All About Islands
 A common assumption today is that in every kitchen an island will make the best functional use of the available space. If the counter space and storage in your kitchen is inadequate, you may already be convinced that installing an island is the way to go. It is possible, however, that your kitchen space is too narrow to provide the proper clearance for an island. Keep in mind that an efficient work space should provide a minimum of 3.5 ft. of room between all counter areas.
The shape of your kitchen may accommodate a peninsula better than an island. If you simply love the look of an island, then design your peninsula with one end attached to a kitchen wall that has no overhead cabinets. The peninsula will look similar to an island, yet take up less room. A peninsula can offer as much cooking, storage and seating possibilities as an island. Your friends and family can gather around your kitchen peninsula, just as they would around an island. With beautiful new cabinetry, you can create a stylish look for your peninsula that rivals that of an island.
Perhaps your kitchen has plenty of room for an island, or you are planning to tear down some walls to create a more spacious open kitchen. It is still important to carefully consider the size of your island and where it will be placed. An island should be at least 4 ft. long by 2 ft. to 5 ft. deep. It should enhance the work flow between your refrigerator, stove and sink, not disrupt it. So, before you add an island to your kitchen, you should rethink your entire layout to make sure you are creating efficient work zones . It may make sense to install a sink in the island, along with a dishwasher, or the island may be the perfect spot for your cooktop. You need to determine how you want your island to function—whether for food prep, cooking, eating, or entertaining—or for a variety of functions. If appliances are installed in the island, it will need to be more generous in size. Some spacious kitchens include two separate islands, one primarily for food prep and cooking and one for eating and entertaining.
How much cabinet storage space do you need in your island? If your island is serving as a food prep or a cooking area, you will want to include storage for the appropriate utensils and your favorite pots and pans. Also consider whether you would like your island to be designed as a single-level surface at 36” counter height, or if you would like multiple levels that include a 42” bar height section with bar stools. Kitchen islands today will sometimes include lower 32” table height sections that provide comfortable seating for small children and older adults. It all depends on who primarily will be using the space and for what purpose.
 Of course, your island should complement the materials and colors of the rest of the kitchen, whether it blends inconspicuously with the wall cabinetry or makes a bold statement all of its own.
Be sure to explore all your options before you decide on your island.
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Vision DBR at Design & Construction Week 2016
