Kitchen Islands - A Port In A Kitchen Storm

Kitchen island designs can be modest and affordable kitchen islands that add both function and style. Or detailed permanent island design fittings full of cabinetry and/or appliances.

A kitchen island is a work and storage area which stands alone on the floor, un-connected to a wall; whereas a peninsular juts out from a wall (like a piece of land into the sea). Both islands and peninsular designs for a kitchen help with the "working triangle" area. This is the three principal points: the stove, kitchen sink, and the refrigerator.

Whenever meals are prepared then it`s within this work triangle where all the movement takes place. Having this triangle to small can cause you to feel hemmed in. Too large is just inconvenient for having things to hand, and for household thru-traffic problems.

Most kitchens are either galley style (appliances and cabinetry standing on opposing walls); L-shape (everything on adjacent walls) or U-shape with three walls being utilized. A kitchen island can suit well in either an L-shape or U-shape kitchen. And a peninsula can effectively convert an L-shape kitchen into U-shape design. Or be used at angles to divert traffic away from the work triangle.

Islands Big Or Small

Permanent fitted peninsular and island kitchen designs can include the stove, sink or refrigerator as well as extensive cabinetry. And can provide a pleasant open boundary between the kitchen and next room too, or to divide off eating and cooking areas.

For more modest budgets than a complete kitchen overhaul - maybe because of wanting stylish granite countertops - many individual islands can be purchased, from 18" to 54" wide.

These islands are also known as carts or butlers, and sometimes feature sturdy castors. They do not contain appliances of course. But can offer storage cupboards, drawers, shelves and racks and more countertop space. Some are drop leaf too, with prices typically ranging from $150 - $600.