Design a Custom Kitchen Island with Style, Purpose and Functionality

BOWA Kitchen Renovation - Kitchen Island Design The kitchen is the heart of the home for many homeowners and, with careful planning and consideration, can be a valuable tool for keeping your home and family running smoothly. One of the most important parts of the kitchen design is the island. The kitchen island can provide a lot of functionality while adding style and purpose to the room.

The Purpose of the Kitchen Island

To design the perfect island, you must first ask yourself how you anticipate using the space, both now and in the future? This multi-purpose area may be used for any or all of the following…and more:

  • A place for family and friends to gather while you cook.
  • A food prep area or baking station.
  • Seating for quick meals and snacks.
  • Homework space for the kids so you can oversee their work while you read the mail.
  • Storage for small appliances, cookware or other items.
  • A place to display food when entertaining.

With a clear understanding of your needs and wants, your design team can set out to create the optimal solution. The design may call for varying counter heights, USB outlets, custom storage, special surfaces or extra lighting depending on your uses and priorities.

Consider Future Needs

Talking with your design team about future needs will help to ensure the island serves you well for years to come. Do you love to cook, but your children aren’t of school age yet? Perhaps your plan should still accommodate homework space, extra outlets for electronics and a comfortable seating height for future use.

Chock Full of Features

What types of features would enhance the island and add functionality to your kitchen? Do you often wish you had a second dishwasher after large meals? Install a drawer dishwasher. If you’re a family on the run, consider an under-counter fridge for grab-and-go foods or for planning meals a day in advance. Store most foods in the big refrigerator, but put everything you need for tomorrow within easy reach. A nice, deep sink may make it easier to wash very large pots or bakeware. Add features that will make your life easier.

Optional Seating

The beauty of a custom kitchen island is that it doesn’t have to meet anyone’s requirements but yours. Do you need additional seating or would it impede your creativity in the kitchen to have an audience? Seating at the island isn’t mandatory; it’s optional.

Style and Material Choices

Your custom kitchen island should complement the rest of the kitchen, but it doesn’t need to be an exact match. It’s quite popular to select contrasting countertop materials and cabinet colors as a means of creating visual interest. But be sure to select a surface that is suitable for your needs. For example, you wouldn’t select a softer wood, such as teak or birch, if you’re looking for a food prep surface. Or you wouldn’t select a textured concrete if you were planning on a homework station. An experienced kitchen designer can help to educate you on what’s available. The options are endless, so have fun with it!

Washington DC Kitchen Renovation and Kitchen Design

The Washington, DC area home to many beautiful homes, and we’re proud to say that we have had a hand in designing and remodeling many of them. Take a look at our galleries of past projects and let us know how we can help you transform your house into a home. If it’s time to start thinking about your kitchen renovation, give us a call at 703-734-9050 in our McLean office or 540-687-6771 in our Middleburg office. We’d welcome the opportunity to discuss your needs and how we may be of assistance.

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