Page 11 - Newsletter April_Neat

Designing a Kitchen Island

Content Curated from a Article Written by Lilly Cao for Arch daily , pictures from Pinterest
Islands are an essential part of any larger kitchen layout, increasing counter space, storage space, and
eating space as well as offering a visual focal point for the kitchen area. Serving a variety of functions,

they can be designed in a variety of different ways, with some incorporating stools or chairs, sinks,
drawers, or even dishwashers and microwaves. To determine which elements to include and how to
arrange them, designers must determine the main purpose or focus of the island. Will it primarily
serve as a breakfast bar, a space to entertain guests, an extension of the kitchen, or as something
else? And with this function in mind, how should it enhance the kitchen workflow vis-à-vis the rest of
the area? Below, we enumerate some of essential factors of kitchen island design. © Mike Schwartz Photography

@ Adrien Williams
Sizing
The size of the kitchen island is extremely important for both aesthetic and @ David Barbour
functional reasons. Thus, an island should have at least four feet of space
around it on each side, leaving enough room for appliances to open and for In contrast. If the kitchen is small enough that the island must be less than
people to walk comfortably through the area. two or three feet in length, it may better serve its users to leave the space
Finally, the height of the island is typically either 36 or 42 inches high, the open. Thus, an ideal kitchen island should be at least three feet wide, and
former being a comfortable counter height and the latter permitting a higher at least four feet long to accommodate either double cabinets or a bar
bar area for elevated seating. Islands that are 42 inches high often have two overhang. A kitchen large enough to accommodate an island should be at

levels or tiers to accommodate seating and counter space separately. least 13 feet long.