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.