Kitchen Island Layout Design Considerations

Any good kitchen design plan should begin with an overall design of the kitchen island. This part of the room should have some form of accent or ornament to draw the eye toward it and focus it on the islands.

Each of the rooms should be well-defined. In each room, the centerpiece is the island; its shape should be important to the overall arrangement of the room.

There should be a work surface in each of the rooms to help with proper spacing and ease of use. It is the responsibility of the kitchen designer to decide what size and type of work surface would be best for the particular space. The kitchen design should reflect the working habits of the family.

A portable or modular island can fit into any space. A curved surface, such as a wood plank, will be better suited to a corner. A raised island can be used as an effective work surface in narrow spaces.

When choosing the materials for a new kitchen island, consider the type of table you want to use. A wood table, while less expensive, may be more difficult to clean and maintain than a laminate or metal table. Also, wood tends to warp over time.

Before construction begins, it is essential to choose a way to access your island, such as from the hallway, entrance or off the kitchen. The arrangement should not cause problems for others who may need to access the kitchen. It should be clear how and where anyone who must access the kitchen can go.

Additional furniture can be placed on the kitchen island. For instance, small dining table or an office chair can be located on the work surface if desired. If a larger surface cannot be used, items such as a settee or chaise can be placed on the table for additional seating.

To maximize the overall use of the table, make sure the table is large enough for all members of the family to sit at the table comfortably. Tables should be square, preferably six feet wide and deep, and at least four feet tall. The table should not have unnecessary material, like a heavy vase or a high-backed chair, since it will be in constant use.

The wall or floor area surrounding the table should be lined with a comfortable fabric or material. The border around the table should also be comfortable, allowing for four to six guests at the table to eat without having to get up. In addition, the tabletop should be able to handle the weight of all the group's plates.

At the end of the work surface, there should be a counter top area or island. While larger islands may be a necessity for storage or a large section of the kitchen, smaller islands can be used for various uses such as stools, work surfaces or even a sunny balcony. Placing the islands near the counter top allows them to blend in perfectly.

Small islands should not take up much room in the kitchen and they do not need to be large either. In fact, it is possible to have them stack on top of one another and use the free space for other things. This can be especially helpful when there are only two people at the table and the kitchen island layout is limited.

Any kitchen island layout that is constructed to look modern and appealing should be given a test run before construction begins. A visual evaluation will ensure that the layout is comfortable and that all of the elements of the layout are clear and legible.