Is Adding a Kitchen Island a Good Idea

A kitchen island is an excellent way to add space to an area of your home that gets a lot of daily use. Adding a kitchen island will not only increase your usable space. You can use your kitchen island as a place for additional seating, storage, and meal prep. Best of all, there are many ways to customize your kitchen island to meet your needs and style!  

Before you decide what size kitchen island you want, there are some other decisions you will need to make first. We have some suggestions that can help you determine what kind of kitchen island will work best for your family.

Budget Kitchen Island Renovation 

Before determining the size, shape, and location of your kitchen island you’ll need to establish a budget. Just like with any other home project a budget will help you define the scope of the project, identify the material and resources needed, and give you some idea of what the project will look like when it’s completed. 

In order to budget accordingly you’ll need to determine if adding an island is a standalone (yes, that was intentional) project or part of a bigger kitchen renovation? If it’s a separate project, then you’ll need to determine the best location, based on your existing kitchen layout. And depending on how you plan to use the island, you may want to have plumbing and electricity installed (more on that later). You’ll also need to figure out your kitchen island lighting needs and what kitchen island seating options, if any, you would like to include. All these things should be factored into your budget.

Adding an island as part of a larger kitchen renovation is a little easier because the cost (including plumbing and electricity) should be included in your overall kitchen renovation budget. And a complete kitchen overhaul means you don’t have to figure out how to fit an island into your existing kitchen layout. 

Don’t Forget to Set a Timeline 

In addition to a budget, establishing a realistic timeline is also important. Most kitchens are the center of attention in many households, so any downtime due to construction can disrupt the entire family routine.

Knowing how much your kitchen island will cost and when it will be complete are the keys to a successful, less stressful renovation. Remember – the more intricate your kitchen island design, the more expensive (and time-consuming) it could be. For example, if you are envisioning a kitchen island with a sink and don’t have an existing water line, there might be extensive plumbing work required. This could throw your budget and timeline off if you are not prepared.

Benefits of Kitchen Islands 

Whether you’re adding a kitchen island to your existing layout or as part of a large-scale renovation, an island can provide additional seating for dining, extra meal prep space, and much needed storage. So, whether you need more space to whip up delicious meals or simply need additional seating to serve your growing family, a kitchen island can serve many purposes and make your kitchen far more functional.   

Determine Your Main Goals 

When planning the design and layout of your island, determine your goals for this space by listing out your priorities. Remember, an island can serve as a focal point to do a lot of things, but the goal in building one shouldn’t be to make a place that can do it all. Instead, figure out what type of island layout and functionality will work best for your home, such as a kitchen island with stools or a small kitchen island for food prep, or a larger island with a sink, electrical outlets, lighting and mini wine cooler.

Analyze Your Space

There are many different kitchen island ideas and sizes. So, you can really customize your kitchen island as you see fit! Before you begin your build, you should analyze your space thoroughly. This will prevent you from building a kitchen island that is too big or too small for your needs. An island that is too big for your kitchen can overwhelm your space, making it difficult to maneuver. And while a small kitchen island is OK and quite popular, it may not provide the functional you’re looking for. Again, getting the size of your island right is critical to adding value to your existing space.  
 

Decide on Features

The features you decide on should support your overall goals, and work with your budget and timeline. For example, if you are looking to use your kitchen island to prepare food, the kitchen island lighting you choose should be bright. In addition, installing running water and a few electrical outlets can also prove to be very useful. Depending on the size of your island, the type and amount of seating is another option to consider. Bar stools that swivel can be a great addition and ideal for serving meals and/or snacks throughout the day.

When it comes to style and design, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can choose a kitchen island that matches your current kitchen perfectly or design one that is completely different from your current kitchen. And your kitchen island doesn’t have to be a rectangle. Depending on your existing kitchen layout, an oval or circular shaped island might work better for you. It really comes down to the space you have to work with and your personal design preference.

Feel Like You’re on an Island?

Although a kitchen island can add considerable space and functionality to your kitchen, deciding on the size, features and design can be a daunting task. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the options and choices, your local Mr. Handyman can help. We’re experts when it comes to helping homeowners improve their existing space. If you’re adding an island to your existing kitchen, we can offer suggestions and advice to help you decide on the best options. If you’re interested in a bigger kitchen renovation, we can help you get that done too! To get started give us a call, or schedule an appointment online.