When it comes to creating a new kitchen, an island is a must-have for many homeowners, but how can you ensure yours is both beautiful and functional? Here, four kitchen design experts suggest 10 things to bear in mind to help you get this key element right.
1. Do Choose a Tough, Easy-Care Countertop Material
Kitchens are places of heavy traffic flow and productivity, so a good, durable natural or engineered stone for the countertop is crucial, says Katherine Wallis, interior designer and director at Wallis Design. You’ll also want it to be scratch-resistant and easy to clean — and the same goes for your cabinetry and floorboard materials.
Choosing good-quality fixtures such as sinks and faucets is always preferred as they get so much use and need to last, Wallis says.
2. Do Get the Proportions Right
Getting the proportions of your island correct lets you work efficiently in the space and ensures that traffic flow is maintained.
Some key measurements to follow:
You want a minimum of 39 inches circulation space around the island.
The overall height of the island should be between 36 and 37 inches.
The minimum island width would ideally be about 36 inches and the length would be about 47 inches.
The countertop should be between three-fourths-inch and about 3 inches thick.
If you want to include bar stools around the island, you’ll need 12 inches of under-countertop space.