Kitchen islands are free-standing cabinets that add to the look of the kitchen, but along with the great look, they also add immense utility to the kitchen space. The kitchen island also gives space for the family to interact with each other and have food in a fun way. The modern kitchen’s contemporary design is incomplete without a kitchen island, so adding some sleek style can make your kitchen one of a kind. In this blog, we are going to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a kitchen island in your home.
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Advantages of Kitchen Islands
- Maximum storage without clutter
Storage is always a major issue in the kitchen, and there is never enough storage. We try to make as much space as possible, but clutter still gets in the way. By adding a beautiful island space into the kitchen, you just get yourself an extra space that is well-secluded and arranged in the most convenient way. A kitchen island can accommodate all the cabinets, drawers, and other customised solutions that help provide the best storage solution. Everything will be in order and structured, and you will have no more time to stress over the mess.
- Extra seating
If you are someone who regularly has people come over and has a large group of family around, you always benefit from the extra seating. This seating brings your family close together and also helps reduce the intrusion of people into the kitchen space. Adding some bar stools close to the kitchen island can give it an uplifting feel and a better outlook for the overall kitchen theme. It can also easily be a space where you can watch over your children while they are doing their homework while equally giving time to what’s cooking on the stove.
- A place for extra amenities
If you want your kitchen island to be limited to a countertop and storage space, there’s nothing wrong with that. But the available space can be used to make a fantastic workstation for all your kitchen needs, which is a great way to make kitchen time a fun time. It also works if you are someone who likes things to be designated to a certain space and you feel ecstatic seeing that. By creating a workstation with everything arranged well, it can be an extra spot for some good family cooking too. Electric appliances can also be kept around by adding outlets throughout the kitchen island, especially from inside the drawers. A wine fridge can also be added to the cabinet drawers of the kitchen island to make it as sophisticated as possible.
- Mobile kitchen island – a new take
Kitchen islands are always traditionally seen as the in-built ones, and now there’s a utility take on the same. Mobile kitchen islands are the new trend, where you can have that extra space if you want it by easily lifting the kitchen island and placing it on the side. This is ideal for people who sometimes need extra counter space and sometimes prefer that extra floor space. A small kitchen that requires the benefit of both can adapt to this solution in the best way.
- Adding in that theme
Kitchens are one of the toughest spaces in a home that can help blend in with the theme of the rest of the home projects. The basic reason for this is that kitchens are mostly considered from a utility perspective rather than a theme perspective. But, a kitchen island can help you with just that, as it can be that focal point in your kitchen that helps you blend with the rest of the theme of the house. There are many bold designs that you can try out either with the countertop or by accessorising the kitchen island with decorative elements like a vase of fresh flowers, potted plants, miniature kitchen representations, etc.
- Customised to customer needs
Different people have different needs when it comes to kitchen islands. The homeowner can be interested in baking, canning jam, hosting a multi-course brunch, etc. According to this need, the kitchen island can be designed accordingly. If grilling is what you like and is what makes the major food palette, then you can make a kitchen island suited for that particular need by putting in an extra grill top. Lemon Interiors can help with designing a kitchen island that aligns with your tastes.
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Disadvantages of Kitchen Islands
- Not an ideal option for cabling and ventilation
The kitchen island may not be appropriate for wires and venting. Lemon interiors can help adjust and design the kitchen island in such a way that it can accommodate cooktop designs and keep the hybrid electric gadgets in the most ideal position. There might be some limitations on which appliances can be accommodated.
- The workflow can be disrupted
The optimal kitchen layout should have all the accessories and necessities arranged in such a way that they don’t interrupt the workflow or the movement of the people who are working in the kitchen. Therefore, the kitchen island, refrigerator, and sink should be arranged in such a way that they don’t disrupt the cooking routine.
- Space Constraints
Before planning the addition of the kitchen island, the first step is to analyse whether your kitchen has the space to accommodate this. The ideal way to make a decision is to show your interior designer the space, and they will be able to give you the right guidance when it comes to analysing the structure of the kitchen.
- Not for all kitchens
Kitchen islands are not for all kitchen designs. The kitchen islands are for one-wall kitchens and open kitchens. This is because the islands can take up a lot of space, and if they are placed in a closed kitchen, they can actually cause disruptions in the flow of people inside the kitchen. And for kitchens that have a low budget, it is not an ideal option to have an island as it can be quite expensive.
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Winding Up!
There are numerous advantages and disadvantages of having kitchen islands. They provide extra storage space, extra seating, and a place for extra amenities, among other things. Kitchen islands can also be customized to meet the individual needs of homeowners. However, there are also some disadvantages to having a kitchen island, such as space constraints, workflow disruptions, and limitations when it comes to cabling and ventilation. It’s important to consider these factors before deciding whether or not to install a kitchen island.
With the help of expert interior designers, like those at Lemon Interiors, homeowners can create the perfect kitchen island that complements their home’s style and meets their functional needs.
We, at Lemon Interiors, have been designing kitchens for a long time, and the expert interior designers can help with the most creative designs that can suit your kitchen space. We understand the space and budget constraints and get you the most unique and standout designs. Kitchen islands are good additions to adopt in contemporary open kitchens and we provide you with the right design that matches your preferences.
