Kitchen Islands have been around for as long as kitchens, and that is good news; it means people had islands long before they had big houses. Even better news? Kitchen Islands are a trend that can get a facelift when necessary without needing to be replaced.
How to go about getting started? A kitchen island can be as simple as a stainless steel table set up in the middle of the kitchen or as complex as a mini stand alone kitchen complete with a second sink, dishwasher and oven. We will look at some of the different options for different size spaces and budgets!
The pro-tip?
It does not have to be a kitchen island.
Sometimes you don't have the money to spend. Sometimes you don't have the space to spare. Sometimes, there is just no way you are getting an ISLAND up your stairs into your condo. You are not alone!
Solution? Islands as an extension of counter space. Double whammy? Yes, please! They serve as a dining nook, too! All the functionality of an island with a quarter of the space!
This island, for example, uses the same material as the cabinets but is mounted from inside for a clean, floating look. Too complicated? Use Corbels like these to keep it looking clean, and the installation, simple.
Clean, easy, cheap, and USEFUL.
Not quite enough? There's another option: still not an island, but closer!
Another section of cabinets installed in the open space of the kitchen. Marble (pricier), granite (medium) or wood (cheapest) cut to overlap in order to create a sweet little dining nook!
Want an actual island but don't have a lot of space or money? Get an adorable little island like this with a collapsible dining nook. Or upcycle dressers, consoles and cabinetry and add a top to it, you can find butcher block tops cut to size at Lowe's and Home Depot.
It doesn't take a big space to make it happen! Lastly, get creative. In the last photo above, that is just a marble island, without any added expense of cabinetry. Below, these creative folks added a counter to the back of their cabinets to create an island effect.
Lastly, unless you have a french country look, or a rustic farmhouse sort of feel, keep it simple. Clean lines go a long way in keeping an area feeling open, spacious, and well-designed.
Stay tuned for our guide to kitchen paints, hardware, and bar stools!