Are you thinking about an island? No, not a tropical island in the Caribbean. We’re talking about a kitchen island and if it’s the best decision for your home.
The kitchen is used for more than cooking meals. It’s a central point in most homes. Because of this, over the years, kitchens have evolved. They’ve gotten bigger, more open, and more complex. Kitchen islands are a fairly new component that many homeowners have been opting for. But is a kitchen island right for your home?
Check out our pros and cons review of kitchen islands. It might inspire you to get one installed tomorrow or hold off a little while longer.
Kitchen Islands: The Pros
Increase Storage
The top reason people add a kitchen island is to get more storage space. It offers extra drawers and cupboards for you to stow away pots, pans, and kitchen supplies.
Add More Prep Space
A kitchen island means more counter space! It’s great for cutting veggies, packing lunches, and eating at. For entertaining, kitchen islands provide additional room for a cocktail station or setting out hors d’oeuvres.
Visually Appealing
In an open concept kitchen, the room can look a bit off if there is too much empty space. Adding a kitchen island breaks up the room without closing it off. It looks gorgeous and provides extra functionality, too.
Hold Extra Amenities
Here’s a classic kitchen problem: you want more appliances but don’t know where to put them. A kitchen island is a perfect place to install that extra sink, store your new food processor, or add a small stove.
Another Place to Gather
Regardless of how you design your island, it’s going to be the gathering point in your kitchen. You may use it for eating breakfast or your kids can do their homework at it. Whichever the case, a kitchen island is a great place to gather, chat, and make new memories.
Kitchen Islands: The Cons
Disrupts Your Flow
A well-designed kitchen should incorporate the fridge, sink, and stove in a triangle. This makes for easy prep, cooking, and cleanup. Adding a kitchen island into the mix can throw off your feng shui and put obstacles in the way of your cooking.
Another Area to Clean
If you struggle with clutter and dirt piling up in your kitchen, then adding more counter space might not be the best idea. While a kitchen island may provide extra storage, it’s likely to become another part of your home that you need to scrub and keep clean, which could be more trouble than what it’s worth. Plus, it’s likely to become cluttered with magazines, mail, and newspapers.
Guests Get in the Way
If you’re cooking and everyone is crowding around your island, you might get a little frustrated. After all, you’ve probably heard the saying “too many cooks in the kitchen”. While an island is a great place to gather, keeping your guests and family away from your stove will help you get your cooking done without bumping into others.
At the end of the day, adding a kitchen island is entirely up to you. If you think it’s the best addition for your kitchen, then go for it! Chances are you won’t regret it.
