If you’re anything like us, the kitchen is probably the center of your home. It’s where you prepare food, eat, gather, and entertain the most. Yet, many people overlook their kitchen when they think of new design ideas for their homes. In particular, the kitchen island often possesses the most potential to improve how much you enjoy your kitchen.
In this post, we’ll discuss 5 kitchen island ideas that will make your kitchen more functional, gorgeous, and exciting:
- Think of Kitchen Island Lighting Ideas
- Build a Two-Tier Kitchen Island
- Make a Reclaimed Wood Kitchen Island
- Install a Kitchen Island Sink
1. Think of Kitchen Island Lighting Ideas
As with any space, lighting can make your kitchen feel dramatically more inviting, and above your island is the perfect place for it.
You can never go wrong with low hanging pendant lights spread across the length of your island. For a dramatic effect that works especially well in modern or contemporary homes, consider a larger pendant with a simple geometric shape. Be sure to also add dimmer to your light switch to create a dynamic mood for entertaining.
Don’t just look to the ceiling for lighting –look at your floors too. Installing lighting at the foot of your kitchen island or below the countertop can add a dramatic flair. It’ll also make navigating much easier in low light.
2. Build a Two-Tier Kitchen Island
Islands don’t need to be all about food; they can also double as great entertaining spaces and casual work areas. And there’s no better way to define those separate spaces than creating a two-tier kitchen island.
While the top tier can be used for food preparation, the lower can be dedicated to sitting and socializing. Adding electricity will allow you and your guests to use their phones and computers without having to run to another room. You can also include a few bar stools and even pull-out drawers for work supplies.
3. Make a Reclaimed Wood Kitchen Island
Granite and tile dominate kitchen design, but reclaimed wood is a gorgeous alternative that will make your kitchen stand out. A reclaimed wood kitchen island can bring new life to something discarded while also adding more character to your space.
A live edge wood slab is a stunning way to achieve a cabin-like or rustic mood. A reclaimed wood kitchen island can even enhance a modern or contemporary home. A clean slab of burled wood with gorgeous swirled grain surrounded with clean aesthetics will create a dramatic statement that doesn’t feel out of place.
4. Install a Kitchen Island Sink
Finally, one of the most functional kitchen island ideas you can consider is to add a kitchen island sink. Especially for those who love to cook with family or friends, an additional sink can allow for several meals to be prepared at once. It’ll also alleviate the all too common traffic jams around the sink during meal time.
Now that you have a head start on your kitchen island ideas, contact Square Deal Remodeling to bring your vision to life. Also, be sure to browse our kitchen remodel portfolio for even more inspiration.