A lot of home buyers wish for islands in their future kitchens, but the built-in features aren’t for everyone, or every kitchen, says Houzz writer Mitchell Parker. In his most recent article, Parker speaks with two kitchen designers that weigh the pros and cons of adding an island to a kitchen. See below for their arguments.
The Case for Kitchen Islands
On an extra work surface: The main benefit of a kitchen island is the additional countertop space that can be used for prepping and staging meals. Working on an island can sometimes be more pleasant than working on a perimeter countertop where you’re facing a wall. An island work area allows you to face guests or family members while you prep, or feel connected to people in adjacent rooms if you have an open floor plan, Cannell says.
On extra storage: An island creates an opportunity for hardworking storage depending on how large of a base you can create. Deep drawers, cabinets and even a spot for the microwave free up the need for perimeter cabinets, allowing you to instead have open shelves or a window.
The Case Against Kitchen Islands
On cost: “Islands, for all of the function and structure they bring to a kitchen, are immovable and provide limited flexibility,” Nichols says. “They must have electric and, potentially, plumbing added if there’s a sink. Islands add a layer of cost to a project, which, depending on the clients’ needs, isn’t always necessary.”
On taking up floor space: “Many clients feel they need an island,” Nichols says. “A smaller kitchen often makes this wish a non-starter. It’s better to have a kitchen that functions well with a table or peninsula, or neither, like a galley. All function perfectly well if designed carefully and thoughtfully with the clients’ needs in mind.”
Read More
