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Enjoy the Luxe (Kitchen) Island Life
Kitchen islands perfectly marry form and function. Design the island of your dreams using these tips from Cambria
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It’s hardly news that kitchen islands are a practical and stylish way to enhance your kitchen; they’ve been popular since the 1980s. But the island is increasingly becoming the true heart of the home, a centerpiece in open-concept spaces and a hub for family activity.
The possibilities for kitchen islands are ever-changing. How can you be sure you’re maximizing space, storage and style? Keep reading for some tips from Cambria, a manufacturer of natural stone surfaces, for designing your dream island.
The possibilities for kitchen islands are ever-changing. How can you be sure you’re maximizing space, storage and style? Keep reading for some tips from Cambria, a manufacturer of natural stone surfaces, for designing your dream island.
Put Function First
Start by making a list of all the ways in which you might use your island. From having family dinners and game nights to entertaining, doing homework and prepping food, the opportunities are virtually endless. Beyond extra counter space, you can add a primary or secondary sink, or a cooktop that allows chefs access from both sides. No longer do you need to feel ostracized from your own dinner party when scrubbing or sautéing — with the right layout, you’ll be facing the fun.
Don’t forget about what lies beneath the island’s surface too. Dishwashers and wine fridges can be tucked away in cabinets, cookbooks can be stashed in open shelves, and cubbies can house microwaves and toasters. Integrate electrical and USB outlets so you can fire up your food processor or charge your phone.
Start by making a list of all the ways in which you might use your island. From having family dinners and game nights to entertaining, doing homework and prepping food, the opportunities are virtually endless. Beyond extra counter space, you can add a primary or secondary sink, or a cooktop that allows chefs access from both sides. No longer do you need to feel ostracized from your own dinner party when scrubbing or sautéing — with the right layout, you’ll be facing the fun.
Don’t forget about what lies beneath the island’s surface too. Dishwashers and wine fridges can be tucked away in cabinets, cookbooks can be stashed in open shelves, and cubbies can house microwaves and toasters. Integrate electrical and USB outlets so you can fire up your food processor or charge your phone.
Select Your Style
Once you’ve decided how your island will be used, think about its design and style. Do you want multilevel surfaces, specific shapes or edges, built-in seating, semiattached tables or double islands? Islands provide a smooth transition between dining and living spaces, so both fashion and function are important. Given that an island is on display from all angles, plenty of storage is key to preventing surfaces from appearing cluttered.
Is your kitchen classic or contemporary? Farmhouse or industrial? In the case of open-concept floor plans, you’ll want to integrate your island style with that of the adjacent living space. Waterfall counters have a sleek look that works for both modern and traditional kitchens. Consider adding color to the countertop, base or seating that complements colors in the neighboring room. And be sure there’s ample lighting above your island — this is a great place for a fun fixture that ties the area into the rest of your home.
Once you’ve decided how your island will be used, think about its design and style. Do you want multilevel surfaces, specific shapes or edges, built-in seating, semiattached tables or double islands? Islands provide a smooth transition between dining and living spaces, so both fashion and function are important. Given that an island is on display from all angles, plenty of storage is key to preventing surfaces from appearing cluttered.
Is your kitchen classic or contemporary? Farmhouse or industrial? In the case of open-concept floor plans, you’ll want to integrate your island style with that of the adjacent living space. Waterfall counters have a sleek look that works for both modern and traditional kitchens. Consider adding color to the countertop, base or seating that complements colors in the neighboring room. And be sure there’s ample lighting above your island — this is a great place for a fun fixture that ties the area into the rest of your home.
Mind Your Materials
It’s important to choose a beautiful and durable countertop to withstand all of the island’s activity. The number of material options can be overwhelming, but be sure to consider more than just appearance. Every surface material comes with its own complexities and maintenance needs.
Perhaps the most resilient and easy-to-maintain surface is quartz: It’s three times harder than granite, and it has the highest degree of stain, heat and scratch resistance available. Quartz is also nonporous, nonabsorbent and safe, and has zero emissions. Unlike granite and marble, there’s no need for sealing, polishing or reconditioning.
It’s important to choose a beautiful and durable countertop to withstand all of the island’s activity. The number of material options can be overwhelming, but be sure to consider more than just appearance. Every surface material comes with its own complexities and maintenance needs.
Perhaps the most resilient and easy-to-maintain surface is quartz: It’s three times harder than granite, and it has the highest degree of stain, heat and scratch resistance available. Quartz is also nonporous, nonabsorbent and safe, and has zero emissions. Unlike granite and marble, there’s no need for sealing, polishing or reconditioning.
Size Up Your Space
How do you calculate the best island size for your space? If you want to add appliances, think big. If your primary sink is in the island, you might place the dishwasher there too. If the island is going to be your main prep area, leave room for compost nearby. And if your cooktop resides on the island, you’ll need an exhaust vent or hood too.
Although the exact size will vary based on the kitchen size, 2 to 3 feet is typically the ideal width for a kitchen island. The length will vary depending on how many appliances you plan to incorporate, but in general, 4 to 7 feet is best. The island height also can vary depending on the preferred seating. Counter stools are usually around 24 inches high, while bar stools are typically about 30 inches high; ideally, countertops should be 10 inches higher. Your island can be designed with multiple levels for food prep, eating, working and entertaining.
A 10- to 15-inch overhang for seating areas leaves plenty of room for knees. You’ll want to allow at least 30 inches for each stool. There should be 3 feet of floor space at the ends of the island, more on the side with appliances. Be sure dishwasher or cabinet doors can be opened all the way and leave room for loading and unloading.
Your kitchen island can be a welcoming gathering spot for family and friends for years to come. Given the island’s central location, beautiful appearance and many uses, you’ll likely end up spending much of your time at or around it — making it the true heart of your home.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
How do you calculate the best island size for your space? If you want to add appliances, think big. If your primary sink is in the island, you might place the dishwasher there too. If the island is going to be your main prep area, leave room for compost nearby. And if your cooktop resides on the island, you’ll need an exhaust vent or hood too.
Although the exact size will vary based on the kitchen size, 2 to 3 feet is typically the ideal width for a kitchen island. The length will vary depending on how many appliances you plan to incorporate, but in general, 4 to 7 feet is best. The island height also can vary depending on the preferred seating. Counter stools are usually around 24 inches high, while bar stools are typically about 30 inches high; ideally, countertops should be 10 inches higher. Your island can be designed with multiple levels for food prep, eating, working and entertaining.
A 10- to 15-inch overhang for seating areas leaves plenty of room for knees. You’ll want to allow at least 30 inches for each stool. There should be 3 feet of floor space at the ends of the island, more on the side with appliances. Be sure dishwasher or cabinet doors can be opened all the way and leave room for loading and unloading.
Your kitchen island can be a welcoming gathering spot for family and friends for years to come. Given the island’s central location, beautiful appearance and many uses, you’ll likely end up spending much of your time at or around it — making it the true heart of your home.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Cambria is the first and only family-owned, American-made producer of quartz surfaces. Established in 2001,... Read More
Cambria is the first and only family-owned, American-made producer of quartz surfaces. Established in 2001,... Read More
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jillhenderson40 I just worked on that in dealing with my cottage project I'm building. The average between stools is actually 26-30" measured from the center of one stool to the center another to make sure there is plenty of room if they are all occupied. If a table is against a wall, you can leave 13-15" between the wall and the center of the chair or stool. There is plenty of wiggle room!
Yeah, I was confused too on what the measurements were and did a bit of research to get a clear picture. Makes a big difference measuring center to center because one can have all different sizes of stools and chairs. Hope this helps.
jillhenderson40, you're absolutely right; we corrected the copy to say "allow 30 inches for each stool." Thank you!
The industry standard is 26-30" between centers of each bar stool or chair regardless of size of the stool. This is the diagram I used in designing the seating for my island. My current island has larger space between chair centers since I didn't want 3 chairs at my island - just two works nicely for me.