Creating a Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands can be the perfect addition to any kitchen. A well designed kitchen island cabinet can add storage, counter and work space, and an often needed seating area to your kitchen.

A stove top is often incorporated in todays kitchen island design.

Cooking at a kitchen island stove allows the cook to look at something other than the wall, or to watch over children while cooking. As well, the island usually has more space around it for cooking ingredients and utensils. The area is also often better lit than side counter stove areas.

When the cooking is done, islands can also be super easy to clean, especially if they are equipped with granite or stainless steel surfaces.

Those who have incorporated kitchen islands in their home often wonder how they did without them.

Kitchen island designs can be as unique as you are. Here are a few ideas to help you create a kitchen center island that is as functional as it is beautiful:

• Add a prep sink to the island. It comes in handy when cleaning vegetables and fruit during meal preparation.
• If you have a large kitchen, you can purchase built-in refrigerated drawers that are perfect for keeping the fruit and vegetables you reach for all the time.
• We have already mentioned the stove top. Built in ovens can be installed in the island as well.
• The kitchen center island can be a great place to tuck away the microwave.
• Include bookshelves in little used corners to hold your cookbooks.
• If your corner spaces are not large enough for cookbooks, or you are not a cookbook person, use that space for spices or decorative pieces.
• Want to add a pop of fresh color to a neutral colored kitchen? Paint the island or purchase a beautiful ready made cart in a fresh red color.

Building an island is not as difficult as you might think. There are many sources for free kitchen island design plans. With the right tools and good kitchen island plans a do-it-yourselfer can build one in a day or two, often at a surprisingly low cost.

If your island is to be used for food preparation, seating and eating only, building it is fairly simple. Most designs are really just a cabinet or pedestal with legs. If you intend to place an oven, microwave or stovetop in the island cabinet however, you must ensure that your design incorporates the proper electrical and/or gas hookups.

Select the desired wood based on your kitchen decor. Cherry always looks beautiful but oak, treated pine or other woods work well too. Staining the base is simple with the new stain products that are available today. If you are going to paint the finished product you can even use a lesser quality wood or MDF (medium density fiberboard).

The hottest trend in kitchens today is an island in a different finish or color than the rest of the cupboards. If your cupboards are stained dark, try a cream colored island. Or go for color - a red, blue or soft green painted island in a light or white kitchen really pops. It is a great way to add color, glamour and style to your space.

There is a wide range of countertop materials available, from the popular granite and marble, to travertine, limestone, soapstone, quartz, laminate, concrete and solid surfaces, such as Corian. Stone countertops stand up to stains, last forever, and are easy to clean. Hardwood countertops, such as butcher block, are making a comeback and are an excellent choice.

If your floor space is limited, you may prefer a smaller island or kitchen cart . They can be quite functional and attractive. Kitchen carts can be purchased in a variety of finishes and colors to coordinate with your decor and are available with your choice of countertops.

The selection of ready made kitchen islands and kitchen carts will astound you. They make excellent storage units and work surfaces that can really add to the beauty of your kitchen decor.

Any way you do it, if you have room in your kitchen for an island - go for it. You will be glad you did.