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Think Outside the Box When Planning Your Kitchen Islandby H.L. StaplesRefacing Cabinet Columnist A kitchen island is bound to add workspace to your kitchen and most will give you a bit of extra storage. But an island can do more than give you another place to slice carrots or stow a pot. When you design your kitchen island cabinet, consider your options. You might be surprised how many you have. To Wire or Not To Wire Your Kitchen Island?For your kitchen island, you might choose something fairly basic, like a simple butcher block style with no electrical outlets. Such a space will prove plenty of useful space for chopping and mixing, and perhaps even dining. But if you want to make the most of your kitchen island, add two or three outlets. That way, you can plug in your mixer, blender, or other small appliances.Is Your Cabinet Material Sticking Out or Fitting In?A kitchen island is, of course, a cabinet. You might simply use the same style and material as your other cabinets. Sticking with the existing kitchen cabinets will create an integrated, unified feel and is a sound choice. You could also create a more dynamic and modern look by choosing another material like stainless steel.How Will Your Kitchen Island Shape Up?When most people imagine a kitchen island, they think of something with four sides, perhaps with some kitchen storage in the cabinet below. Your fantasy kitchen island may be this basic shape. But if you have room, take some time to consider a layout that includes an L-shaped or asymmetrical island. Besides adding visual interest, an original shape could increase functionality. You can have storage, a place for eating, and extra-surface area for mixing and chopping. What about hooks for hanging utensils? For storage and overall pizzazz, what about a pot-rack overhead? What about adding a cook top or even a sink to your island? With a bit of imagination, you can turn an ordinary cabinet in the middle of the room into an island paradise. Sources Home Furnish, Kitchen Islands About.com, Kitchen Islands About the Author H. L. Staples has renovated two older homes, as well as taught at the University of Georgia and Syracuse University. Her articles have appeared in the Boston Review, Denver Quarterly, the Georgia Review, and elsewhere. |
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