Raised island bar

16 years ago

My wife and I are having a hard time deciding if we want a raised bar countertop on our island? Our floor plan is very open and our living, dining, and kitchen is basically one large room. The front door opens into the living room and the kitchen is at the other end of the room. The island separates the the kitchen from the dining room. On one hand, we feel like a raised bar will help hide any messes made in the kitchen but on the other hand, we feel like it may restrict the view of the kitchen. Does anyone have any opinions? We can't make decisions on our own ha..

Featured Answer

shelly_k

16 years ago

I did one level on my island. I like the wide expanse of workspace that it gives... I can sit at the island and spread out the paper at breakfast or we can do a big baking project.

I don't think bi-level islands really hide alot of mess since it's only about 6 inches raised. My opinion, though!

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Comments (6)

rushmom3
16 years ago
We are going with the raised countertop on our pennisula. We have it in our current house and like it. I do feel like it hides anything you might have sitting on the counter, but we got it because it's nice for entertaining. people can stand up to it comfortably or sit on the stools. It was our personal preference for how we live. I like the look of both though. Not sure if I helped any.
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chisue
16 years ago
Our island is 8.5 feet long. The raised portion is 2 feet deep; counterspace is 26" deep. The elevated bar is an optical *stop*, defining the kitchen as separate from the rest of the room.

This may hinge on how much space you're talking about. Do you want the whole space to be 'Kitchen'? Do you want the eye to travel from entry door immediately to the far wall/kitchen? Will people just GO to that area, skipping your LR and DR?

Also, if you want to use the raised bar as family eating space, angle it. One long line of stools makes conversation difficult.
excited2build
16 years ago
Will your sink be on your island? We did a raised bar with a 42" cabinet on one side and then it drops down to a seating area and then a larger span for prep. It has a prep sink too. Our island hasn't gone in yet, but from the pics I think I'm going to love it.
pps7
16 years ago
We also have an open floor plan but decided to do a one level island. It think it's a matter of personal preference.
drjoann
16 years ago
bump