Island in the Kaitz Kitchen, featured in the Summer 2009 Kitchen Views Magazine article “Things Change”
Are kitchen islands always the most practical solution? It depends. Islands are on the wish list of a lot of customers we work with here at Kitchen Views. The big question we have to ask is “How much room do you have?” A prep island can be a great addition and even the smallest configuration can be made to increase your kitchen’s functionality. Added storage and work surface are always a good thing.
Islands can also be a great gathering spot. A place for the kids to do their homework while dinner is being prepped, or a place for guests to hang out. It’s even a great place to have a quiet cup of coffee and read the paper.
But, do you have enough room? Prep islands are typically 27″ deep, though smaller islands can work beautifully. Basic guidelines suggest that there needs to be about 36″ of space on all four sides for proper work area and traffic flow. In front of the refrigerator, you should have a little more room, especially for those moments when the only solution to life is standing in front of it with the door open trying to make up your mind.
If you plan to use the island for seating, keep in mind that you need an overhang of about 11″, making these islands typically 36″ deep – plus room to push the stools back – plus 36″ clearance for a walk way. Plan on 24″ of length for each person for comfortable elbow room.
Try to avoid placing the island in such a way that it cuts through your “work triangle”. Putting an island in between your sink and your refrigerator, for instance, will probably be more of a hindrance than a help, increasing the number of steps you need to get between work stations.
Two-Tiered Island in kitchen designed by Diane Hersey, featured in the Kitchen Views Magazine article “Sweet and Savory”
If you plan on having your cooking surface or sink in the island, avoid seating people there or think about two tiers, separating those sitting from the potential danger of the cooking surface or splashing from the sink. Also, two-tiered islands provide a visual barrier between your guests and the dirty dishes.
There are so many wonderful options for islands. With a little imagination and the help of one of our great Kitchen Views designers to guide you, the island of your dreams in the kitchen of your dreams can become a reality.
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
www.kitchenviews.com
Kitchen Views' Blog 
How useful are cabinets along the back of an island? I’m talking about FHD base cabinets or 30″h wall cabinets blocked up 4 1/2″ so they match the base cabinets on the “working” side of the island. How much of an overhang makes these more of a pain to get into than they’re worth?
Craig,
If you have room these can be a great addition, though you do have to be concerned about the doors being kicked by anyone sitting there. As far as access – even a standard 11″ over-hang shouldn’t be a problem. I would only store occasional items there as it is not as convenient as other kitchen storage.
Pam K.
nice article…