Choosing a Kitchen Island; What you Need To Know
The kitchen is, without a doubt, the beating heart of the home. It is used for entertaining, cooking, midnight snacks and coffees with friends. Not only that, but it is generally the focal point of your home. Everyone comes together in the kitchen more often than in any other space. This is why it is essential to make sure that your kitchen is as practical as possible and one way to achieve this is by choosing to have a kitchen island installed.
A kitchen island can provide extra counter space and seating but before you rush out and buy the first one you see, there are a few things you need to consider. We have been professional kitchen fitters and installation experts at Raffles Trading for several years. We have seen every kind of kitchen island fitted for various uses during this time, so we know what to look for when choosing one. Keep reading our latest blog post to find out more.
Consider Traffic Flow
When it comes to having a kitchen island installed, you need to consider the space required and the traffic flow. Islands can be great for creating more workspace but if they are in the way of people walking past, they can become a nuisance. Make sure you have enough room to walk around the island comfortably and that it is not in the way of any doors or other appliances.
We would always recommend you make sure you have at least 36 to 48 inches of space around the sides of your kitchen island. This will allow free-flowing traffic to move around the island without any issues, precisely what you want in your kitchen.
Are You Using Your Island For Eating?
Have you considered whether or not you will be using your kitchen island for meals and entertaining? If you decide to use your island as a dining space, you will need to factor in at least 42 to 48 inches of space. This will give you and your guests enough room to sit comfortably and enjoy a meal together.
You also need to consider whether your guests will be able to get their legs underneath the island, as you don’t want them knocking their knees on the underside. If there isn’t enough space, you may need to reconsider your island size or look for a different style that better accommodates eating.
Not All Islands Are The Same!
You need to consider what you will be using the kitchen island for; as we have just mentioned, some people use them as informal dining spaces and others use them as baking stations. If you are using the island for dining, you need to make sure it is big enough, as you don’t want to be cramped whilst trying to eat. If you are only going to be using the island for storage or prepping food, you can get away with something a little smaller.
Depending on what you are going to use your brand new kitchen island for will help you decide what size, material, shape and style you want your island to be. An island used for cooking could benefit from cupboards, storage and bins, whereas an island used for eating needs to be open under the bench for legroom.
Your Island Will Be The Central Focal Point
No matter what your kitchen island will be used for, it is bound to be the central focal point in the room. This means you need to think about what material and style you want it to be in. If you have a modern styled kitchen, you might want to go for something sleek and stainless steel, or if you have a country kitchen, you might enjoy wood and more rustic vibes.
There are so many options for your island material; marble, granite, recycled glass, wood, etc. You need to think long and hard about which one will work for you and your kitchen; it will grab your eyes every time someone walks into your kitchen!
Are You Getting An Island For Extra Storage?
If you’re looking for extra storage in your kitchen, an island is a perfect solution. You can find islands with all sorts of features, from drawers to cupboards to shelves. This can be a great way to declutter your kitchen and have everything you need at your fingertips.
If your kitchen island comes with a low shelf, it can be utilised using products such as wicker baskets, fabric baskets and much more. Providing extra storage is one of the best reasons to buy a kitchen island, so if this is what you’re looking for, be sure to consider this feature. You can even use the storage space to create a simple island parlour for all of your dried foods.
You Can Have Your Island Designed To Include Electronics
If you want to include some extra features in your kitchen island, you can have it designed with outlets and even USB ports. This way, you can have all of your electronics at your fingertips without worrying about cords running everywhere. It’s an excellent feature for those who like to keep their kitchen clutter-free and tidy.
Having a range of electronic devices hidden within your island will easily access kitchen appliances without them being overly obvious. Kitchen islands with outlets and USB ports tend to be quite popular, so if this is something that interests you, it’s best to get in quick.
Contact Raffles Trading For Kitchen Islands Today
If you’re in the market for a brand new kitchen island and want something with added features, Raffles Trading is the perfect place. We offer a wide range of kitchen islands, all of which are installed by our professional kitchen fitters.
It’s always best to get in touch with our team to learn more about our kitchen islands. We can talk you through the available options and help you find the perfect one for your home. You can even check out our gallery right here to see some of the previous projects we have worked on.
Call us today on 01737 780 158 to discuss your needs, or visit our website.