Kitchen Islands are wonderful to have for extra storage and workspace. Not every abode has the room for the grand islands one sees in the kitchens of their dreams. No matter how large, or small, the kitchen is the heart of the home and the center of activity.
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Islands are just what they indicate; they require room to walk around the perimeter.
Remember to leave at least 36 inches open on each side of the island to walk around it. In some cases you may be able to get away with 30 inches but be careful of oven doors and refrigerator doors that need space to open.
Love the idea of an island but limited on space then be extra creative.
- An island can be attached on one side to the perimeter counter to act as a divider between the prep area and eating area.
- Portable islands with casters can be stored against the wall and brought out when extra counter space is needed.
- Countertops can have a drop leaf on the end that can be lifted up for an extra mini island of counter space.
Found furnishings are perfect to repurpose for use as a kitchen island.
Kitchen islands double as homework central and bars to serve guests. With such a versatile piece of furnishing one can be creative when designing an island for the kitchen. The only basic rule to follow is to make sure that the island is built to a working counter height of approximately 36 inches high.
The kitchen island does not need to match existing cabinetry; it can be an "island" to itself standing out as a piece of unique decor.
Narrow kitchens require narrow islands and portable islands.
- Build an island with two repurposed 36 inch high window shutters braced with a center shelf and a butcher block top.
- Attach feet or casters to the bottom of a low open bookcase and add a butcher block or stone top for an instant narrow kitchen island.
- An antique sewing machine base will add a touch of eclectic delight to the decor. Simply add a pretty countertop for a lovely conversation piece.
Found furniture looks beautiful repurposed for a useable center piece to the Kitchen decor.
Time to rediscover the old dressers in the attic or dig through the garbage for a tossed out desk that can be renewed for a new purpose.
- Dressers come alive again with some paint and a stone top.
- A credenza can be reinvented for use as a kitchen island.
- Add shelves to the knee hole of a desk then paint it all to match. Finish it off with a new counter top and casters.
- For a large area consider using two matching dressers backed up together and attached. The solid counter top will add the finishing touch.
Find your new island inspiration in the office or garage.
Thinking outside of the box can provide exciting decor. Wander into another room and discover new ways to use items that have been hidden away.
- File cabinets whether metal or wood can be painted. Add some casters and a beautiful top for a wonderful storage island.
- An automotive tool chest can add a contemporary touch to the kitchen. Casters are already installed, all that is needed is a sleek countertop to be added.
If you want a bit of counter space to sit at then simply add an additional 12 inches overlapping on the back side of the island to fit stools underneath comfortably.
Now when everyone gathers in the kitchen they will truly have a unique conversation piece to literally converse over. Have fun creating yummy decor and never be afraid to dance!
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