Should You Add a Kitchen Island?

The kitchen is the heart of the home and is often the place you spend a lot of time together as a family.

The kitchen is the heart of the home and is often the place you spend a lot of time together as a family.  Whether you are preparing meals in the kitchen, eating meals in the kitchen, doing homework in the kitchen, entertaining in the kitchen or anything else – the kitchen is a multi-purpose space that needs to be both beautiful and functional.  One feature that many homeowners find beneficial for their kitchen is an island.  An island can be added to the vast majority of kitchens because it is completely customizable, capable of being small or large, or any shape that works well for your home.  Some may wonder if adding an island to their kitchen is worth it and if the pros of adding an island outweigh the cons.

One of the first, and most obvious, benefits of adding a kitchen island is the added storage it provides.  No matter how large or small, an island will add cabinet storage space.  An island can be strategically designed with cabinets, drawers, pull out shelves and more to give you the kind of storage you need that is discreet but useful.  With the added storage you can organize serving pieces, store or display cookbooks, install a microwave, or hide appliances that would otherwise take up counter space. In addition to storage, a kitchen island adds counter space.  In a kitchen that is short on counter space, the addition of an island can make a big impact.  That counter space can be a great place to prepare meals, place items, add decor, entertain guests and more.  Another added use of the kitchen island is a workspace or place to eat a quick meal.  By adding barstools to your kitchen island you can eat in your kitchen or your kids can do their homework while you cook.  If you want to change the layout of your kitchen, or a remodeling, you could also have a small prep sink, full-sized sink, or cook top installed in your kitchen island.  With so many sizes, configurations, and options available, the possibilities are truly endless.  If you have a kitchen that has a large wide-open space, adding a large, luxurious island is a no-brainer.  It will complete the look of your kitchen, add value, and make your kitchen more functional.  If you have a smaller kitchen but still have enough space for a small or narrow island, consider if the added counter space and storage might be beneficial.  Even a small island will provide the same benefits of storage, counter space and functionality so installing a kitchen island may be the right solution for you.