5 Ways Kitchen Islands Add Functionality

The kitchen island has become increasingly popular over the years, and with good reason. These islands can offer an array of possibilities, including additional countertop space, smart storage, extra seating, and much more.

1. Larger Food Prep Area

Even some of the larger kitchens may not offer the most efficient countertop area needed for prepping for large meals or multiple chefs in the kitchen, especially when they must store small appliances like a coffee maker or a microwave. Sizeably larger than the typical 30” countertop, a kitchen island can instantly add nearly double the usable space than a typical kitchen. It also allows two chefs to work in different areas in the kitchen without requiring them to cross paths and get in each other’s way.

2. Expansive & Efficient Storage

Even with a large pantry, the one thing kitchens run out of quickly is storage space. Kitchens require a lot of utensils and gadgets which can quickly take up all the cabinet space you have. Similar to the amount of added countertop space, a kitchen island offers expansive storage that can even be more easily accessible than tall cabinets or deep-corner cupboards. Whether you install cabinets, shelves, or a mix of both in your island, you suddenly have the ability to store your items next to the workstation you will use them in the most.

3. Additional Seating

Informal seating has taken the place of formal dining rooms. A kitchen island offers a place for the kiddos to get schoolwork help from you while you prep for a weeknight dinner and guests a place to hangout before dinner. Plus closer seating means you can easily serve food without having to carry everything to a table that is rooms away.

4. Space For Entertaining

The reason the open-concept kitchen became so popular was the ability to still be the life of the party while you prep for the next meal. However, many kitchen layouts don’t offer a place for guests to comfortably hang out so they end up in a distant dining room or living room, leaving the chef alone to miss the fun. However, a kitchen island allows guests to sit and sip on a glass of wine or test out some appetizers, or have the extra space to help you with some meal prep. The additional seating allows for a larger place.

5. Extra Appliances or Features

Kitchen islands offer the ability to add more appliances and features without taking away from your kitchen’s storage. Keep your wine nearby in a wine center, extra storage for chilled drinks with a beverage cooler, a second dishwasher for the big messes, an undercabinet microwave, or even a second sink for easier meal prep.