and sink. Additional plumbing and wiring are also needed. These are also additional costs in building your own kitchen island.
- Flow Distruption
With wrong dimensions and materials, kitchen islands can be a disturbance to its users. It potentially disrupts the flow of work within the kitchen since there will be a barrier between counters. It is important to consider the dimensions of your kitchen space before adding up an island. A wrong size for your island can potentially cause tighter space, work disruption, and space constraints. It is crucial to consider the work flow of the people who are using the space. Kitchen islands are meant to improve the space and efficiency not otherwise.
What should I consider in a Kitchen Island?
There are three essential things that you need to consider should you decide to have a Kitchen Island. These following factors would overall decide the Kitchen Island experience that you envision.
- How big should the storage be?
Although it would depend on the size of your kitchen area, you should still be aware of how much space you are willing to allot for all the compartments, cabinets, and storage for your kitchen. In planning the storage, you should see that it would be accessible especially if you plan to put all the kitchen essentials and tools on the island. You should also allot some space for aesthetics to improve the overall mood of your home. The size of your kitchen island should compliment the size of your kitchen area, make sure that there are still enough pathways.
- Table Height and Dimensions
A typical kitchen islands are about 3 to 4 feet wide and 5 to 7 feet long. The table heigh On the other hand, the standard height of a kitchen island is about 36 inches from the floor. We recommend to follow this standard measure because most bar stools and kitchen table is compatible with these dimensions. Furthermore, such measurements would allow access for your children without the risk of injury. Overall, these dimensions would be enough to make your kitchen multifunctional but still makes it feel more of a home and not a bar.
- Material and Styles
Contrary to popular belief, kitchen island should actually be more contrasting rather than in consonance with your kitchen designs. The kitchen island should be styled that way in order to make it the focal point of the kitchen and stand on its own. Kitchen islands are a great way to highlight the details of your kitchen area. Thus, do not be afraid to go way over your budget. However, if you find materials too expensive you can always opt for cheaper price, just make sure that you would not compromise with the quality.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the essential questions answered, I hope you will be able to come up with a proper decision. Kitchen Islands are always a great accessory for the home and you will never go wrong with this investment especially if you have a big family or you always have a guest around. Once you have that island placed, you may refer to this article for organizational ideas!
Read article: Best Home Features and Accessories During the Pandemic
Indeed, designing a kitchen is a challenging yet enjoyable experience especially if you would have it on your very own Bria Condominiums! Bria Homes has always been neat in considering the needs and wants for your next dream home. To top it off, they are primed to deliver top quality homes and condos yet makes it affordable for many Filipinos. Make sure to visit their website for more information!
Written by: AJ Caputolan
