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Kitchen
Islands – Adding Decorative Interest While Expanding Your Workspace and Storage
Remodeling or building a new kitchen takes considerable thought. One of the many aspects to kitchen design is to determine whether to add additional workspace and storage with a kitchen island. Islands add functionality and decorative interest to the new kitchens of today. They provide added room for preparing food, cooking, serving guests, and can even include an eating area with seating for light breakfasts. Kitchen island designs are diverse and can be simple and portable or elaborate with granite countertops, electricity, additional stovetops, built in sinks, dishwashers, warming ovens and small refrigerators.
When deciding on whether to incorporate an island in your kitchen design, you first need to determine whether you have the room for one or not. You will need a minimum of 36” of walkway between an island and your other kitchen cabinets. 42” is ideal and is required if your island is placed near a stove, fridge or dishwasher. You want to check that opening appliance doors is possible and easy without hitting your island. You also want to ensure that the placement of your island doesn’t interfere with the work triangle layout of your kitchen. Your island shouldn’t come between your stove, fridge and sink.
If you have the space for a kitchen island, then you need to determine what you’re going to use your island for. Today’s new kitchen islands can be designed to either blend with your current kitchen cabinets or add interesting contrast to your space.
If you just want extra counter space, a free-standing or portable island that rolls away may work for you. Portable islands provide convenience and often can be found with tile, wood or stainless steel tops that can blend with most kitchens helping those that are budget conscious avoid having a custom built unit made.
You may want to consider island plans that provide added storage with shelves, drawers and maybe even a wine rack. Many people today are also choosing to add additional sinks and electricity to their islands for more versatility. While most islands are a single surface design, you also have the option of multi-level islands. In addition to adding interest to your island plan, multi-level islands allow you to add an eating area, bar seating or desk space to your kitchen without additional furniture. The beauty of a multi-level island also can shield food preparation areas from other areas of the home which may be important to those who have homes with open plans.
Looking for ideas for optimizing your kitchen island? Check out the following:
Innovative Kitchen Storage & Organization
Kitchen Island Workspace & Storage Suggestions 
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