It’s no surprise that kitchen islands have become one of the most sought-after inclusions when undertaking a kitchen remodelling project. After all, they offer plenty of benefits that can radically enhance your experience of one of the most important rooms in the home.

Done correctly, a kitchen island can add extra storage space, function as a social hangout spot, and provide the room you need to put together showstopping meals. With that said, kitchen islands aren’t automatically successful. The outcome depends on ensuring that it ticks all the right boxes, which is perhaps the primary reason why many homeowners choose to take the custom route over the ‘off-the-shelf’ option. 

If you’re planning to add a kitchen island, then considering the following should ensure that it adds real value to the beating heart of your home.

Material Quality

Many people focus on the aesthetic aspects of a kitchen island, but the material it’s made of is perhaps the most influential factor when it comes to enjoying the island on a long-term basis. After all, kitchen surfaces — including those of the kitchen island — are best when they’re able to withstand impacts, heat, moisture, and staining. 

Happily, you don’t have to choose between aesthetics and durability. In many cases, the strongest materials are also the ones that look the best. It’s generally recommended to opt for quartz, durable stone, or natural wood. Just be sure that it fits with the rest of your kitchen’s decor.

Seating Capacity

The ability to enjoy coffee mornings, low-key meals, or even get down to some work is one of the main advantages of adding a kitchen island. As such, making the most of a kitchen island often comes down to ensuring that there’s enough seating. There are a few different options you can take when it comes to kitchen island seating, including utilising a built-in banquette or counter stools. Whichever you choose, make sure there’s enough space for everyone to sit comfortably. A good kitchen design company can optimise your seating so that there’s at least 600mm of space per person. 

Lighting

Many homeowners make the mistake of installing a kitchen island and then thinking about the lighting, but it makes a lot more sense to consider lighting during the design process, not as an afterthought. Ideally, your kitchen island lighting would serve multiple purposes, including providing ambient and task lighting. That’ll provide the best of both worlds; enough lighting to prepare food, but also the option to give your kitchen a nice atmospheric glow when hosting dinners. 

Bespoke Features

The best kitchen island for your property is one that meets your unique needs. Working with a custom kitchen island designer allows you to incorporate bespoke features that match how you’ll actually use the island, which is much better than selecting a standard showroom island. There’s no shortage of handy features you can add to an island, with everything from sophisticated wine racks to pull-out bins that boost your entertainment options and make the space easier to use.