Are you tired of tripping over toasters and kettles to get to your dishes? Sick of keeping spices on top of the fridge and pots in the dishwasher? And are you constantly chasing family members and friends out of what seems to be the centre of your home? Yes? It sounds like you may be ready for a new kitchen layout. If you are looking for a way to revamp your kitchens designs and purposes, then a kitchen islands superior function, form and features may be for you!
Think function! Your kitchen islands function is the number one priority when looking for a new design; think lifestyle and purpose of this centerpiece. If you are a master chef who utilizes the space for dishes of flair and flavor, you will no doubt need different design components than a novice-cook, or bachelor who eats out more than at home. Your kitchen islands function may be able to be categorized as one of three; a cleaning and preparation centre, a cooking area or a meeting place. The requirements of the kitchens designs will change dependent on which function suits you the most. Who uses the kitchen the majority of the time? What happens at parties when the host prepares food? How often do you imagine sitting at your kitchen islands counter for meals and snacks? These are all questions that will help you answer the question of your new dream kitchens function!
Feel the form! Now you know what you'll be using your island for, the form can be considered. What size, shape, colour and materials will most enhance your dream kitchens look and functionality? If you are a busy family meeting up in your kitchen for quick, informal meals, you may choose to use part of your kitchen islands space as a counter. Barstools or chairs (depending on the height you have chosen) can make for a friendly, warm place for family activity. This area could also serve as an area where kids can do their homework within earshot of their busy parents. If you are a less enthusiastic cook, perhaps you are allergic to cleaning up? Then a raised edge on your kitchen islands counter may help to hide the evidence of your slovenly ways. This handy tip, combined with a material that blends into the rest of the kitchens decor and is easy to clean, will keep you happily denying your kitchen islands very existence! Also consider the distance from your kitchen islands surface to the rest of the main appliances in your kitchen. You don't want to be making laps of the house just to move from sink, to oven to island and back again…well not unless you are trying to incorporate fitness as a function of your new dream kitchens design that is!
Kitchen Layouts: It's All About Kitchens Islands Choose your features. You will now have the bare bones structure of your new kitchens designs. With the functions and purposes you have decided on, you will be able to pick out the features your island should have. For instance, if you are a mad-keen baker, you may incorporate a marble slab into your kitchen islands top so that you can make dough and knead bread directly on the surface. An antibacterial butcher's block may better suit the busy parent who finds themselves constantly chopping, slicing and carving in the kitchen. A wine connoisseur may consider making one end of their island a purpose built wine rack – thus ensuring a good drop is never far away when they need it most! Think about what appliances you might use at your kitchen islands surface, do you need lowering cupboards, swing-out doors? How many electrical outlets are required? What about a sink, will you need to change plumbing? These are the features that will determine your dream kitchens personality and will make it more you. If you put a bit of initial effort into considering your kitchen islands purpose then it should pay off with a centerpiece that is not only wonderful to look at but easy and convenient to use!