Considerations Before Opting for a Kitchen Island

July 28, 2017

In your kitchen, much of the furniture, appliances and containers are located against the walls – the fridge, cabinets, stove and sink, to name a few. But there is only so much area that you can take advantage of this way. When trying to find extra space to keep your things functional and organized, turn your eyes to the centre of the room. Kitchen islands are an increasingly popular trend that give you more space to work with in terms of both surface area and storage options.

If you are looking to make a significant change to your kitchen that will increase the functionality of the space, an island may be the right decision.

The benefits of a kitchen island
Before you start a major renovation project, you need to weigh the advantages of the new addition to your kitchen against the cost required to install the fixture.

These benefits include:

• Extra surface area: If you love to cook, an island will give you extra space for chopping vegetables, stirring batter and prepping all of your favourite recipes. .
• More storage: The increased surface area is definitely a plus, but so is the space below the counter. The area beneath can be used for additional storage to help you organize your pots, pans and other necessities.
• Additional sink: If you want an extra sink, an island is the perfect location. At your local Wolseley Canada Kitchen and Bath Classics showroom, you can look through a variety of sink and faucet options from trusted brands to outfit your new addition.
• Increased entertaining: Do you love spending time with people? A kitchen island with barstools gives you another place where friends and family can gather to talk and create memories.
• Improved home value: Even if you do not plan on staying in your current home indefinitely, an island may still be a good investment. This kitchen feature can increase the value and appeal of your home if you decide to sell.

If you have the space, a kitchen island can offer a number of benefits to your room.

Considering your kitchen needs
Though the benefits of an island are numerous, it is not the right choice for every kitchen. Before you get started, you should think about your own kitchen needs and your existing parameters, including the amount of space you have to work with.

Before deciding to install a kitchen island, consider the following factors:

• Existing space: Though an island is useful, it is not worth installing if it will make your kitchen too crowded to move. Make sure you have plenty of space and choose an island that is an appropriate size.
• Kitchen habits: If you rarely use your kitchen, an island may not be worth the effort it will take to install.
• Storage needs: Need more room to store your small appliances and other kitchen necessities? An island might be the way to go. Depending on the size of your island, you should be able to install several drawers or cabinets to increase organization.
• Desired appliances: If you want a wine cooler or trash compactor, an island could provide an opportunity for these extras. Some even involve ovens or ranges, though the installation for these types is much more intensive.

Not sure if an island is the right choice for your kitchen? Visit a Kitchen and Bath Classics location today for some advice and suggestions on your home improvement project.