Should You Add an Island to Your Residential Kitchen?

Every successful kitchen remodel requires setting clear renovation goals. Having clear kitchen renovation goals will give your project direction, setting you up for success. If your end goal is to maximise the usable space in your kitchen, incorporating an island into the kitchen is an excellent idea. 

A kitchen island will get you more work surface and storage space, in addition to serving as a dining area. It can also provide extra room for you to squeeze in an appliance or compact work sink. But is an island the right choice for your kitchen?

Despite the many advantages it provides, a kitchen island isn't the correct choice for everyone. Consider the following factors to determine if it is a proper fit for you.

Is your kitchen big enough to accommodate an island?

Kitchen islands are typically large rectangular-shaped countertop units that are installed in the middle of the kitchen so they can be accessed from all sides. Each side of the island must provide a minimum amount of clearance to ensure easy access to the rest of the kitchen.

Only add an island to your kitchen if you have room for it. Otherwise, you may wind up cramming too many items into the space.

Will an island ensure a smooth workflow in your kitchen?

If your kitchen is large enough to fit an island into it, the next thing to think about is how the island will affect workflow in the kitchen. A traditional central island can disrupt the classic kitchen work triangle layout of the sink, cooktop and refrigerator as it may prevent smooth and efficient movement between the three work areas.

If adding a rectangular-shaped island to your kitchen is going to cause dysfunction, consider a unique shape that won't hurt your workflow. U-shaped and V-shaped islands can be clever choices, but they'll also increase your kitchen remodelling costs.

Can you afford a kitchen island?

Before installing an island in your kitchen, it helps to know the costs involved. Get competitive quotes from multiple kitchen renovators to see if the project falls within your budget. Only go for a kitchen island if you can afford it. Otherwise, consider more affordable alternatives to a kitchen island.

Ready to embark on your home's kitchen renovation? A kitchen renovation presents you with the opportunity to update the look of your kitchen and improve its functionality. Plus, renovating the kitchen can increase your home's attractiveness in the eyes of prospective buyers if you intend to sell the home in the future.