How a Kitchen Island Can Be a Game Changer!

Whether you're fixing a light snack, preparing dinner for a group of friends, or simply grabbing a drink out of the fridge, your home's kitchen gets used multiple times every single day. This is why homeowners put such a heavy focus on creating the perfect balance between appearance and functionality — and that's exactly why kitchen islands are all the rage. Let's look at a few kitchen island basics and which type of island our real estate agents believe could be right for you.

Proper Kitchen Size for an Island

If you've ever seen a kitchen island in the home of a friend or while checking out North Canton homes for sale or Akron homes for sale, then you already know that they take up a good amount of room. Even a small island will be at least 2 by 4 feet, but you also need enough room for people to walk around them comfortably. As a general rule, your kitchen should be a minimum of 8 feet deep and 12 feet long, with 40 inches by 40 inches of open space.

What Type of Kitchen Island to Install

Once you install a kitchen island, your home will never be the same again. There are several different features that you can choose from depending on your specific needs, but it typically boils down to five popular types, each of which will be an amazing addition:

• Galley Kitchen Island – While this might not be the most exciting kitchen island, its simplicity and straightforward nature have made it a big hit with homeowners. Galley kitchen islands are especially popular because, despite their smaller size, they can still accommodate bar-style seating. And as long as the island isn't too narrow, you can add items like appliances and a sink.
  
  
• L-Shaped Kitchen Island – While L-shaped kitchen islands look fantastic, they also take up a lot of kitchen space. You should only consider installing this type if you have a large kitchen and won't have to sacrifice the open space. What you'll get in exchange is a whole host of options such as bar-style seating at the smaller end, a lot more counter space, and plenty of room for a stove/oven/sink and appliances.
  
  
• U-Shaped Kitchen Island – Okay, now it's time to discuss the big one: the U-shaped kitchen island. Many homeowners consider this the crème de la crème, but they're also quite large. These are typically reserved for homes where the space between the kitchen and dining area or living room is entirely open and empty. As for options and conveniences, think "L-shaped kitchen island" and then dial it up to an 11… or maybe even a 15.
  
  
• Rolling Kitchen Island – If you have a small kitchen but can't stand the idea of not having a kitchen island of your very own, this might be the perfect solution. Rolling kitchen islands come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to customize one to your precise needs. Whenever you entertain guests or need to prepare a big meal, simply roll it out and get to work. Just keep in mind that you'll also need to store it somewhere.
  
  
• Peninsula – Installing a peninsula is another great alternative to a full-sized kitchen island. These are attached to the outside of your counter to extend the available space. They also provide seating and additional storage, which will increase the functionality of your kitchen. 

Find Your Dream Home

Whether you're looking for a new home with the perfect kitchen island, backyard, or family room, we can help you find it. Contact us today to learn more.