Your kitchen island can provide extra storage, counter space, a casual dining area, and a beautiful focal point in the room — as long as you implement it correctly. If you’re preparing to remodel your kitchen, plan your island design early to give it the attention it deserves. Let the following ideas inspire your upcoming project.
It’s easy to spot this modern design because it extends the countertop material all the way to the floor on both ends. The resulting cascading effect grounds the island and makes it more of a sculptural object, all while leaving plenty of room for seating.
In a contrasting kitchen like this one, the island countertop and cabinets differ from those lining the walls. This trend provides enhanced visual interest and ensures your kitchen never gets boring. It also allows you to incorporate two unique cabinet and countertop options if you can’t make up your mind about which one you like the best.
Leave space in other areas of the kitchen by incorporating some of your appliances into the island. The design seen here boasts a unique, built-in drawer microwave to free up counter space without overtaking the area above the range. The island also includes a sink and dishwasher for easy access.
While most kitchen storage is intended to hide cutlery and small appliances behind closed doors, sometimes it’s most convenient to house objects on open shelves. This popular island feature lets you display everything from functional cookbooks and baskets to decorative bowls and tea sets.
If you often have multiple chefs working together, it can be incredibly useful to have two sinks — one for rinsing produce and preparing food, and another for cleaning dishes and washing hands. A large kitchen island is the perfect place for a second prep sink, as seen here.
Many islands come equipped with an additional sink, enhancing the island’s functionality. From washing fruits to filling pots or even chilling wine, the uses are endless. You can even opt for a faucet design that complements the main one or add a second disposer.
Maximize the functionality of your food prep area with a butcher block countertop. This material is akin to having a giant cutting board for a counter. It’s designed to be cut on directly and develops a unique weathered look over time.
If you love the embellishments and detailing of a traditional kitchen, you need a traditional island to go with it. In this design, the colors and finishes of the island match the rest of the kitchen. Then, curved, ogee countertop edges lend an air of sophistication to this elegant centerpiece.
Want a kitchen island but not sure if you have room for one? There are no standard dimensions for kitchen islands. Feel free to design one in a narrow or custom shape to fit the space. Who knows — you may even still have room for seating!
While adequate storage, counter space, and layout are vital components of a functional kitchen, don’t overlook the importance of a well-purposed lighting plan. Recessed can lights may get the job done, but hanging pendants make for a more attractive focal point above your kitchen island.
Who says you have to arrange all your barstools along one side of the island? The design shown here proves that a little creativity breeds new possibilities. The island is large enough that, even with two sides taken up by seating, there’s still plenty of storage space and an ample food prep surface.
If you’ve been putting off a home or room remodel out of fear you’ll blow your budget halfway into the project, you’re not alone. The estimate keeps increasing, and the project takes twice as long as forecasted.
Homeowners are cautious about remodeling their homes for many reasons, but don’t worry! We’ve got some ideas to help you find cost savings from the inception of your project to the final brushstroke.
One of the best ways to keep your remodeling project under budget is by changing the functionality of a room. Instead of increasing the size of your space, focus on making cost-friendly updates:
Paint or wallpaper: Consider using a light, neutral color to make the room feel brighter and more open, or add some excitement with bold wallpaper for an entire room — or even just an accent wall.
Incorporate multipurpose furniture: Furniture that serves multiple functions, such as a storage ottoman or a sofa bed, can be a great way to make the most of a small space.
Create a focal point: Adding a focal point to a room, such as a piece of art or a statement piece of furniture, can draw the eye and create a sense of balance and harmony.
Another way to keep your remodeling project under budget is by donating your old fixtures and materials. It will cost more to dump than to donate them, and many organizations would be grateful for your donation. For example, you can donate old countertops, sinks, and other materials to charitable organizations.
Kitchener Kitchen RemodelingBefore you begin your remodeling project, make sure you obtain all the necessary permits. Not only will this ensure that your project is done to code, but it will also help you avoid costly fines and delays. Some permits you need to obtain are building/construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and demolition.
If you’re remodeling your bathroom or kitchen, consider keeping your toilets and sinks where they are. Moving plumbing can be expensive and time-consuming, adding to your overall costs.
Installing your countertops and cabinets is another way to keep your remodeling project under budget. Doing this can save money on labor costs and still get the look you want.
Finally, be sure to plan your renovation carefully. Fall and winter are the cheapest times to plan your renovation; by carefully planning your project, you can keep your costs under control.
When deciding to go ahead with a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project and selecting the right contractor or designer, thorough consultations that answer the critical questions regarding the project are paramount to its success and your happiness with the outcome. Although you may be anxious to get things started, getting all the information you need before you start can save you time and money and prevent needless stress and difficult problems that may occur down the line.
There are a number of questions that should be asked when meeting with the companies that you are considering hiring to work on your project. These questions should be answered in detail so that you will be comfortable with them, their services, and the completion of the project:
The amount of specific experience the team has weighs heavily on the decisions that need to be made before and during the kitchen or bathroom remodeling project. Ask how many complete kitchens or baths they have remodeled in homes near you and in houses like yours. Ask if they have performed both the design and the renovation in each of the projects. Do they handle every aspect of the work or will you have to purchase the materials yourself?
The amount of specific experience the team has weighs heavily on the decisions that need to be made before and during the kitchen or bathroom remodeling project. Ask how many complete kitchens or baths they have remodeled in homes near you and in houses like yours. Ask if they have performed both the design and the renovation in each of the projects. Do they handle every aspect of the work or will you have to purchase the materials yourself?
Do they have their own employees to do the actual work or do they rely on subcontractors? Getting this information early on can assist in formulating additional questions if you need more details about the contractor’s capabilities.
Every firm should have examples of their work to show you. Showcasing other work they have done for clients like you will give you an idea of the level of the quality of design and workmanship they can accomplish during your project. Any reluctance in providing the names of previous customers in your area should be a red flag in your mind to the integrity of that specific company.
You need to know what the process will be like and what to expect. Ask how they work from the first meeting to the final walk-through. Is a design retainer required? Will you have your own dedicated designer and project manager? Will you receive itemized drawings and detailed specifications? A quality remodeler will provide all the details in advance.
The contractor should be able to estimate and tell you the length of time required to complete the remodeling. You should also ask when they plan to begin after all the selections and decisions are made. Find out how the work will affect your daily activities, like when the water or electricity will be turned off and if you will be able to move around your home freely or if you will have to move out of the home temporarily.
Not only does the main contractor have to have adequate liability and workmen’s compensation insurance, but every subcontractor working in your home must have their own insurance.
For many kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects, you will need a permit from your municipality or county. Knowing what you need ahead of time can save any confusion and additional costs later, as well as prevent delays.
You should be aware of how payment will be expected. Any deposits and payment plans that may be in place should be discussed in advance.
You should have a detailed schedule of when the crew will be at your residence so you can plan your schedule to fit the work process. Ask if the contractor will be working at your home every day. Many remodeling companies take on more projects than they can handle. This results in needless delays when no one is available to work on your kitchen or bath.
These are just a few important questions when considering a remodeling project. The Kitchen Master specializes in custom kitchen and bathroom remodeling. We take pride in our unique ability to provide the best services in kitchen and bath design and remodeling with the fewest delays and most efficient project completion possible. Contact the team today for a consultation, or visit our showroom in Naperville to see our work.