KITCHEN CONUNDRUM
An island or a table?
Q My husband and I bought and moved into a 50-year-old house last year. Rather than immediately tackling a kitchen renovation, we decided to wait, live in the space for a bit and then take on the project. Because we’re knocking down a wall or two and opening up the main floor, we have room for either an eatin kitchen table or an island, but not both. My husband has a preference for one and I the other, so I’m writing to ask your opinion. Thank you. A The most important question to ask yourselves is what you and your husband require most from your kitchen renovation. I assume Rubbermaid bins under your kitchen table are not ideal, so storage is one question.
And if additional prep space is what you’re after, then you need to know the height of a table is not conducive to standing to chop onions. Conversely, it’s hard to host Thanksgiving dinner at a kitchen island. So first decide what you need most and proceed from there.
An island can tick a lot of boxes, especially if you’re planning a full renovation that involves plumbing and electrical. This is the time to consider whether you want (or if it’s possible to have) a dishwasher, sink or wine fridge in your island. Maybe you want your microwave or a steam drawer tucked down out of sight?
Though all of these upgrades sound great, I also realize they’re pricey additions to a kitchen renovation and may not be on your priority list.
My own kitchen island does not have plumbing and the only electrical is the fixture overhead. I love the storage my two large pot drawers provide, and having the garbage and recycling easily accessible but hidden. The island accommodates three stools; great for small social gatherings but I also have a dining room table right behind it that can accommodate eight.
Will your open-concept kitchen be your primary eating area or do you have a dining table elsewhere? If all eating and entertaining takes place in your kitchen then an island might not accommodate your needs, in which case I vote to use the available space for a table.
But what about using a workheight table that provides extra prep space while not sacrificing seating. If you have a piece like this custom made, you could incorporate small drawers in the table apron to store cutlery or table linens. This might be a solution that will please both you and your husband. And that’s my opinion.
Good luck.