DO YOU DREAM OF OWNING A FANTASY ISLAND?
Three important things to consider when incorporating one into your kitchen
Most would agree that having additional workspace and storage in the kitchen is an asset. A centre island is often the perfect solution for obtaining all of that without renovating or re-renovating the entire kitchen. Here are three things to consider when incorporating a dream island into your existing kitchen.
1.
It’s about finding space
If you have a kitchen with a large footprint, you might have room to introduce a built-in island. To determine what your kitchen can accommodate, simply do the math: a built-in island requires at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides. Keep in mind that the standard height of an island’s countertop is also 36 inches.
2.
What purpose will your island serve?
Next, decide what you want your island to do for you. Are you a cooking aficionado? If so, make food storage and prep your top priorities. Consider including top chef features, like a stove top, oven, under-counter fridge or drawer-microwave. For the entertainer, a bar sink, undercounter wine fridge and liquor cabinets are convenient for serving
canapés and cocktails. You might also want seating at the island to show off your bartending skills. If so, you’ll need a 12-inch countertop overhang for guests to sit comfortably close to the counter. Keep in mind that plumbing, electrical and gas lines will need to be routed (usually from the basement) to the centre island.
3.
What look do you want?
Don’t try to match the cabinetry of your new island to the existing kitchen cabinetry — sometimes too much of the same thing cheapens the overall look. A better approach is to design an island that stands out as a separate piece of furniture. For instance, if your kitchen cabinetry has a natural wood finish, then consider painted or coloured cabinetry for the island (or vice versa.) If your existing countertops feature a subtle pattern, consider a bolder pattern (such as large marble veining) to create contrast and attract the eye. Keep in mind that the island will be a gathering spot for family and visitors, so make the finishes the most impressive.
THE DESTINATION ISLAND
Choose features for your island that will make your style of entertaining easy and turn your kitchen into the place to be at your next party.
Café comfort: If your fantasy island includes your own private café, consider adding under-counter heating. Stone and quartz-type counters are elegant but in our cold winters, they can be jarringly chilly. Under-counter heating makes counters more comfy to lean elbows and arms against.
Mixology style: This is where having everything close at hand is important; a built-in ice maker and an overhead wine glass rack are handy additions.
Buffet central: An electrical outlet at each end of the island will come in handy for heat lamps, drink blenders and coffee pots or electric carafes. Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback? You can contact Karl Lohnes on Facebook or Instagram at Karl Lohnes Designer or via email at klohnesdecor@sympatico.ca. Karl has worked as a home decor expert and product designer for 25 years. He appears Thursdays during the 8 a.m. hour on Global News Morning Montreal.