Kitchen island addition dilemma

12 years ago

We're adding an island to our kitchen and we can't decide whether we should match the existing color scheme or try and do something different. Our initial thought was that the cabinets would be white with a slightly off-white Quartz top but now we're not sure. We feel the room already has enough brown tones but we're not sure what would be a good fit. We're already not matching the style of the cabinets (going with Caldoor Ridgeland inset) and we don't want the same stone top as the existing. Any suggestions are welcome.

Note that the temporary table in the middle was to get a feel for size. It is 30"w x 72" long where as the real island will be 36" wide and 120" long.

Featured Answer

User

12 years ago

I think it is a good opportunity to inject additional interest into the kitchen. Your cabinets are really nice but I think an island done in the same would be too much.

I cant really tell what your current countertops are but people mix those all the time as well.

Good luck!

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Comments (14)

leelee
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Your existing counters look light. If you do a white island go with a darker top for it. You don't need two light surfaces that don't quite match. Go black or a dark brown granite or quartz with your light island base.

Just like you wouldn't have white cabinets with an off-white island you don't want your counter surfaces to "almost but not quite" match.

Same with the movement in your surfaces. If you have specks in your counters now, then go for a granite with movement and swirls something like this.
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leelee
12 years ago
Be sure to leave 4 feet between the island and any of the counters especially ovens and dishwasher because you want to be able to get by even with doors open.
leelee
12 years ago
Consider turning the island so that it runs parallel to the stove. Are you going to have seating at the island?

Closer view of your counter surface, please.
leelee
12 years ago
102" seems too long for an island??
Alex
12 years ago
I'm adding info under a different user ID because I accidentally posted while logged in as someone else. Below is a picture of the stone that is currently being used.

The island portion with cabinets is only 6' long. Then there is an extended portion that is roughly 4' longer with room for 4 seats.

We have at least 3.5' of space from all adjacent counters.

Because the floors are somewhat dark and the cabinets are also dark we wanted to brighten up the room but we just can't envision white on white. We're wondering if a dark countertop would be too dark or if we went with a dark color could we do something other than a brown tone.

Any help would be appreciated.
leelee
12 years ago
Will the island jut out into the room beyond where the end of the table is now? How will that effect the look of the room adjacent to the kitchen area? Could you turn it to be parallel to the stove?
Alex
12 years ago
We can turn it parallel to the stove but it would only be 3' long on order to keep spacing to 3' min on all sides.

The kitchen naturally flows into the adjacent room with room for a table between them. We had a full size dining table (for 6) in that space but we're going to replace it with the island extension.
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Counter Dimensions
12 years ago
My first thought is the table needs to be turned 90 degrees. Is there enough room to do that and have seating on the far side from the range? I like to have a minimum of 42" walk space but prefer 45". Also, consider a wood top on the island. It would not have to be an exact match of the existing cabinets, but at least have that color running in it.
boundsgreener
12 years ago
I would choose a lighter tone from your countertops - a cream or taupe colour - for the island cabinets and a stainless steel top for the island. The stainless steel will tie into the oven, hood, handles, and your light fixture. It is a great work surface and also reflects light.

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Kimberlie Randlett-Hoffmann
12 years ago
what about same cabinets but with stainless inserts - raised panels in back of island with stainless inserts too. I'm assuming with the length your proposing you may have seating on three sides? perhaps add some raised level to break it up and why not use white quartz to brighten it up?
Ann
12 years ago
I prefer kitchens where the cabinets vary or the counters vary, but not both. I think it can get to look a bit like a checkerboard. Nice kitchen!
Ann
12 years ago
Can you take a closeup pic of the current counter and backsplash?
leelee
12 years ago
It's really hard to say without seeing more of your dining/kitchen areas but it might be a mistake to add a long permanent island like you've envisioned. Why do you want to limit yourself to seating for 4? Do you really need extra counter space?

Even if that suits your needs now you'll be altering your home in a way that would make it hard for anyone else to add a dining table in the future. Just consider all the angles. It's yours to do with as you please but I don't like to see people make expensive mistakes