Blog: Kitchen Islands: What’s Not to Love?

They’re practical, serve up both refreshing form and function, and offer loads of style opportunity. There may be no other element in today’s home trends with a higher approval rating among both designers and homeowners than the central kitchen island.

But even given their capabilities and popularity they may not be for everyone. Let’s take a look at why they’re beloved, what they have to offer, and where they may not be the right fit.

Big Feature. Big Benefits.

For homeowners and designers alike, the appeal of the kitchen island feature is undeniable. As you click through our inspiration galleries and the examples below, there are endless examples of kitchen islands making a major impact on all kinds of kitchen designs. Islands are so practical and so in demand that they’ve become almost trend-agnostic.

Why the ubiquity? For avid cooks, they offer a larger prep area, loads of cookware storage, and an alternative location for the kitchen’s range or sink. For home entertainers, they’re ideal for gatherings big and small with added seating for casual encounters and ample space if used as a buffet. And for families, they serve up a prime spot for homework, meetings, breakfast on the weekends, and more.

Plus, islands give designers and their clients the chance to take their remodel up a notch in style. From two-tone finish pairings and mix-and-match cabinet doors to decorative accessories and luxury amenities, kitchen islands deliver loads of possibilities for a style statement.

Design Drawbacks?

Despite their popularity, there are cases where an island feature may not be the right answer for your customer. Whether or not an island will work is largely a two-fold question: what will it cost and how much space does it need?

When looking at costs, yes, the overall budget is a good place to start. But be sure to consider both the materials and the installation. Island installs require answers to additional questions on plumbing, electrical, permits and more, all of which can boost a project price tag.

Moreover, islands tend to take up quite a bit of space right in the middle of the kitchen. They’re great if you’ve got the room, but not so great when there isn’t comfortable clearance for things like people, chairs, or cabinet and appliance doors.

With so much to offer, islands are—without question—a feature deserving of desire that could be right for your next design. Explore our kitchen island options at MedallionCabinetry.com.