4 Reasons to Have a Kitchen Island

More kitchen countertop space equals more room to chop, stir, and assemble meals and serve dishes, too. This additional space is practical, often representing a brighter and more comfortable surface at which to work at or prepare meals.

2. Additional storage space.

If your kitchen is lacking storage areas, a kitchen island may solve your problem. If you dream of a kitchen island with storage, you can design one with cabinets or shelving underneath or above it. There are endless customizable storage options to consider as well—anything from a built-in wine rack or coffee mug holder to hanging utensil racks. Whether in the form of cupboards, pull out bins, wide pan drawers, or reduced width units, there is a range of kitchen island storage solutions to maximize on any kitchen island space.

3. Extra seating.

If space is limited, and there’s no room for both, islands can create an alternative seating area for dining. It’s also a great place for kids to do homework, watch their parents cook, and perhaps learn to cook themselves. Even if your kitchen is small, a counter extension into the adjacent room can act as an island. Whether your space can seat 2 or 6, it’s always a plus to be able to seat more people.

Many homeowners appreciate islands in an open plan kitchen and living room setting as they create a physical separation between the kitchen and dining/living room. This distinction is useful for firmly establishing the open space as two separate sites or zones; one for working or cooking, and the other for relaxing. This arrangement is sociable, yet acts as a barrier to keep anyone not cooking at a safe distance on the other side of the island.