Page 13 - Newsletter April_Neat

Appliances
Kitchen islands can have a varying number of appliances, including a sink, microwave,
dishwasher, or even a stove. For designers hoping to keep it simple, it may be best to
house only drawers and cabinets in the island alongside a breakfast bar or seating.. An
island sink should either be accompanied by an island dishwasher or placed in close

proximity to a dishwasher against the wall. If a stovetop is incorporated, it may be best
to do away with the breakfast bar, and a range hood must be installed as well. Finally,
adding outlets to the island could prove highly beneficial for cooks consulting recipes
or guests seated at the breakfast bar.

@ Sean Airhart
Workflow
As with any interior space, the designer is responsible for
considering flows of movement and areas of pause as well as
expected routines and appliance relationships. For example, a sink
© Ketsiree Wongwan
should be placed near a dishwasher, and drawers for bins near
Storage the sink. Likewise, it’s essential to have counter space near a sink
Storage considerations tie to considerations or a stove, but a breakfast bar generally should not bleed into a
of appliances and workflow, as the designer cooktop or the people seated will be directly exposed to the
must strike a delicate balance between fumes and the heat of the cooking. Moreover, a common rule
incorporating additional workspaces and called the ‘working triangle’ indicates that each workspace – i.e. a
maximizing storage in the kitchen island. If stovetop, sink, fridge, or oven – should be between four and nine
there are ample cabinets and drawers feet apart.. Finally, although designers may hope to include as
elsewhere in the kitchen, designers can much seating as possible, seats too close together may inhibit
prioritize adding appliances or expanding users from eating comfortably without bumping elbows or

the breakfast bar area. otherwise running into each other.
© Raphael Thibodeau