A kitchen island offers many benefits: an extra benchtop, more storage, a place where family and guests can sit, improved circulation. There are countless considerations that go into how an island looks and functions, but here are the top five features that allow you to maximise your kitchen island.
Double-sided storage
While you want to focus most of your attention to storage on the interior side of the island, don’t forget the back side. Add extra cabinets under the overhang on the back side to maximise storage. Cabinetry on the back side of the island is a great place to stash the holiday platters and pots when you don’t need them.
Outlets
You’ll want to consider the best spot for your outlet or outlets. Think about where you store your most-used gadgets so you can take them out of a cabinet and plug them in right on the countertop. You might also want to consider an outlet in a drawer for charging devices so they’re not left out on the countertop.
Trash and recycling
Your island is likely to become your main work surface, which makes it a good spot for a pullout trash-and-recycling centre. This placement allows you to wipe food scraps and crumbs right off the surface into a bin.
Secondary fridge
Placing a beverage fridge or fridge drawer in your island can be a great way to let people grab a drink or snack without disrupting the main work triangle in your kitchen. A good spot is at or near the island end that’s farthest away from the main action. If you love to entertain, the kitchen island can serve as a drink-making station while still leaving plenty of work surface on the other side of the island for the cook.
Prep sink
If you love to cook, a secondary sink allows two people to prep and cook comfortably. A prep sink allows you to rinse items right next to where you’re working, rather than rinsing items in the main sink and dripping water on the floor as you transfer them to the island. Position the prep sink off to one edge of the benchtop, preferably near the refrigerator so you can quickly transfer vegetables and other foods right to the basin to rinse.
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