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How to embrace both form and function in your kitchen island

The 'toolbox of the home,' today's kitchen needs to work well – and look great doing it!
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The first thing to consider about adding a kitchen island is your space – you'll need at least 36 inches between the island and surrounding cabinets, walls, and appliances.

Long gone are the days when we wanted our kitchen closed off from the rest of the home – the "working" area hidden from our more formal spaces.

Instead, today's kitchens are a gathering place – where we welcome guests to sit and mingle as we put the finishing touches on Sunday brunch or hear about the kids' school day as we prepare the family dinner.

New homes are typically built with this inviting layout in mind, with a beautiful, functional island at its heart; for those with more compartmentalized older homes, however, the solution often means removing all or part of a wall or two, or at very least, adding an island to the existing space.

This modern approach means the kitchen must both function well, and look great doing it, explains Terri-Jo Geddes, Millwork Specialist with MAC Reno-Design-Build, which has been building award-winning kitchens and other renovations for Greater Victoria homeowners for more than 40 years.

"I always think of the kitchen as the toolbox of the home. An island offers more than space within the toolbox – it lets us customize with pull-out drawers with inserts for cutlery, dishware and spices, deeper drawers for pots and pans, or narrower pull-out shelves for tall oil bottles, vinegars or other cooking essentials," Geddes says, pointing out the value of working with an experienced professional who understands the many products available – as well as potential pitfalls to avoid. 

"Every inch counts, and customizing the island lets us create a space that works for the way you use the kitchen."

Considering function

Islands are invaluable for families and those who like to entertain. A buffet is a breeze when you can place everything on the island so guests can easily serve themselves. They're also ideal for casual meals, and for children to pull up a stool for their homework or crafts while mom or dad prepares a snack.

The first thing to consider about adding a kitchen island is your space. Space planning requires at least 36 inches between the island and surrounding cabinets, walls, and appliances to let you pass easily between work areas. It also space for future removal/replacement of appliances.

Where possible, Geddes also recommends moving the cooktop to the island and having the sink on an outside wall. Since pots, pans and dishes typically pile up at the sink, this will help keep your island tidy – especially if it also features seating. 

The building code also requires at least one electrical plug on an island, but Geddes recommends two, including one on the back side for tasks like charging phones and computers.

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Islands are invaluable for families and those who like to entertain. Courtesy MAC Reno Design Built

Celebrating form

From an aesthetic perspective, an island offers some distinct possibilities, including contrasting colours and textures that can provide real visual interest.

While the clean lines and uncluttered aesthetic of modern design might best suit an island in the same colours and materials as the surrounding cabinetry, traditional and transitional spaces open the door to more creativity – think bold colours, contrasting stains or unique counter material.

When it comes to the countertop, consider how you'll use the surface. A wooden surface can be striking, for example, but however well-sealed, will be impractical if you're not diligent about using cutting boards. Bakers – or homemade pizza fans! – may enjoy a quartz, marble or solid-surface counter where they can knead bread and roll out dough.

To learn how MAC Ren Design Build can create an island space for your kitchen, visit macreno.com or call the office today at 778-720-6673. And stay up to date with the latest tips and trends on FacebookInstagram and Houzz.