6x9 kitchen island question

9 years ago

We are building our retirement home and my design currently has a 6x9 typical flat kitchen island with 3 or 4 bar stools on the outside edge.. I would like to hear from those who have a similar setup as I am wondering about any kitchen "mess" being visible to me and/or guests. All these lovely photos show not a pan or plate out of place, but, come on, on a daily basis we all have dirty utensils, etc. when cooking a meal. For the past twenty years, I have had a granite bar about six inches higher than my work surface so if there was a "mess" in my kitchen, it was not visible from my family room. I have debated adding this elevated edge again, but I see very very few of this design anymore. Your thoughts?

Featured Answer

calidesign

9 years ago

I like the flat surface, as it gives you more flexibility for use of your island. We use ours to eat from, or as a buffet serving area when we have guests. It also looks more updated than the multi level. If you are cooking, it's expected that you will have pans, etc. on your back countertops, so I wouldn't worry about it.

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Patricia Colwell Consulting
9 years ago
That island is too wide IMO cleaning it will require you to walk around it everytime you clean as for hiding your mess a 6” rise really hides nothing unless your guests are always sitting down , If you entertain a lot get 2 DWs and wash as you go I have a Bosch with a quick wash cycle and i just keep loading it while prepping and most of the stuff is done before dinner and then I load the pots and do them while we are eating.Make sure you have at least 48” between island and cabinets on side with stools and remember if there are stools no matter how high that little ledge would be it won’t hide anything from the people seated at the counter
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User
9 years ago
You will want yo check on how wide you can get your counter material. 5' is generally about the widest without seams.
Carol McWhirter
Original Author
9 years ago
My granite slab is about 9.5' x 6.4 so it will work after fabrication to be nearly correct size. Thanks! I don't think I can make it too much smaller because of the layout of the room. But I love the big size.
sandradclark
9 years ago
One level is more updated. Just make an effort to keep misc. things off of it. I have the same problem. Leave at least 15" for an overhang where the stools will be or tall ones such as me will be hitting our knees.
jazzlvr
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
We too are specifying a large island..(6' deep x 12') We do a lot of canning, etc and want that space. One side will have seating w/an 18" overhand for those with long legs... Yes, walking around to wipe down everything will be something that will be necessary, but that's what we trade out for the space we need... Is your home complete Carol? Would LOVE to see photos of your kitchen!
Carol McWhirter
Original Author
9 years ago
No, it is in framing stage so it will be summer! We will also have seating on one side and I am going to put drawers on the sink side and doors up under the seating for seldom used items. I love to cook and this island will be my main work surface. We have decided to cut our 9' length down to 8'4" to allow some additional walk space on each end.