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How to Design a Kitchen Island
Size, seating height, all those appliance and storage options ... here's how to clear up the kitchen island confusion
The kitchen is one of the most complicated spaces to design in a house — and figuring out how to design an island can be confusing for homeowners. Houzz's discussion boards are full of users asking for help on how to decide on a kitchen island size.
While there's no set formula for figuring out how to size an island, some measurement guidelines can help. Kitchen designers Thomas Ahmann and Steve Justrich offer good advice for planning your kitchen island, starting with asking yourself six basic questions.
While there's no set formula for figuring out how to size an island, some measurement guidelines can help. Kitchen designers Thomas Ahmann and Steve Justrich offer good advice for planning your kitchen island, starting with asking yourself six basic questions.
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| 1. What is the island's function? Before you start thinking about smart storage solutions and what range you want, decide what your island's main function is going to be. Most islands have a side devoted to cooking and a side devoted to eating, but what will your emphasis be? Prep work, cooking, cleaning, eating or entertaining? Or will you use it for everything, including homework and house projects? If you want appliances and sinks in your island, you'll need more space. If it will be used just for casual meals, seating should be your priority. "The discussion regarding a kitchen island is really just a small subset of issues which the overall kitchen design and surrounding space must resolve," says Ahmann. "In the overall scheme, what gets delegated to the island is part of the overall flow of working and living patterns. The island is part of a solution, and this is where most of the discussion should focus. Then the details will fall into place." |
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2. What appliances do you need in your kitchen island?
If you've decided you want to integrate appliances into your kitchen island, you need to plan for function as well as spacing. "If the main sink is in the island, you'll need a dishwasher and have to decide if the dishwasher is to the right or the left of your sink," says Justrich. If this is going to be your main prep area, you'll need trash, recycling and compost areas nearby, too.
How big is your kitchen? If you have a large kitchen and your refrigerator isn't near the island, you may want a smaller undercounter refrigerator nearby. If you're installing a cooktop, take the space needed for an exhaust vent or hood into account. Make a list of everything you want in your kitchen island, in order of priority. You may not be able to get everything in your island, but try to get at least your top five features.
If you've decided you want to integrate appliances into your kitchen island, you need to plan for function as well as spacing. "If the main sink is in the island, you'll need a dishwasher and have to decide if the dishwasher is to the right or the left of your sink," says Justrich. If this is going to be your main prep area, you'll need trash, recycling and compost areas nearby, too.
How big is your kitchen? If you have a large kitchen and your refrigerator isn't near the island, you may want a smaller undercounter refrigerator nearby. If you're installing a cooktop, take the space needed for an exhaust vent or hood into account. Make a list of everything you want in your kitchen island, in order of priority. You may not be able to get everything in your island, but try to get at least your top five features.
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| 3. How much storage do you need? A lot of this depends on your kitchen layout. If you have space for a lot of cabinetry in the kitchen, island storage may not be a priority. If this is to be your main prep area, the sink and other appliances may have to come first, but try to make room for prep utensils and cutting boards near the sink. "Typically, two 24-inch base cabinets back to back will accommodate most under-island functions," says Justrich. "But make sure that your island isn't too big, with extra space in the middle." Ahmann suggests making your island 3 feet wide, as that tends to look best — although sometimes a width of 2 feet is the best fit. The length can be as few as 4 feet, but he suggests planning for at least 7 feet if you need to accommodate a sink, a dishwasher and a cooktop. |
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| 4. How high should the counter be? First things first: Determine your seating height. If you want to have bar stools at your island, you'll need to decide if it's 36 or 42 inches high. A 42-inch-high bar stool and bar tend to have a bit more flexibility — the island can be designed in two levels, with the working side set lower for prep work and the dining side higher to accommodate bar stools. The step in between is a handy place for electrical outlets, too. A 36-inch-high bar provides for seating that's between a typical bar stool and a table seat. It doesn't allow for quite as much flexibility in design but can be a good choice for a defined eating area. Ahmann suggests leaving at least 12 inches of overhang for seating areas, but 15 to 18 inches tends to feel more comfortable. |
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| 5. How will it fit into your kitchen layout? Kitchens are anything but static — the busy nature of this space requires every part to be cohesively designed. Make sure that the working side of your island can function with the opposite kitchen counter. Will it make sense with the rest of your kitchen? Can it complete the work triangle of the sink, range and refrigerator? Or do you need another working area with a prep sink? The open floor area around the island also requires some calculation. Ahmann suggests about 3 feet of floor space on the ends of the island. The working sides of an island should have 42 inches of space as a minimum, but more than 5 feet usually isn't necessary. The entertaining and eating side of the island is usually determined by the adjacent space — a dining room or living room — if there is one. |
| 6. Do you need a designer? It depends. Islands are often the main gathering and work spot in the kitchen, so a lot of thought goes into them. "Anyone with a good sense of proportion and who takes care in planning for all the proposed uses can figure this out," says Ahmann. "But that's not everyone. A designer or architect can help in working this out, especially when related to more than just a working kitchen." Kitchen Workbook: How to Remodel Your Kitchen |
Ideabook updated on Dec. 4, 2012.
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I guess being a Sunday is pretty apt for my confessionals. Have a great day Bobbi - Graham
IMHO I think the most important question to be asked is: "How will an Island fit into your kitchen layout?" .... BUT ... am also going to add " How does it fit in with your lifestyle? Reason: I have observed far too many times in the homes that I have been in, Islands often end up as clutter catch-alls or a place to even plop your handbag, grocery bags etc. etc. which is not the most ideal location for food prep particularly for meats, poultry or vegetables. Can you say Salmonella? Think where that handbag has been! :) If the truth be known, your kitchen or dinining room table is probably more sanitary.
With that stated (and it is just my personal observation/opinion) my favourite choice of design is one with an upper 'n lower divided counter space. Though the raised counter height equipped with bar stools are seemingly the trend and I do love the look of them, my preference is still to have referred area 'dropped', namely due to a more versatile function. ie: Particularly in the case of young children, it makes for a better place to observe and participate in food preparation as/or it offers the option of either using standard height stools, chairs or benches for seating, can act as a desk or a work station that can be easily and aesthically equipped with a tower of drawers, can serve as a perfect table-height buffet station if or when in need, etc.
As far as placing appliances in an Island; if one has ever experienced a back problem or has a young Toddler, you may be quick to discover such a location of a micro-wave oven for instance, is not the place for it to be.
In summary, how one decides to 'divide and conquer' their Island IMHO is purely up to an individual's preference and needs.
PattiV - Regarding a sink on the island, I used to have one on a large island and found it convenient (since the range was on the counter, I just had to turn around to get to the sink) but not practical. When my kids were younger, they always sat in front of the sink area to eat, draw, etc. as I was prepping or washing. The problem is water being splashed on their food and paper.
With a new kitchen renovation at a different house, I am foregoing the sink on the island, making the island smaller, but adding a peninsula for seating, away from the sink. Islands look great, but if it's too big, it does turn into a place to collect things. If you have a large island, make sure it's not too deep where you can't easily reach the other side.
I am just guessing ..... whether or not you have a drop, once you determine how to create the Island you will probably require some type of undermount bracketS to secure at least one end or side of the table to the Island for support.
I have seen it done where the Island and Table is a continuous run in length of the same material and a waterfall end of it is applied to act as a support for the table itself. Hope this makes sense.
thanks.
Now we are stuck with 38" from hood side to pass through, 40x78" island which leaves us with less than 24" deep cabinets on both sides, another 38" pass through to the 2nd island with another 40x78" island to have storage and eat at, leaving it counter height to have more of an inviting space from the family room.
I have learned islands are def the worst part of designing a kitchen, I am still not thrilled with my 2 island design (and they are starting production of my cabinets soon), but we have been unable to come up with anything better.
Great article, lots of great tips, but I think it leaves out a few issues many of us run into and possible solutions.
I hope people are paying attention to this critical component when planning (#5), "The open floor area around the island also requires some calculation. Ahmann suggests about 3 feet of floor space on the ends of the island. The working sides of an island should have 42 inches of space as a minimum..."
If you have an appliance that opens, like a dishwasher, microwave drawer, oven or wine fridge, you need to account for how much space is needed during access to that appliance and when there are others in the kitchen. A 24" door fully opened with only 36" of floor clearance means you only have 12" of space to access or for others to pass by.
Lay out your floor plan with blue tape and walk around it before making a final decision. Better yet, put up two saw horses with plywood cut to the desired island size and see how it feels.
36" looks like a lot on paper, but it doesn't feel like a lot when you are standing in the finished renovation.
Also your designer should be showing you clearances that include the countertop overhang. Most edge detail is 1.5" overhang from the cabinet box. This means opposing 24" base cabinets that were only placed 36" apart during the rough layout will actually be 33" apart countertop edge to countertop edge.
It is all in the details...and planning.
The huge island (unfortunately all one level) also becomes the "dumping ground" due to its sheer size and location.
I disagree with the author that a dual height island is more flexible. With a single, counter-height surface you can use the entire surface for cooking or serving if you need to, as well as dining.
Here's and island idea for entertaining guests:
Urban Loft Living Kitchen by Dura Supreme Cabinetry
Here's a great idea for cooking:
Cottage Kitchen - Personal Touches
When we bought our current house ( we renovated a circa 1910 farmhouse with a more open modern feel) we installed 2 Jenn-Air down-draft 30" ranges in the island with maple butcher block prep areas on each side. Across from the island is a wall of IKEA Cabinets as pantry/storage ( we used the frosted glass and brushed aluminum fronts), and there's a small TV in the center to watch while we cook. The sink and dishwasher are on the wall opposite the ranges / island. Its been perfect for our use.
Eventually we'll expand our kitchen out 14 feet, which will give an even longer island and more counter space.
marcie
http://custm.co/hz/57
I love this custom stainless island with its built in appliance and shelving.
I didn't know they made base cabinets as narrow as 18" so I'll have to look into that. I'd rather sacrifice the cabinet space over the leg room. I just need something under there to support the gigantic soapstone :)
Melinda- the kitchen looks great! I am also opting for IKEA countertops! Only mine will just be along the wall and not on the island. Great job!
I think that an island has to work in the overall plan of the kitchen, and not just because the homeowner wants one. If you don't have the space for it, it just doesn't make sense. And I agree that it shouldn't be so large that you can't reach across it, or that you don't have enough space between the island and the adjoining cabinets.
Since islands are so popular and often become the main eating area, it is important to design the seating locations for conversation and eye or face to face contact. This makes for a much warmer and useable island.
The other important aspect of the island is choosing the height. I used 38 inches for my island. ( You can see our project on Houzz under Point Nexus Vancouver BC ) The reason is with a 42 high counter the island can feel too high for many people. A 36 inch height doesn't allow for people to comfortably stand around the island and lean up against it. There are a couple of other reasons as well , but I won't get into them here.
Islands will either make or break the functionality of your kitchen. Take the time to design this space with a lot of thought. And, if possible, avoid straight line islands.
I've yet to see a real island on this planet, sirrounded by water , actually straight.
cheers
Alvin
Adding a big or standard sink to your island can help dedicated needed space and counter space for dishes.
Is There Any Other Place You'd Rather Be?
“Destined to be a Classic” Kitchen by Dura Supreme Cabinetry
Is There Any Place You'd Rather Be?
If you choose an island with a prep sink, you may want to consider the space. Do you have enough counter space to dedicate to 2 sinks with work space on each side? Where will your full sized sink and dish zone be located in your kitchen compared to the prep space with prep sink? These kitchens are great examples; they have a large sink for dishes with dedicated counter space on both sides and a prep sink in the island with dedicated space for food prep.
Traditional Farmhouse
Lofty Kitchen Concept 1
Lofty Kitchen Concept 2
Bar heights are really more about personal preference and taking into consideration the usage and the persons using it.
There are many, although more contemporary, bar stools with adjustable heights. They use a hydraulic mechanism, similar to an office chair. They are sleek, not necessarily industrial.
Here's a link to a page with many choices: http://www.allmodern.com/Adjustable-Height-Stools-C1768241.html
Perhaps this will make your bar height decision a little easier, finding the chairs first to make sure you will be comfortable.
For the corner seating, here is one of our renderings for a plan that was 4'6" x 6' with seating on only two sides. As you can see to try and fit two more seats would be impossible in this layout and scale.
If you add the third side as you suggested a 48"x54"x48" may work, but keep in mind how you will support it. Also, think about cleaning the 48" deep top, leaning over to reach or having to clean from both sides.
In my current kitchen I have a professional restaurant range and stainless steel work tops on the serious prep areas, they are wonderful, easy to clean, hygienic, heat proof.
Thanks for the measurements of ideal space around the island and heights, really useful.
I want to put 4 people on one long end and I'm not sure how much space to account for.