Islands, long utilized in restaurants and large galley-style kitchens that were prevalent in expansive manors, have become a desirable if not integral part of today’s kitchens. For an island to be included in a kitchen, you typically needed a larger room to ensure that there was enough space to move around it. However, many condos now have islands in order to maximize the space offered in a floor plan. Islands offer much more than just extra storage. In areas where counter-space is at a premium, islands offer more workspace, a more open look and let in a lot more light than traditional condo kitchens could. As well as these attractive features, islands offer a divider between rooms, and often offer extra seating as well. In many cases an island includes a raised bar that extends out over the cabinetry to allow seating. This design element also allows stools or chairs to be neatly tucked out of the way, further maximizing the space available.

When designing a condo kitchen, there are several types of features that can be added. A peninsula can act like an island, but is attached to one wall, allowing traffic around its three sides. The island is exactly that; a feature that sits alone and allows traffic all around it. Islands come in many shapes and sizes, and can be specially designed to fit any floor plan. Another option is to include a rolling island. This island is on casters and can be moved anywhere you wish. It is usually smaller than the fixed island, but it too comes in many designs and shapes.

Every island can be unique. Some homeowners like the island to be the focal point of the room. Often when this is the case the countertop is made of something beautiful or distinct like granite or steel. There are seemingly endless options for the countertop. The tile in the kitchen can be duplicated on the island countertop or the versatility of stone is attractive to some. Now, there is even Silestone, a quartz countertop that is incredibly strong and beautiful and offers an abundance of colours and patterns to choose from. Other homeowners may value an island for its versatility in the kitchen. For the avid cook, maple butcher blocks can be inserted in the countertop, or spice racks can pull out from the cabinetry. Even wine racks can be installed for the connoisseur or entertainer. Again, many people like the added seating which allows the person doing the cooking to visit with friends at the island. Families often use the island as a place to do homework, or to feed different family members on the go. The island truly is a way station in a busy home.

Another reason for including an island in a floor plan is to maintain the desired traffic flow within the kitchen. It has long been known that there is a work triangle that needs to be achieved in order to maximize efficiency within a kitchen. The path between the fridge, stove and sink is often considered the most important path in the home. Consequently, some homeowners choose to include an island with a sink so that a smaller kitchen can achieve this essential work triangle. Other important kitchen features can be added to an island such as a stovetop, grill or even a dishwasher. Two-way cupboards are also very popular, allowing access from either side of the island, and extra outlets can even be included to increase versatility. In a condo, one of the most important reasons for including an island could not only be the amount of light that it allows into the kitchen, but the view as well. Many condos have a great view, and a regular kitchen or cabinets could obstruct that view. For the same reason that people like kitchen sinks that look out a window, a nice open view from the kitchen can be very important to homeowners. No one likes to feel locked away in the kitchen, which is why the open concept designs have become so popular.

It may not have occurred to most people, but the kitchen island could very well be one of the most important design features in a home, preserving both your sanity and your serenity in the midst of today’s busy lifestyles.