Many homeowners have one item that is high on their wish list when planning a kitchen remodel: an island. Fortunately, even most small kitchens can accommodate a modest island, especially if they have a U or L-shaped layout. A larger kitchen allows for more choices when designing an island.
However, without sufficient clearance, an island can make even a large kitchen feel cramped, crowded, and inefficient. An especially large island might even act as a barrier, interrupting the flow and making the kitchen feel much less user-friendly.
When deciding on an island, it’s important to make sure that everything can still function as it should. After all, you don’t want to find out too late that you can’t stand at the stove while someone else is trying to do dishes! Even worse would be tripping over that dishwasher door while carrying a hot pan or sharp knife. Adding a poorly designed island to a kitchen is not only frustrating but also dangerous.
All of the cabinet doors, drawers, and appliances need to open without interfering with each other. An ideal layout gives you safe, easy access to all of your cupboards, drawers, appliances, and work surfaces. You might want to consider trash and recycling, too, if the island is intended as the main prep area.
So, how much space does an island need?
- Allow at least 3 feet on all sides of the island. Allowing another 6 – 12 inches on a working side is optimum.
- For the sake of convenience, the distance between the island and other work surfaces shouldn’t be more than about 4 feet. Any farther, and you’ll have to take a step after you turn around, which makes in less convenient.
- Two fully extended, opposing drawers should still leave walking room between them. A minimum of 30″ is recommended.
When designing your island, you’ll also need to decide its primary use:
- additional prep space
- the main work area
- part of the work triangle
- a place to eat
- an entertainment space
- a combination of uses
If you plan on using it mostly for casual meals, allow plenty of room for seating. The minimum recommended overhang is 12″, although 15″ or so feels more comfortable; leave a minimum of 24″ of width for each diner. A height of 42″ on the seating side allows for regular height bar stools and clearly delineates the eating area from the lower working side. Another option is for a seating area that is simply a continuation of the workspace. This allows the entire island to serve as a workspace when needed.
If the island will include appliances or a sink, you’ll need more space to accommodate them; experts recommend at least 4 – 8 feet, depending on their number and size. A cooktop will require an exhaust hood; make sure you have space for one. Just remember to keep the scale of the island in proportion to that of the kitchen.
If you’re ready to add an island to your kitchen, contact us. We’ll help you design the functional island of your dreams.
