Having a kitchen island brings a touch of modernity, beyond the utility it offers. But this kind of table also has some disadvantages.
Kitchen islands are among the first ideas that come to mind when planning a renovation or building from scratch. Although they are a handy resource for culinary tasks, they are also a permanent installation, limiting the possibilities of changing the layout later.
That doesn’t mean it’s a bad project, but before deciding on a kitchen island, it’s best to know what the pros and cons are. Find out here what a kitchen island is and why it may or may not be relevant to opt for this layout.
What are kitchen islands used for?
A kitchen island is a piece of furniture that acts as an organizer, counter and offers a large work surface. These pieces of furniture have become popular for their aesthetics and utility, giving the food preparation area a modern and practical look.
They attract attention in the room, as they give personality and space for several people to come together to share, while making a recipe. Kitchen islands are an essential part of spacious designs, the aim of which is to maximize the utility of the room and enhance the functional and interactive aspects in open plans.
When planning them, the focus is on how they will be used. For example, if you don’t plan to sit down, stools will be useless; if you want to use it as an exclusive space for preparing meals, you can expand the counter.
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The benefits of kitchen islands
In addition to being a meeting point with family or friends, the islets offer a new environment. Here are their other benefits:
- Adaptability: they adapt to any type of use and to any size. They can be square or elongated.
- Division of atmospheres: open concept kitchens are among the favorites, adding an island would favor the separation of environments.
- Comfort : several people can easily come together to prepare a recipe, and those who cook are not isolated.
- Space optimization: the drawers of an island contribute to the storage of kitchen utensils and ingredients. Similarly, some designs incorporate taps and recessed stoves. In the latter case, the islands are designed in such a way that it is possible to add an extractor hood.
- Update : modernity is one of the notable factors. It is possible to design islands of different sizes, with a variety of materials and in any color. The project adapts to the tastes of the user and the shape of the kitchen, and includes bespoke accessories as part of the customization.
- Fluidity: thanks to the drawers and shelves on the sides, organization and movement in space are facilitated.
The architects highlight the connection of 3 crucial areas in the kitchen: the refrigerator, the sink and the hob. The island must be located near its three spaces.
They recommend that the distance between these areas and the islet be between 1.20 and 3 meters, with no obstructions around the perimeter.
The disadvantages of kitchen islands
Besides its advantages, having an island in the kitchen also has some disadvantages. We list them below:
- Prix : They are not cheap. On the contrary, they involve a considerable investment, especially when planning fashionable designs with many features.
- Connections: in the case of islands that allow the incorporation of sinks, it is necessary to install water and drain outlets. And if there will be electrical appliances on it, you will need sockets.
- They are permanent: islands are not tables that you can move anywhere whenever you want. It is a permanent option. Although there are a few mobile models, they are not common. For this reason, you should think carefully before giving the green light to the works.
- They are not suitable for all kitchens: in small areas, special designs are possible. However, islands are recommended for large dimensions, so that adjacent spaces are not cramped. In any case, try to leave a free passage area.
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What mistakes to avoid when installing a kitchen island?
The worst mistake made in installing an island is not respecting the size of the room. If the area is large and you want to share it, you can plan an XXL island. But the concept changes if the kitchen/dining room is small.
It is worth consulting a team of interior design specialists and working from the measurements.
Another mistake associated with islands is not considering them as an ornamental piece. Yes, the functionality stands out, but the decorative scope of this resource also prevails, so take advantage of it to have a useful and beautiful kitchen.
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