Just as the kitchen is the center of the home, a kitchen island can be the centerpiece of a kitchen. It’s football season again and a kitchen island is also a perfect place for entertaining!
The kitchen island serves as a natural gathering place for guests and family and it allows the host to include them in the activities of the kitchen. This special focal point adds warmth to any get-together.
What makes a great kitchen island? Planning! Your local showroom is the best source for help creating a successful project that will serve you well, season after season!
Here are some hints to keep in mind:
From a practical standpoint a kitchen island provides both added working surface and extra storage. Ample drawers, shelves or cupboards are usually integrated in the island’s base cabinetry. The island can include a second sink for food preparation or become the primary cooking area, by incorporating a stovetop.
Structurally the kitchen island’s surface can conform to the dimension of the base cabinetry. Alternately, it can extend further to create seating space. A bonus of an island, beyond entertaining, is that it is useful for working on hobbies, homework or managing household business. When you extend your island beyond the base cabinets, be sure that legs or corbels adequately support the surface.
When planning for a kitchen island allow a minimum clearance of 36” – preferably 42” – between your island and any obstacle: including open dishwashers, refrigerators and doorways.
Options for the surface and the cabinetry for a kitchen island are where the fun starts!
The recent trend is to use the island area to add contrast and interest to your kitchen design. The base cabinets might be a different color from the rest of the kitchen to heighten the drama and importance of your island.
The countertop can be made in a compatible or contrasting color or, perhaps, from a second type of material. The selection of countertop materials include: natural granite, composite materials (like quartz) or man-made acrylic solid surfaces. Kitchen islands may also be topped with wooden butcher block, ceramic tile, slate, limestone, concrete or stainless steel.
A kitchen island is a great way to enhance your kitchen by adding both useful and decorative elements to the favorite room in the house!
A game-day buffet on a kitchen island is a great way to entertain and enjoy your kitchen!
The first step is to visit your local design showroom! 
Martha Fenner • Kitch-Encounters
2740 Capital Circle NE – Tallahassee FL – 850-386-6555
