Wagner Realty
April
24
24
Kitchen Island Ideas That Are Fun and Functional
A kitchen island can make the room so much more functional. It can be the spot where your kids sit and do homework while you make dinner, an excellent spot for storing your kitchen essentials, or the perfect place to prepare your favorite dishes. If you've been thinking of adding an island to your kitchen, it's important to design the island with both function and appearance in mind. Our real estate agents have some tips to share in that regard.
- Give The Counter a Waterfall Edge
A waterfall edge is when the countertop comes down at a 90-degree angle and stretches down one side of the island. This design helps encapsulate the island so it looks like one unified piece. It also puts your countertop right up against the floor in one area, so you get to see how those two materials coordinate with one another. - Mix Your Counter Materials
If your island is too large to be covered in one stone slab, consider using wood for part of the counter. This allows you to avoid having a seam down the stone counter. The wood also provides a nice surface for cutting and chopping. It's nice not to have to pull out a cutting board every time you want to slice a carrot. When the wood part of the counter starts to look worn, you can have it replaced. - Try a T-shaped Island
Do you think you'll use your island for multiple purposes at the same time? Maybe the kids will be sitting and eating while you're catching up on a few emails at your computer. Creating a T-shaped kitchen island with seating on one portion of the "T" helps segment the space a little better. - Use Eye-Catching Hardware
If you're on a budget, you might need to keep your kitchen island pretty simple in terms of counter and cabinet materials. Choosing eye-catching hardware is an easy way to add appeal without too much cost. Over-sized brass hardware can lend a bold appeal. Nickel hardware can look elegant and posh. You might even consider colored hardware for a modern, artsy vibe. - Include Drawers and Shelves
For the most versatile storage, include some drawers and some shelves in your kitchen island. This way, you can store more attractive items, like your holiday plates, on the open shelves. Items that are less attractive can be hidden away in drawers. You could even rotate items between the shelves and drawers throughout the year to keep up with the seasons. - Add a Curved Counter Edge
Kitchen islands typically have square corners, but they don't have to. Consider having a rounded edge put on your counter. This can give the island a softer look, and it also keeps you from accidentally bumping into sharp corners. A rounded edge is a great choice if you have young kids and don't want anyone bumping their heads. - Include a Bench
If you're going to use the island for seating, consider including a bench in your design. It could be permanently anchored to the floor next to the island. Upholster it in a colored material that coordinates with your kitchen, and you'll enjoy breakfast comfortably.
With the tips above, you can design a kitchen island that is both functional and enjoyable. If you're still looking for a home where you can use these ideas, contact us. We can help you find the best Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale.