How to Choose the Right Kitchen Island Size
August 18, 2022The kitchen is often one of the busiest rooms in a home. When thinking about the kitchen design in your custom home, consider whether you want to have a kitchen island. And, if so, what size it should be and what amenities it should have. Here’s how to choose the right kitchen island size for your kitchen design:
1. Consider the Purpose of the Island
When thinking about a kitchen island for your kitchen design, you have to consider your kitchen design layout, and you should also consider the purpose of the island. Knowing specifically how you want to use it can help you determine the size, style, etc. of a kitchen island and make it the perfect addition to your kitchen design.
You’ll have a countertop, sink, stovetop, and more in your kitchen. Do you want more countertop space for extra prep space, a prep sink, or maybe a stovetop on the island? If you are just using the countertop to have canisters sit on, then you may not need one as large. There are many types of kitchen islands and configurations available to get you the counter space and features you need.
However, if you plan to have a stovetop on your kitchen island, then you need to have enough space to put the stovetop in addition to the pots and pans you will be cooking with and any extra prep space you would like to have.
There are many ways to use a kitchen island, but knowing how you plan to use it can help you consider what other elements you need to include. With these being taken into consideration, you can determine the right kitchen island size you need.
2. Think About Levels
One of the benefits of kitchen islands is that they are customizable and can be designed to suit your needs. Another tip for choosing the right kitchen island size, including height, is to think about levels. With this in mind, another consideration is whether you will have a level surface or a raised split-level counter.
Level or Raised Kitchen Island Counter?
If you decide that a kitchen island will work well in your custom home design, you need to figure out the type of island to have. Some people banish their kitchen table from the room and instead get two islands: one for preparing meals and the other for seating.
You may also place bar stools at the island to allow people to sit and eat while watching you prepare meals. Just make sure you account for elbow and knee room if you’re going to have island seating. There are two basic island counters to choose from – a level surface and a raised split-level surface.
Level Surface Counters
Level surface counters allow people to sit at the same level as the person who is cooking meals. Level countertop surfaces can have many benefits. Seating will be lower for those individuals such as children and elderly people who may have trouble climbing up into high bar stools. Also, level surfaces give you the largest amount of space to work with when preparing large meals.
Raised Island Counters
Raised island counters, or split-level islands, can separate the cooking space from the sitting space by having part of the counter raised. This prevents children’s fingers from reaching out to the cutting board as you are chopping up vegetables. A raised counter can also be a great option for setting out and serving food at meals with the family or for parties and gatherings.
Take into consideration the people who will be sitting at the raised counter because elderly people who have limited movement or young children may find it hard to sit at high bar stools. For some raised counter designs, the lower section of the counter is used for seating in lower chairs as you cook on the raised part of the counter that is at a comfortable standing height.
3. Plan the Proper Amount of Cabinet Space
Generally, another big item to consider for your custom kitchen is the number of cabinets you want to have. Normally, you would want to have the lower levels of your kitchen island for storage space. This is a classic way to add more storage to your kitchen design.
However, you need to make sure you keep an eye on how much space you want to have. The more cabinets you have, the larger your island has to be. At the same time, with the larger cabinets and more cabinet space, you have more places to store your pots and pans or even food items.
4. Think About the Location of the Island Inside the Kitchen
Another aspect that will impact the size of your kitchen island is where it is located inside your kitchen relative to the rest of the layout. For example, if you are placing an island in the middle of your kitchen, it can be bigger as long as it doesn’t encroach on prep and movement around the kitchen.
If you are placing the island a little bit off to the side of your kitchen, then you may have to go a little smaller so it doesn’t take over the area, limit movement, or negatively affect the surrounding areas. Regardless of location, you need to make sure there is plenty of space around the island as well, which can affect the right kitchen island size for you.
A kitchen island can add prep space and storage space to your kitchen. Including a kitchen island is one of the classic kitchen design and organization tips. Knowing how to choose the right kitchen island size and having a reputable custom home builder to help you design a home you love are a big help. If you’re ready to bring your dream home to life, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090!