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You'd be surprised by just how versatile kitchen islands really are. Find out about repurposing kitchen islands with help from an interior and life designer in this free video clip.
Extending a kitchen island by installing a ledge provides you with more surface space for cooking or storage. As with the original island countertop, a ledge extension requires a strong support to prevent its collapsing beneath the weight of the objects you place onto the surface. Unlike the original surface, you don’t need a cabinet beneath the ledge surface. Instead, the ledge is supported by a series of brackets underneath.
Kitchen islands provide extra counter and storage space to many residential homes. Kitchen islands typically consist of cabinets on one side with a countertop that overhangs on the side opposite of where chairs are placed. Islands are freestanding structures that occupy the center portion of the kitchen, usually between two lines of cabinets. The process of framing a kitchen island counter requires significant carpentry skills and a few basic tools.
It is not uncommon for homeowners to spend a small fortune remodeling their kitchen, but there are many simple ways you can transform your kitchen for less. Creating your own rustic kitchen island, for example, is a way to give your kitchen a new look without spending thousands of dollars. You do not need to be a master carpenter to complete this project. In fact, you can repurpose an old desk to form the base of your island and distress and paint the wood to give it a rustic appearance.
Laminate has many applications and is often used in kitchens because it is affordable and durable. Aristokraft uses laminate in many of its kitchen surfaces, including islands, for these reasons. If you want to give your laminate a fresh look, you may opt to paint it rather than replace it. This costs a fraction of what a replacement would and you can do it with minimal supplies. However, a painted laminate surface is not as durable as other surfaces and will only last two to five years before the paint starts to wear off.
Installing a stove into a kitchen island is not much different than installing one along a wall. Once you have a plumber or electrician provide the hookups required for a gas or an electric stove, you are ready to install the stove into your kitchen island. Installing the stove takes only a few hours, which means you can cook on your new stove the same night.
A kitchen vent hood can help remove odors, smoke and grease from a kitchen by directing the air from the kitchen to the exterior of the home through a vent pipe. Although vent hoods are typically mounted on exterior walls, you may need a hood for a kitchen island with a stove top or oven. Installing a vent hood over an island is a more extensive project than installing a vent on an exterior wall; however, you can complete this project with only basic carpentry tools.
Island cooktops have become a common feature in today’s homes. These cooktops make family meals and entertaining a group activity in which food preparation becomes part of the fun. Installation of island cooktops and other fixtures can present challenges, however. To vent island cooktops may require expensive overhead hoods or downdraft venting that runs under the house.
Planning an island with a slide-in range takes some extended thinking, as you will need to account for electrical or gas hookups and for a ventilation system. The electrical system can be run underneath the floor to come up inside an open cabinet where the electrical outlet can be installed. An overhead vent may prove to be tricky when you consider running the exhaust vents through the ceiling to the outside. Get quotes on how much it costs, based on your current kitchen layout, or use a range with a downdraft system installed.
A kitchen island provides counter top space and storage, making it easier to cook and dine in your kitchen. A portable kitchen island, which you may slide to different locations within the kitchen, allows you to reorder the room based on your needs. If designed improperly, however, a portable island can have problems with its counter top overhangs that cause it to tip.
“Easy” and “large kitchen island” are not often in the same sentence when it comes to home building projects because so many plans involve the use of complex carpentry joins like mortise and tenons, biscuit joins or making housing cuts. However, you can build your own grand kitchen island using basic butt joins and come up with a sturdy, handsome island that is full of country charm.
Every few years, it pays to update your kitchen island. By adding new materials or extending the counter space, for example, you will give your kitchen a new look. It’s important to create an island that fits well with surrounding cabinets and appliances. By reviewing your options, you can choose the best way to update your kitchen island to serve your needs.
Serving meals at a kitchen island will require that you build a user-friendly space. The space allowed for the counter top and its overhang areas, plus room for stools or chairs, must work well with the overall kitchen design. Planning the island in relation to the kitchen stove, storage areas for dishes and dishwasher are all important. Review kitchen design books and magazines to get lots of ideas for designs and materials.
Planning a kitchen island's overhang requires looking at kitchen activities. While an overhang can be used as an eating bar, it can also serve as a food prep counter. Whatever width you allow for the overhang, try to leave 4 feet between the overhang and the closest counter to the island. In other words, clearance around the island is ideally a minimum of 4 feet on all sides. Consider the whole kitchen layout before choosing the width of an island overhang.
When looking at your options for the base of a new kitchen island, consider using mismatching dressers. It will be a truly original look that will also give you a great amount of storage space for everything from kitchen gadgets and pans to cookbooks. To tie the mismatching dressers together, use a single paint color and hardware that coordinates with the rest of your kitchen. Paint color and hardware will also help you to create the style you desire. One style that works very well with this mismatched combo is country.
An island in the kitchen is ideal for increasing work space and storage in a room that is perhaps the most widely used in the home. The style and design of these pieces vary greatly and may be made to suit personal style or preference. Island size, shape and design is going to depend largely on the layout of the kitchen and how much space is available. The preferred size will vary greatly depending on which style is selected.
A kitchen island is a widely used element to add work space and much needed storage to a kitchen. There are several design options when it comes to islands, or if budget permits, they can be custom designed. The space's layout, size and shape greatly influences which island shape and size is ideal for the room. No matter the style, adding an island is well worth the expense.
When it comes to choosing kitchen cabinets, you may find yourself drawn to the textured look of beadboard. The grooved panels of these cabinets provide more visual interest than flat-front options. While you may think of beadboard as strictly an element in country decor, there are several ways to work with these cabinets so they fit any decor and give your kitchen the look that you prefer.
Kitchen islands come in many shapes and sizes, but for a do-it-yourself job, a simple, rustic style island is easier than building cabinetry and prefabricated countertops. To add even more rustic charm to the kitchen island, used reclaimed lumber. You can also add casters to the legs to make the island mobile. Expert carpentry skills are not required, however some savvy with a drill and a plane will help.
The modern kitchen is simply not complete without an island counter in the middle. Not only does it offer a focal point to the room, it also acts as a multi-functional surface where you can prepare food, eat meals have gather guests around during a party. The island is often a place for kids to do homework or family members to check emails or make phone calls. In short, a lot happens at the kitchen island.
Kitchen islands are a common feature these days and can be customized in many different ways to ensure that they suit your individual needs. While some kitchen islands are essentially tables or a large set of drawers on wheels, built-in ones allow for a greater variety of options to make the fixture more useful since they can have appliances built right in.
Crates are used for many different purposes, from storing root vegetables in the pantry or basement to holding small items to make them easier to move around, such as milk and bread crates. Building a crate is relatively simple. If you put a bit of care into the design, you can build a crate that is handsome enough to use for storage in the lounge or bedroom, rather than tucked away out of sight.
A multi-level kitchen island will make your design look interesting and customized. Focus on the tasks that you and your family perform most often in the kitchen, and let this be your guide in defining different levels for the island based on how high they should be to perform the tasks comfortably. This can include cooking, sorting and storing purchases from grocery shopping excursions, everyday dining, a banquet space for entertaining or serving casual dishes like pizzas or doing homework and paperwork for the home or your job.
A kitchen island is a freestanding cabinet sometimes equipped with a sink, stove or other cooling apparatus. You can often use kitchen islands for additional table space or for preparing food. Regardless of the reasoning for your kitchen island, you likely want to anchor the island to the floor to prevent it from moving while you use it. The process of anchoring the island is relatively straightforward, and the island will likely come with all of the necessary fasteners to complete the task.
Whether looking to build a table to sit on your patio or a series of picnic tables for use in a park, building your own wood table allows you to create an aesthetically pleasing table for less than a commercial model of a similar style. Outdoor tables must be built to withstand more hardships than indoor tables, which remain protected from the elements.
Modern kitchen islands are quite high-tech, with sinks, lighting, garbage disposal and more. The traditional, rustic kitchen island is a simple, sturdy wooden affair that adds a sense of country charm to any kitchen. Making your own rustic kitchen island is simple enough, if you have basic woodworking skills. If you feel up for a challenge, instead of using sized lumber for the kitchen island legs, use small logs instead; it will greatly enhance the rustic feel of the kitchen island.
A kitchen island is more than just a decorative feature. It provides a utilitarian service. A kitchen island can be used to store kitchen linens, pots and pans, or holiday specialty items. Kitchen cabinets provide a fully customizable option for your island. You can choose cabinets that either match or contrast your existing cabinetry. Using kitchen cabinets to make an island in your kitchen is a moderately easy task. The result is an island that serves its purposes while speaking to your own decorating style.
In a functional kitchen, counter space is key. A useful workspace that adds functionality and style to any kitchen is a center island. This free-standing countertop is not affixed to any wall, making it easily accessible from all sides of the kitchen. Depending on the size of the island, this counter can also double as a casual eating area. To choose the right island to fit your needs, get hands-on with the designing process.
A kitchen island provides extra space to prepare, cook and dine in your kitchen. With the right design, this area will appear integrated in a comprehensive design. One way that homeowners design and customize their islands is to cover the wood surface with a natural stone like granite, which will resist stains and damage while providing a nice look. Granite slabs are expensive and heavy, often requiring a professional installer, but a do-it-yourselfer can set granite tile in place on the island with no professional help.
Ventilation is the process of exchanging fresh air from the outside with indoor air. Exhaust is the process of expelling indoor air to remove an unwanted substance such as moisture, smoke or food particles. Exhaust vents for kitchen cooktops are used to expel the unwanted airborne material caused by cooking. In the state of Oregon, it has been a legal requirement that all cooktops and ranges must be equipped with an exhaust vent that connects to the exterior. Check your local building codes to see what the requirements are in your area.
The traditional working triangle used to describe the ideal kitchen layout falls to the wayside for some designers, who prefer to think in terms of work centers. The arrangement of work areas better accommodates multiple cooks and other activities that typically occur in the kitchen. The common work centers include a cleaning center by the sink; cooking center near the stove; storage; mixing or food preparation; serving area; and possibly a separate eating area within the kitchen. Work center design depends on the available space and current layout of your kitchen.
Installing an island in your kitchen expands your working and storage space and offers an area where you can prepare and eat food without turning your back on the rest of your home. The island offers more counter space and often features cabinets underneath for greater storage. Many people choose to tile the tops of their islands for better aesthetics and cleaning. Immediately following installation, the top of your island will likely have little more than a wood board for a cover. Build over this board to create a stable and attractive tile surface.
A kitchen island provides additional storage, additional workspace and a distinctive look to your kitchen. A renovation may be too costly to add an island to your existing kitchen. Repurposing other furniture can be cost-effective, interesting and sustainable as an alternative approach to this idea. A kitchen island that is formed from the use of an old piece of furniture is a green alternative, and it can provide a funky, new look to your kitchen.
A tilt out garbage can is a simple way to hide the eyesore of the kitchen garbage can. They can be stained to fit in with the current cabinet color of the kitchen and can be made out of almost any kind of wood as long as the wood is strong enough to support the weight of a full garbage can. Only basic home tools are required to complete the project.
A kitchen island adds tons of flexibility to the layout of your kitchen. Because an island is accessible from all sides, every side can serve a purpose. Use yours for extra storage, as a prep area or as a breakfast bar. When you are planning the layout for your island, make sure you have two to four feet of space to maneuver around it. This will allow the space to be functional, and will help prevent traffic congestion in your kitchen. Stock cabinets purchased at a home-improvement center can make this project quick and affordable.
In the process of designing your dream kitchen, you might plan a kitchen island to center your room. Adding a stove top to the island can be practical but necessitates a ventilation solution for fumes. Many homeowners decide to install an island vent hood, suspended from the ceiling above the cooking space. This solution can be both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
The kitchen is the heart of the home and the social center of your living space. It's where you start your day and where you end your day. It's where you eat, where homework is done and where you catch up with friends. In such a busy space, design is of utmost importance. One design must is creating a work triangle, which optimizes productivity in the kitchen, and the u-shaped orientation helps to promote this triangle for maximum efficiency. To increase workspace to this process, adding an island in the center of this configuration is a popular choice.
The kitchen is sometimes referred to as the heart of a home. If counter space and storage are a priority, then add an island to your kitchen. Kitchen islands provide additional workspace for preparing food and additional space for storage.
Transforming a center island into a dual-purpose work-surface-cum-kitchen-table/dining-surface is a great way to update your home, increase its value at a low cost, create more storage space and add functionality to your kitchen.
The kitchen generates the heartbeat of your home. Family occasions find everyone gathering around while food is prepared, and meal preparation goes more smoothly with extra counter space. Adding even a small kitchen island can give you valuable work space, and a professional carpenter isn't necessary to build one. Premade materials and common household tools form the foundation of what you need to build a custom island in your kitchen. Enlist a helper so you can complete the job in a day.
Kitchen islands are usually located in the middle of the kitchen and can provide extra space for storage, counters and can be wired or plumbed. The sizes of islands vary. Some are built into the kitchen by the original builder, while others can be custom-built or purchased from retailers. Islands can help to raise a home's value.
Applying beadboard plywood to a kitchen island is an ideal way to achieve the vintage look common in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The original product was made from solid wood planks routed with parallel vertical lines in several configurations of cut, depth and spacing. Today's beadboard is available in plywood sheets that are usually 4 feet wide and 3/4 inch thick.
Kitchen islands are pieces of furniture often used to break up a large kitchen, create preparation space or add extra storage. Kitchen islands are made by many different companies and can be bought in one piece or assembled at home, depending on the model.
A folding bar looks like a basic cupboard. The surprise comes when you fold out its sides to expose a detailed interior with a myriad of uses in the modern home.
Many types of rocks make beautiful and durable kitchen countertops. Some of these stones include marble, granite and quartz. Installing a rock surface countertop on your kitchen island can be quite a job for a do-it-yourselfer. Stone countertops are typically very heavy and require a crew of strong friends to install. That being said, homeowners can install a stone countertop on their own when they have the right information.
Bead board installed onto the kitchen island livens up the space to create an inviting display. It can be incorporated throughout the island or added as small accents to give a burst of whimsy to the room. Versatile bead board planks--which come in sizes from narrow to wide--accommodate both small and large kitchen islands. Inexpensive, it can be found at home improvement stores to help keep your costs low.
An island can make an attractive and extremely practical addition to any kitchen. If you want to update your island or transform a simple stand-alone workbench into a practical kitchen island, incorporating columns can produce a handsome look for any style kitchen. When designing, attend to the function you want your island to serve. If it will feature a cooktop or any other appliance, be sure that columns can bear the weight.
Finding the right kitchen island for your kitchen may not be as easy as picking one off of a home-improvement showroom floor. A kitchen island takes on meaning in a kitchen space when its design and function is tailored to the needs of the kitchen. Plan the design of a kitchen island to have the features and functions that will enhance and improve the work flow of the kitchen.
Kitchen remodels often exhibit real ingenuity in color selection and the use of interesting cabinet, countertop and flooring materials. However, they often underestimate or ignore the importance of doing something interesting with a flat plasterboard ceiling. The space above a kitchen island offers a great place to begin adding spatial variety and drama to the kitchen through the use of a vaulted ceiling.
An American house averaged 953 square feet in 1950. By 2004 it averaged 2,349 square feet, according to National Public Radio. With this expansion came functionality issues. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), which established recommended dimensions and clearances in kitchens, proposed a triangular positioning of sink, stove and refrigerator, with a maximum of 9 feet between any two of them. For a larger contemporary kitchen measuring 20 feet to 25 feet on a side, this compact triangle becomes difficult to achieve. One solution is to place a kitchen island in the center of this larger room to house…
Are you finding that you need more counter space than what is presently available in your kitchen? A lot of people are and the most common solution is to add an island to your kitchen. An island allows you to gain not only some counter space, but some storage space as well underneath the island. Building an island can be anything from a small, combination project to a large, in depth project for the biggest DIYers among us. These steps will allow you to put together a quick, cheap kitchen island in the fewest steps possible.
Kitchen islands are functional areas to prepare and cook food and entertain friends and family. These gathering spaces are often one of the focal points of a large kitchen space, so their design is an important element in the overall look and feel of the kitchen area. There are many simple ways to enhance kitchen islands, such as adding decorative trim or wooden embellishments to the cabinets. To create an interesting side treatment, adding beadboard---a thin tongue and groove type of paneling---is a way to enhance the appearance of an island as well. The result is a cottage-style decorative touch…
Kitchen islands provide additional work space and a potential gathering area to enhance a kitchen. The flexibility of island design and use offers nearly unlimited choices as to length, width and height. An island added to an existing kitchen should match or harmonize with the existing cabinetry.
Tile can be installed around a kitchen island in two basic ways. If the island is new and the tile floor is being newly installed, the best choice is to tile the entire floor and set the island on top of the floor. This will allow you to make any changes to the sub-floor much more easily. Often, it is necessary to beef up the sub-floor to support tiles so that they don't crack later. The second way, covered here, is to tile up to the island cabinet. This may leave a grout line at the cabinet that can crack…
Additional storage or a work area can be added to a kitchen with the inclusion of an island. You can buy an island that is pre-built or you can save money and build yourself a kitchen island on the cheap. This can be done by using scrap material that you may already have in a garage or that has been saved from a previous home improvement project.
Designing a kitchen island with space for sitting at a counter is relatively simple. By reviewing islands to see what styles and materials are appealing, any homeowner can make a kitchen island bar space within two or three days or less. An island is a good place prepare food while guests or family members sit down for conversation. To stay within budget, anyone can use recycled materials or materials purchased at close-out sales for the project.
Adding a kitchen island is a great option for seating, especially if you do not have a large amount of seating space. Kitchen islands are great for providing extra storage in a kitchen as well. By using a few base kitchen cabinets, you can create a beautiful working area that contains ample seating for serving food as well. Some home owners prefer kitchen islands because they provide a space to interact with friends or family while the host is preparing food.
Kitchen islands are ideal for larger kitchens or to add extra room for kitchens with limited counter space. While many kitchen islands house dishwashers or even the stove top, these are quite complex to construct. The best way to make a simple kitchen island, that still looks professional and well-finished, is to utilize prefabricated modular cabinets for the base and a prefabricated counters. These items can be picked up second hand from refurbishing companies or at home improvement centers.
Kitchen islands instantly increase the usable counter space in your kitchen while simultaneously adding storage and style. These valuable kitchen additions aren’t sold cheaply; even the most bare and small wire-constructed affairs can cost almost $100. The natural alternative is to build one yourself, but if you aren’t an experienced woodworker, you might be understandably intimidated by complex plans and their expensive tool lists. You can still add an island to your kitchen, however. You can do it yourself in four steps to have an island kitchen by this afternoon.
There are many different kinds of kitchen islands, from in-built models complete with power outlets, stove tops and even the kitchen sink, to the traditional rustic wooden ones, which hark back to the origins of kitchen islands as the centerpiece of English, Provencal or Tuscan country kitchens. A store-bought, or made-to-order wooden kitchen island will set you back a pretty penny, so save yourself a bundle and build your own.
The kitchen countertop height can be an important component of design. Typically, the height is computed from ergonomics of different tasks such as food preparation and cooking, which are completed on the surface. There are different aspects to consider when choosing a countertop height in your kitchen or home.
An island can provide extra space inside the kitchen away from the primary food preparation and cooking areas. Add a bar to the island and it's almost like having a kitchen within a kitchen. Take a moment to consider possibilities for your kitchen island bar that extend beyond merely creating a holding area for hot plates and cold beverages.
Although there are many ways to build a kitchen island by starting from scratch, the easiest way is to secure two or three lower cabinets together. The ready-made base cabinets will have finished wood ends or those that look like wood to save you the steps of adding these for appearance sake. Making an L-shape island only requires angling some of the cabinets. You also can add a snack bar yourself or with professional help. Building an L-shape island from a few base cabinets is a project most average people can accomplish.
The seemingly endless variety of options for kitchen islands includes custom cabinetry and counter tops, materials like stainless steel, granite, marble and wood, and popular features such as wine racks, cabinets, sinks, seating areas and cook tops.
A kitchen island is very useful because it adds storage and counter space for food preparation or a place to sit and eat. Making a kitchen island is easier than you might think and often you may have what you need in a garage or attic, just waiting to be discovered. Think about a kitchen island as a piece of furniture that is sturdy, attractive and made to be useful.
Adding a kitchen island offers a convenient centralized work station. Include a snack bar, if room allows, and a few bar stools and an instant gathering area for family and friends is in place for some fun conversation. Assembling an island in a new or existing kitchen isn't too difficult if a few guidelines are followed.
A kitchen island with appropriate spaces to prepare food and manage cooking utensils requires a design that is unique to your needs. By creating an extra level, you can organize mixing, chopping or cleanup without interfering with island counter space already in use. Building on a new level can enhance the flow of work. The new level can also serve as counter space for eating once food preparation is completed.
There are many ways to finish the top of a kitchen island including Formica, wood, and marble. One inexpensive but still attractive and durable option is to use tile. There are some special considerations when using tile over a wood surface. Extra work will be needed to strengthen the top surface of the island so that it does not flex or bend. Installing tile directly onto wood can lead to warping and cracking of the wood because of the moisture in the mortar. Because of this, a cement backer board will need to be installed first. To dress up the…
A kitchen island can add much-needed storage and work space and be a great gathering area. There are several island shapes to consider when planning a kitchen. Whether large or small, square or curved, islands can be a great addition to many kitchens.
Kitchen islands provide extra workspace and sometimes house the cooktop or a sink. Some islands also have room for bar stools and an eating space. The correct size of a kitchen island depends on its surroundings.
When replacing your kitchen island, you have an increasing variety of styles to choose from depending on your needs and your kitchen size. Consider matching the decor of your kitchen or using your island as an accent piece for diversity. People can eat around the island or it can serve as a wet bar. You may want an island with a built-in stove or sink or you may want to downsize to a smaller, simpler kitchen island.
Kitchen islands make a great addition to any kitchen, whether you are doing a remodel or are building new. It does not matter if you are making you own kitchen island or if you have found one which suits your tastes to buy at a cabinet shop or home improvement store, you will definitely need to figure out how to anchor the island to the floor. The task of anchoring your kitchen island to the floor is fairly easy and can be completed even by home improvement novices.
Kitchen islands get a lot of use. From eating areas, to storage space, to food preparation, a kitchen island can be a useful touch to any kitchen. However, kitchen islands can be expensive. If you love the thought of having a kitchen island, but hate the high price tag that comes with many islands, consider making one yourself. Making your own kitchen island with bookshelves will save you money while you create a useful kitchen necessity.
Kitchen islands are packed full of extra storage space. This allows homeowners to store extra dishes, cookbooks and even food. While this extra storage space may be a good thing for cooking and other preparation, large kitchen islands can also be difficult to remove. If you have a kitchen island that you would like to remove or replace, you will need to know the best way to demolish and extract the island from your home. A few tips will help to get you started.
Islands are the workhorse of a kitchen. Whether you are doing meal preparation, eating dinner, or helping your kids with their homework, your kitchen island will see a lot of use. Because they see so much wear and tear, it is important that your kitchen island is topped with a sturdy material. Tiling over chipped and broken laminate is a great way to dress up your large kitchen island, and prepare it for years of use.
Bead board is grooved paneling traditionally placed on walls. Most people install bead board with the grooves running vertically, which creates a striped feeling to the paneling. Bead board is often used on the bottom half of a wall with a chair rail or trim piece along the top edge. Even beyond wall applications, however, bead board can dress up many areas of the home.
An island in the middle of your kitchen can provide the extra counter and storage space you need; however, you may have a challenge if you don’t have enough room for your typical island. By following these generalized guidelines, you can determine if there is adequate space for an island in your kitchen and if not, improvise to make an island work in the space you have.
One of the most attractive and efficient additions for a kitchen is an island. Kitchen islands can increase counter work space and reduce steps as well as give your kitchen a whole new purpose, perhaps as a eat-in center or a serving buffet. Kitchen islands don’t work in every layout, however, so careful planning is important before buying materials or starting construction.
Installing an island with a country flavor in a kitchen with antique or rustic-looking wood surfaces takes planning. You want the island to fit the décor. You want it to look as if it’s been around for a while. You can design an island to look more expensive than it is. For example, install a countertop made of granite tile pieces versus real granite. Or you can make the top from butcher block wood materials or use brick or stone for the base of the island. Ideally, design the island to appear that several generations have used it.
Kitchen islands have become an almost integral part of most modern kitchen design. They allow for improved traffic flow in the kitchen, extra counter space and work areas, and often extra seating if the island includes a breakfast bar. Update an existing kitchen island with the creative use of molding, tile, beadboard, fresh paint and countertops, along with lighting and hardware.
A kitchen island is used for preparing food and gathering guests. It can also set the tone and decor for the entire kitchen. Being its own piece of furniture, a kitchen island can either match the current cabinetry or stand out and create a kitchen focal point. Having a rolling kitchen island adds even more functionality, as it can be easily moved around. Buying a brand new kitchen island can cost a pretty penny. However, constructing a do-it-yourself version not only allows you to be creative with the outcome, but save a few dollars in the end.
Stainless steel is a non-corrosive metal available in sheets. Because of its durability and ease of care and cleaning, it is a natural solution for areas that are the center of a lot of activity with food and liquids. The look of stainless steel is modern and industrial and is a popular solution for kitchen appliances. In addition to appliances, stainless steel is also used for backsplashes and countertops. If your kitchen is large enough, a functional option is to have an island. An island is centered in the kitchen and serves as a bridge from one wall to the…
Kitchen islands not only expand workspace areas, but can also add a custom sense of style. Adding convenient electrical outlets or receptacles to the island space can pose a challenge. Installing outlets for extra work appliances such as mixers and food processors must be in areas that do not inhibit the countertop's workspace.
If you're redesigning your old kitchen or building a new one, one consideration is whether to have an island or a peninsula. They share some benefits, but they each have drawbacks as well.
Adding an island to your kitchen will add countertop space and storage but it can be costly if purchased brand new. Building a kitchen island from the ground up can be time consuming. Reinventing an existing piece of furniture can be both a cost-effective and green means of getting that much-needed island in your kitchen. It will also give you a kitchen island that is one of a kind. Use these simple steps to create a kitchen island from your existing furniture.
Kitchen islands are the perfect solution when you need to add additional workspace to your kitchen layout without changing the footprint of your space. Although you can buy a ready-made island, place it in the room and be done, building a custom island is relatively easy and ensures you get a piece that perfectly complements your decor, as well as your needs.
When cooktops are not vented and exhausted, the ceiling, or cabinets above the cooktop, will become soiled and stained by grease and steam. Although it is a desirable option, a regular kitchen cooktop does not need to be vented and exhausted to the outside. A downdraft cooktop and grill must be vented from the kitchen to the outside, following manufacturer's specifications.
An outdoor kitchen with an island barbeque grill has become a popular feature with many homeowners. It not only can increase the value of your home, but adding living space outside your home can be less expensive than adding it inside. An outdoor grill offers increased opportunities for entertaining as well.
Getting your kitchen remodeled is great fun, and a lot of work with even the best contractor. The keys to success are to plan well before you start and then request several bids and interview several contractors. Equally important are to determine what your budget can really afford and to make sure to include some percentage for overruns. Remodeling usually carries some surprises, and you want to be prepared.
Stainless steel countertops are frequently preferred in kitchens because they are rust free, long-lasting and easy to clean. They also have a sleek, modern look. With the right tools and a few basic instructions, remodeling your kitchen island to have a stainless steel countertop can be easily and affordably done on your own.
Adding a second tier to a kitchen island cabinet transforms it into a gathering place for friends to enjoy a light snack or drinks. It also will provide extra storage and counter space.
For homeowners who are planning to remodel a kitchen, the addition of a new kitchen island or replacement of an outdated island can really enhance the overall look and functionality of the kitchen. Kitchen islands add more work space or can house a slide in stove or a cooktop, which can be very helpful for families cooking large meals. Some families tend to gather in the kitchen during family gatherings and events and a kitchen island can make a kitchen a warm and inviting place.
It's nice to have an island cabinet in the kitchen, but what makes it better is to have a raised bar attached to it. Build it the way you want, It doesn't have to house a stove or a sink; it can simply be a gathering place to eat. Whether you install wood, laminate or stone countertops, it will still be the focus of attention to all who see it.
Kitchens are the hubs of most households. They are home to meal preparation, children completing homework, parents paying bills and other household happenings. A kitchen island is a miniature hub within the larger hub. Some customization ideas for your island include installing task lights above the space, changing out the countertop and repainting the drawers and doors.
A center island is a functional and attractive addition to a generously sized kitchen. It can serve as extra counter and storage room for cooking, cleaning or other tasks. Islands are also architectural design elements. They can be barriers that divide work and common areas or shared social spaces that join eating and cooking activities. Islands are defining centerpieces in a room or empty floor space.
Entertaining outdoors on a patio or by the pool is relaxing and enjoyable for many people. Adding an outdoor island kitchen to the space pushes the entertainment envelope to another level. Not only is an outdoor kitchen convenient, it keeps energy costs down and you don't have to dirty up your house's kitchen. Before building your outdoor island kitchen, there are a few things you need to know and consider so the project will be success.
Making maximum use of open space in a kitchen is the main purpose of a kitchen island. Not all homes or apartments provide islands, which allows the home owner or renter to create their own. Approach a do-it-yourself kitchen project by considering mobility and recycling as part of an island design. A pick-it-up and take-it-along kitchen island can be the ultimate "green" solution to home decorating.
Peninsulas and islands can function in a variety of ways in your kitchen--from providing extra storage and workspace to a place to serve meals. A peninsula is attached to a wall or cabinets and an island is free-standing. Either design can offer extra storage, a dining area or a place to prep your food, but you also can use your kitchen or island as a desk or a place for crafts.
Island cabinets are an added bonus to any kitchen because they add countertop space. That means more work area or, if built for it, another place to have a meal. Purchasing ready-made cabinets and creating a multi-level island is a great way to enhance your kitchen.
Kitchen islands are a great way to add extra counter space, a breakfast bar and storage space. Designing and building your own island is not difficult to complete in a weekend. Best of all, building a kitchen island gives you the advantage of having exactly what you want, quickly and for a fraction of the cost.
For many, the kitchen island is the center of the entire kitchen design. A functional kitchen island helps create more food preparation space, serving space and becomes the center for social interaction. When designing a kitchen island, consider the size kitchen you have and what needs the island will serve.
When entertaining guests, a mobile kitchen island cabinet is a great asset to have. Creating your own design and building your own will increase its usefulness. If you have experience working with power tools, then you are on your way to a satisfying project. Be sure to consider the weight of the island cabinet when choosing the casters.
A well-designed kitchen island can add storage, counter space and functionality to your kitchen. Even a small kitchen may work better with an island. Kitchen islands can be professionally installed, purchased or built on your own with materials from your local home improvement center. Smart design will make your island work center a good use of space and improve your enjoyment of the room at the center of your home.
Major kitchen renovations can be traumatic, but this project will improve counter and storage space while taking only a small amount of construction time. A kitchen island built with milk crates can be easily tailored to existing space; you are, after all working in 12- to 16-inch increments. Light pre-fab crates can be stabilized by using them to store your heaviest kitchen implements. Should there come an occasion when you want to reclaim kitchen floor space or install a permanent island, a milk-crate island is easily disassembled and its components can be used for storage in another location.
People have long known that the kitchen is the heart of the home and because of this they have attempted to extend their kitchen to the outdoors. Once there is a kitchen outside you can enjoy nature, have a barbecue and simply enjoy the company of those around you without having to constantly run in and out of the house. These outdoor kitchens have really become incredibly convenient and popular across the country. Because of this many companies are offering fully assembled units that you can buy, but many times they are very large or just not the right shape…
Building a raised eating area on the back of an existing kitchen island makes use of vertical space while adding a useful design element to the room. You will need one 2x4-inch wooden brace every 18 inches along the back of the island to support the raised countertop. You will also need an "L" bracket for each wooden brace, a 2-inch wooden board measuring the length of the kitchen island and the desired depth of your eating area, and a quarter-inch board as facing for the elevation, wood screws and a screw driver. Porcelain or ceramic mosaic tiles along with…
Building a kitchen island with a bench attached to it will increase the counter space, seating and storage capacity of your kitchen. Design a simple square or rectangle island with cabinets underneath on one side and a bench on the other to take advantage of the open floor space that may currently be wasted. Depending on your available space, you may have room for an L-shaped island with a bench on the smaller section of the L for open seating, or attached to the larger section of the L as part of the seating for your kitchen dining table. To…
Kitchen islands have been popular in kitchen design for the past 20 years, because they are so practical, and can be so attractive. Whatever your style, you can design an island to visually enhance your space while incorporating your needs. When updating your kitchen, there are few things you can do to add to your home's ultimate resale value, like a kitchen island.
To make an island with a small counter bar for your kitchen, first measure the overall size of the island and bar combined. For an island measuring 4 feet wide by 3 feet deep with a small counter coming out 20 inches, you will need on overall space of 4 feet wide by 3 feet, 20 inches deep, plus room for seating. Your island can include storage by adding shelving inside with an opening on the opposite side of the counter bar. Doors are not necessary, but they will add a tidier look as well as closure. Once you have…
Kitchen islands offer an axis for your cooking tasks. They often hold essential cooking tools, such as cutting boards, mixing bowls, knives and serving spoons. Many kitchen islands are self-contained, having many drawers and cabinets to hide the pieces inside them. If you want to display a collection of designer mixing ware, however, or simply don't have the room to open and close doors all the time, an open shelf kitchen island may be for you. Fortunately, you don't have to shop for a special island. You can simply make one at home.
A kitchen island can make cooking and cleanup go much faster. Having this space near the sink for laying out items needed for food preparation saves steps. Adding a cook top or other features to the island brings everything to a focused area. If there is enough room, the island can become a social gathering place while the cook is busy preparing a meal, too. Constructing a well-made island will add to the overall value of the home, because buyers typically consider the amount of available kitchen space when making their final decision to purchase.
Anyone who spends much time in the kitchen understands that extra counter space is valuable. Including an island in your kitchen will provide extra storage and preparation space that is useful to create great dishes in the kitchen.
A beautiful kitchen can enhance the resale value of your home, so any money spent improving this space should be considered an investment. Installing a kitchen island can give your space a clean and efficient look.
Install a kitchen island receptacle to add even more convenience to your kitchen. Kitchen islands serve as work preparation areas and stages for other appliances. Add a power supply to these handy fixtures guarantees using the steps below.
An island in your kitchen can be both functional and add to the beauty of the room. Whether your kitchen is large or small, you can build a kitchen island that will suit your area and serve the purposes you have in mind. Read on to learn how to build a kitchen island.
