Consider The Kitchen Work Triangle
The positioning of a freestanding island in an open-plan kitchen layout often creates a galley-style layout, with units and appliances on one side and a longline island running centrally. Its a layout much-loved by chefs, as its compact, ergonomic and efficient, with everything within easy reach.
Try arranging the work triangle of hob, sink and fridge with two working areas on one side of the kitchen, and the third on the other, roughly centred between the two. Having the sink positioned centrally on the island helps keep the work triangle fairly compact and reduces too much back and forth, for a more efficient use of space.
What Kitchen Design Experts Say
I connected with several kitchen design companies to get their expert advice on this subject. When I talked to each company, I asked:
What are the pros and cons of putting a sink in the kitchen island? What are the main factors to consider?
Kitchens Baths & Beyond, a kitchen remodeling company in South Carolina, said, If youre deciding between putting a sink or a cooktop in the island, a sink is the preferred and more cost-effective option. Newer sinks are much deeper than older sinks, so you can fit more dirty dishes without them piling up and creating a mess in the middle of your kitchen. Also, most islands have a 12-inch overhang where you sit, so you wont be too close to the water or mess in the sink.
Lincoln Design Studio, a kitchen design firm in Chicago, Illinois, said, Putting the sink on the island is a good idea, but its most important to practice the kitchen holy trinity. That means you organize the kitchen so that the refrigerator, cooktop, and sink are in a quick and easy triangle and accessible to each other.
Dean Cabinetry, a company based in Connecticut, is not a fan of sinks on islands. They dont like that sinks attract clutter like dirty pots, pans, and dishes. When the sink is on the island, your guests will be looking at food scraps in the sink, which is not appealing.
Potentially The Most Dangerous Item Is Always The Dishwasher Door
If you have a dishwasher make sure to place the nearest edge of the dishwasher within 36 inches of the nearest. Image result for kitchen islands 6 feet long and 32 inches wide design countertops island bar remodel small with sin sink dishwasher prefab foot seating how don t make these kitchen island design mistakes. Double sink2nd island as they look warmer and dimensions for the first photos from the revolutionary kitchenaid fully integrated dishwasher with the before afters. Installing an island can enhance your kitchen in many ways, and with good planning, even smaller kitchens can benefit. As highlight kitchen island with sink and dishwasher.
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Place The Countertop Over The Cabinets
The next step is preparing the countertop. Before you place the countertop over the cabinets, you should perforate the countertop according to the sink size in one side of it.
After that, continue the process by placing the countertop over the cabinets. Make sure that the side for the sink of the countertop is overhang on the side of the island.
Then, stick it to the cabinets with industrial adhesive and also screw it to each corner to make sure it is strong enough.
Separate The Sink And Seating Area
While a freestanding island may make the perfect location for a kitchen sink, be careful not to overcrowd the island with too many other functions , especially if its on the small side.
Extras and appliances, like dishwashers, hobs and under-counter fridges, all take up space that could be used for seating, so consider what function is most valuable to you when youre at the planning stage.
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Large Kitchen Island Vs Small Kitchen Island
Another thing to consider is the spatial practicality of the kitchen island. By this, I mean you might not want too small an island that serves little to no purpose, nor might you want something so overly large that you cant reach from one side to the other without great effort. While not everyone will follow these guidelines for their own reasons, here are some dimensions for reference:
Large Kitchen Island
- Large kitchen island dimensions: 54-60 deep x 108+ long
- Recommended if you have a large space to fill
- Hard to reach the middle of islands larger than 54 deep
- Consider filling a large space with a double island to reduce costs and increase functionality
Small Kitchen Island
- Small kitchen island dimensions: 30-36 deep x 36-72 long
- Recommended if you have a small space to fill
- Allow for a minimum of a 36 isle between countertops
- Adding a small island to a kitchen increases functionality, but can have the opposite effect if you dont have enough space for it
Typical Kitchen Island
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Your Very Own Island Paradise
In a small space or an open-plan design, the perfect kitchen island will do wonders for any home chef. It offers a vast area of use and will act as your new multifunctional best friend. Prepping, cutting, cooking, storing, and even dining has never been easier.
We have a variety of options to make sure you can find whatever suits your needs. Maybe youre looking to add some extra workspace or storage? Or you want a nice unit for family and friends to gather around? No problem, theres something here for everyone.
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Standard Kitchen Island Dimensions
Kitchen islands are more popular than ever with the rise of open concept homes, and their dimensions vary from home to home. The minimum standard kitchen island dimensions are 24 with 36-42 of clearance on each side, but dimensions vary based on style and materials. Between length, width, height, and features lets take a look at the standard kitchen island dimensions.
Having an island is likely one of the most desirable features in a new kitchen. Unfortunately, installing an island isnt always possible and putting one in for the sake of it can actually make your kitchen much less functional. Though they are lovely and practical, kitchen islands simply dont fit into every space.
Before you decide that this feature is right for your kitchen, you must consider a number of standard kitchen island dimensions. For an island to work in your kitchen, you must not only consider the size of the island but also the space around it. Specifically, your built-in kitchen island must have a minimum size of four feet by two feet, with roughly 36 to 42 inches of clearance on all sides.
When it comes to kitchen island dimensions, there are some solid guidelines you must follow. Continue reading for help planning out your kitchen island.
Whats Important For A Big Kitchen Island Design
As weve discussed above, a large kitchen island design needs to take into account the slab size available for your chosen kitchen countertop. But if your kitchen is really large, its not only the countertop materials length that should be considered.
Almost any kitchen island will naturally be proportional to the space, as the size is typically dictated by three sides of base and wall cabinets which will determine the length of the center island, says Jay Kallos, senior vice president of architecture at Ashton Woods .
If you have a really wide space where this guidance isnt present, your guiding factors are what works aesthetically and ergonomically in the space. This might be an instance where two square islands in line work best by providing access at the midpoint of what would be an island big enough to park a car on without the break. For an extra deep kitchen, two parallel islands work really well, allowing one to be a working island and the other left to dining, studying or partying.
Be sure to think about practicalities as well. Your island shouldnt be so wide that you cant reach the center from both sides to clean, says Teri Simone, head of design for Nieu Cabinet Doors .
For length, its important to consider what the island is blocking access to. If the island is so big that you are walking a long way around to access elements of your working triangle, its too big.
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Types Of Kitchen Sinks For Every Kitchen Design
Looking to upgrade your kitchen sink?
Whether you’re adding the finishing touches to your kitchen remodel or have picked up a newfound love for cooking and need a more capable workspace, there are many reasons to update your sink.
We have compiled a list of 15 types of kitchen sinks ranging between style and material. Each type contains tips on best uses, pros and cons, and counter-fitting points. Once you’ve narrowed it down to the type of sink that will best fit your needs, check out our extensive selection of to find one that suits your kitchen.
How Big Should A Kitchen Island Be
Weve talked about the kitchen space, but what else is essential to know about the size of a kitchen island? Elyse Moody, kitchen design expert at Designer Appliances agrees that its proportions depend on the size of your kitchen, but she adds that also important is whether you intend to use your island for prep only or as a seating area.
As for kitchen island depth if its to be used as a seating area as well as for other purposes? For the depth, standard cabinets are 24 inches deep, so at a minimum, islands should be 42 to 48 inches deep. This allows for plenty of leg room and creates ample comfort while sitting at the island, says architect Jenn Smith
Theres another consideration thats often missed in thinking about kitchen island size. Many people dream of having a large kitchen island, but they fail to consider the maximum size that their countertop material comes in, explains architect Mona Ying Reeves, founder of Kickstart House .
Exceeding a standard size or length could add substantial cost to your island. Solid slabs often max out at 8 to 10 feet depending on the material, and butcher blocks are limited as well due to production and transportation constraints, she says.
Combing slabs can also create problems with seams. Depending on the pattern, it may be really obvious where the seam is located and sometimes its barely noticeable. It all depends on the countertop color and pattern, plus the skill of the installer, explains Jenn Smith.
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Leg Length From 4 To 9 Feet
With the kitchen triangle, no individual leg should be shorter than 4 feet and no individual leg should be more than 9 feet.
Limiting travel distance for kitchen activities is important. Moving from the kitchen to the prep area, for instance, is tiresome and inefficient if it’s too far. So, distance is minimized.
But distances should not be too short, either. Tight distances don’t provide enough room for working, for moving around, or for multiple users.
Balance is the main reason for the 4-to-9-foot leg restriction. If one leg is too long or short, the other two legs’ distances after affected. All legs should be roughly the same distance.
The Spruce / Caitlin Rogers
My Preferred Kitchen Island Is One Without A Sink
Like I said above, Ive now had both types of kitchen islands one with a sink and one without. Without a doubt, I much, much prefer my kitchen islands to be sink-free. It has nothing to do with aesthetics. Its all about function and when it comes to kitchens, function reigns supreme.
There are several reasons I prefer sink-free island. They are:
Its so useful to have one large, clear surface area in a kitchen: Regular counterspace gets cluttered and is broken up into sections due to appliances. The island is your chance to have one large, clear, clutter-free surface area in your kitchen. This clear space is so useful for food prep and entertaining.
Its the ideal smorgasbord location: We entertain regularly. 99% of the time we put out the dishes in the kitchen so people can help themselves. Last weekend was our first dinner party in our new house with a sink-free island. We had 11 people over. We put all the food on the island. It was perfect. People could access the food on both sides of the island. It was clutter-free. It looked fantastic.
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First Things First: Do You Have Enough Space
Squeezing an island into a kitchen that is too small to accommodate it, just because you want one, is likely to leave you disappointed.
With an island, your kitchen has to function when you have more than one person in it, Ms. Nicastro said, noting that there needs to be enough space between the island and the cabinets around the perimeter of the room to comfortably hold several people not to mention dishwasher and oven doors without blocking circulation. She always tries to leave at least 42 inches between the island and the lower cabinets against the wall.
If your kitchen is small, that might leave only enough space for a diminutive island, she said. In that case, its often better not to have an island, or to consider another option, like a peninsula. If its too small, it looks like a postage stamp, she said. To me, having a small island is like wearing pants that arent long enough.
Cramming In Too Many Seats At The Bar
For many people, the appeal of kitchen islands hinges on the ability to add a breakfast bar. This is a great way to add supplemental seating outside the dining room. One of the mistakes to avoid is packing the bar with seats.
The size of your bar stool will impact how many seats you can have. Be sure to allow each person at least 24 inches of space. Otherwise, people will be elbowing each other by accident when they eat. Also, if you plan to incorporate additional storage or open shelving instead of cabinets into your kitchen island, opt for fewer chairs.
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Kitchen Islands With Unbelievably Stunning Sinks
Its no secret that having a kitchen island comes with an array of benefitsa boost of storage, designated food prep space, extra room for built-in appliancesand adding a sink can make it even more amazing. Beyond their practicality, kitchen islands with sinks also offer an abundance of beauty and style.
Kitchen islands with sinks can completely change how your kitchen looks and feels. Its essential to not only figure out what kind of kitchen island and sink you want, but also how theyll blend with the rest of your space.
An island sink and its hardware can either fade into the background for a softer look or act as a statement piece for a bolder aesthetic. Luckily, theres a fit for every style of kitchen, from sleek wood islands with white farmhouse sinks to bold gray kitchen islands with sinks that add a dash of drama.
Whether youre considering adding a kitchen island with a sink or looking to upgrade the one you already have, weve rounded up a selection of gorgeous sinks for inspiration and tips. You might even find the island and sink combo of your dreams!
At The End Of The Day It Boils Down To Personal Preference
This is not one of those youll ruin your houses value or make some awful mistake decisions. Its actually pretty minor in the big scheme of things but if youre planning out your custom kitchen, this is a decision youll need to make. I thought since Ive had both kitchen islands I should weigh in.
My preference: no sink on the island.
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In My Experience The Most Valuable Space In A Kitchen Is Counter Space
Think about how you use your kitchen. Do you work on the counter or in the sink more often? Okay, if you dont have a dishwasher, you might put more time in at the sink but most kitchens have a dishwasher. I work on the counter and need counter space far more than Im at the sink. This means having more unobstructed counter space is more important than another sink.
Do Kitchen Islands Add Value
Kitchen islands usually add value to a home because they are considered a valuable kitchen asset. They can provide extra counter space, storage, and seating, which are all things that potential buyers look for in a kitchen. If you are planning on selling your home, then having a kitchen island can definitely help increase its value.
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Benefits Of The Kitchen Peninsula
- Continuous countertops: This type of cabinet typically connects with the main countertop. Quartz and solid surface countertop technicians employ seaming methods that erase the line between the two, effectively transforming them into a single surface.
- Better workflow: Continuous counters and cabinets tend to get more use than separate work centers.
- Easier to place utilities: Natural gas, electricity, water supply, and drainage lines are easier to connect, since one end abuts a wall or existing cabinets.
When You Dont Have A Window In The Kitchen
Quite often kitchens are positioned in the centre of our homes and that can mean that there arent any external windows on the walls being used for kitchen cabinets. Windows provide a natural break and an ideal location for a kitchen sink as it means there is nothing overhead in the way when your washing up, and theres a nice view to look out on while youre stood doing the dishes. However, when there is no window, having the sink in the kitchen island can still achieve those goals. Theres nothing overhead to get in the way, and you can look out into the room for a more social and pleasant washing up experience.
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