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Kitchen islands are the nucleus of most kitchens. A place where food preparation, consumption and conversation take place, it’s at the center of all the action. That’s why kitchen island fixtures need to serve multiple functions.
Kitchen island fixtures include an overhead stainless steel exhaust hood, lower storage space, light pendants, and user-friendly counter space.
To put the kitchen island fixtures into the proper perspective, here’s a short checklist to know about planning the appropriate place for the kitchen island:
- Typically, situated in the center of the room, the kitchen island is a focal point and station to prepare meals.
- The workspace as in the island correlates entire size of the kitchen,
- The kitchen island directs the traffic flow of activities conducted in the kitchen
- Approximately, 3-feet is an optimal height for a kitchen island.
- The kitchen island fixture should be 3-feet from the edge of the oven, refrigerator and any other kitchen appliances or furnishings.
- For easy cleaning and low maintenance, granite makes for great counter space.
Based on the above criteria and design standards, be sure to design the kitchen island with your preferences to the following in mind:
- What kind of “work” will take place at the kitchen island? If it’s where the bulk of food preparation will take place, add a sink, dishwasher or other preferred kitchen island fixtures (faucet, sink, dishwasher). In which case, a tankless water heater maybe another options. Some kitchen islands have built in kitchen island fixtures: stove top, a shelving units or stainless steel vaulted exhaust centrally suspended from above.
- Where does the task lighting fit in the design scheme?
- What material is suitable for the working space / countertop?
- Is storage space another necessity?
- Are there any eco-friendly features, which will offset the kitchen island’s design? For instance, granite is not only fuss free, but it is a sustainable material.
When it comes to planning efficiently, remember that kitchen island fixtures are an element of the design and workflow of the overall space.