Small Kitchen Islands
Small kitchen islands have become widely popular since they have the advantage of both functionality and style. There are a variety of ways to strategically use these in order to maximize the capacity of the work triangle as well as saving space. Design tips are also available according to your specific style making it truly the heart of your kitchen.
Understanding Your Island
Choosing the right island for your small kitchen is determined by how you understand the needs of your area. If you are looking for something to improve overall design, choose an island made of the right material with the right color which will serve as the centerpiece of the entire room. If you are looking for a means to direct traffic to improve the work triangle, choose an island with the right length, width and shape which will effectively draw people to use an alternate route you have made. If you are looking for extra storage and working space, look for an island with more depth and height which can serve both as a countertop as well as a container for small appliances underneath.
You need to consider the right island shape which will make the room seem wider as well as provide good working space. Traditional shapes include rectangles and squares. If your kitchen area can afford it, try to experiment how ovals or circles may improve overall symmetry in the room. You also need to consider your budget since some islands may be more expensive to maintain given the conditions and dimensions of your kitchen. A decent model will cost anywhere from $300 to $600. Adding a sink or cooktop will increase overall price. If you have an existing island, it would be better to customize or remodel it instead to save more money.
Your small kitchen also needs to have an island in the right place to increase comfort and efficiency for all persons involved. Traditionally, the middle of the room is considered to be the most strategic location since it creates shape and organizes the work flow. There’s also accessible counter space regardless of people’s positions and directions. A perimeter island is ideal for an open floor plan wherein it can connect or divide spaces. It gets to create a working and public side of the kitchen. The general rule is to properly position the island wherein all individuals located at the public and practical side stay comfortable and have their own space.
Putting Things In
Once you have settled the structure, it is time to think about add-ons. Kitchen islands should at least have one oven which is included in the cooking center of the work triangle. You may place gas or electrical depending on your needs. An exhaust hood over it will help prevent smoke from accumulating in your small kitchen. Make sure you have enough light to work with and help direct traffic. Hanging lamps are ideal for small spaces. Next, check if the island is an ideal spot to install electric sockets and light switches.
Aside from useful countertops, islands are also known to be big space-savers because of their shelves and drawers. Evaluate how much space the opening mechanism of storage areas is consuming to avoid congesting the work triangle. Ideally, the length of open cabinet doors should not exceed the oven window length. Pick the right material for the island counter that will perfectly suit your kitchen activities like baking or chopping.