Kitchen Islands: The Perfect Gathering Spot
The kitchen island is the centerpiece of the home. It always draws a crowd…especially during the holidays! Whether it’s the kids making gingerbread houses, or neighbors and friends coming over for a holiday party, people always seem to end up around the kitchen island. It’s the perfect place to entertain–you can be cooking something up in the kitchen, while still talking with family and friends. It feels informal and intimate and encourages conversation. Since kitchen islands are such a popular feature in family homes, why not make the most of yours? Here are some ideas to customize your kitchen island:
Size, Shape, and Seating
First things first…the size and shape of your kitchen island are essential to making sure it meets your needs. A large kitchen island can double as a dine-in eating space if there is enough counter space and an eat ledge for the number of seating spots you need. Or, if your counter and cabinet space is limited, a large kitchen island adds to your storage and prep areas. If your kitchen is smaller, you want to be sure your kitchen island has an appropriate size in relation to the space it’s in. The ends of your kitchen island can be the perfect spot for cookbooks or wine glasses if shelving is added. Another thing to consider is making sure your kitchen island has power, so you can use your mixer or other cooking tools while you’re using the island as a prep space. Check out our floor plans to see which kitchen works best for you.
Materials Matter
If you’re planning on using your island for a lot of cooking, then you may want to consider a solid surface versus laminate. While the newest HD laminate countertops are a far cry from the laminate counters of old, they are still susceptible to burning should you put a hot pan directly on the island. Quartz and granite are popular choices for this reason–they are durable and stand up well to all conditions. For contrast, you can always choose a different color of countertop for the island than the rest of your kitchen. The choice is yours!
Custom Touches
The color of your kitchen island can also be in contrast to the rest of your kitchen for a pop of color. For example, if you have white wall cabinets, you can choose sarsaparilla stained cabinets at the island for contrast, or vice versa. You can also add decorative legs or brackets to the kitchen island to add that custom look. The newest kitchen islands feature waterfall countertops that run down both sides of the island, giving it a modern, seamless look.
Ready to Create Your Dream Kitchen Island?
Contact us today to discuss ideas or get the ball rolling on building your dream home with all the custom features on your wish list.
About Wayne Homes
Wayne Homes is a custom homebuilder in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, and West Virginia (see all Model Home Centers). We offer nearly 50 fully customizable floor plans and a team dedicated to providing the best experience in the home building industry. For more information, Ask Julie by Live Chat or call us at (866) 253-6807.
