Bigger isn’t always better. Learn how to size a kitchen island so it improves storage, circulation and everyday function instead of hurting it.
Kitchen islands are a statement feature of a home. Unfortunately, sometimes that statement is simply, “Look how enormous my kitchen island is.”
One trend I’ve noticed of late, particularly in new builds, is over-the-top islands that are sometimes almost the size of a literal body of land in the ocean. I recently stayed in a vacation rental that had an island so large I think it might have actually been bigger than the studio I lived in during college.
There’s no reason for an island to be that big, especially if it has empty or unneeded cabinets, blind cabinets you can’t even access because of the configuration or size, takes away valuable space for something else in the kitchen, makes it harder to move around, or puts the center of the countertop out of reach.
So, if you’re planning a kitchen remodel, are looking at buying a new build, or just wondering whether your current island is doing your kitchen any favors, here are some things to keep in mind about your next island.
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Is Your Kitchen Best Suited for an Island, Peninsula, or Neither?
I love kitchen islands. In fact, one of my favorite projects my wife and I have completed was a DIY kitchen island with custom end storage. However, not all kitchens are suited for one. That can be because of space constraints, layout, traffic flow, appliance placement, or something else. Sometimes a peninsula or no island at all is actually the best use of your space.
So, how do you know if your kitchen is best suited for an island, peninsula, or neither?
Start with how you actually use the kitchen. An island works best when there is enough room to comfortably move around all sides without interfering with cabinets, appliances, doorways, or the main path through the room. If adding one means squeezing through narrow walkways or constantly walking around an obstacle, it probably isn’t helping.
A peninsula can offer many of the same benefits, including extra counter space, seating, and storage, without requiring clearance on four sides. In smaller or narrower kitchens, that can make much better use of the available square footage.
And sometimes the answer is neither. Leaving the center of the kitchen open can give you more room to move, make cabinets and appliances easier to access, and keep a smaller kitchen from feeling crowded.
How to Figure Out What Sized Island Works In Your Kitchen
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