The
kitchen island has become a fixture in the kitchen and you can find one in almost any kitchen. Even people who have kitchen spaces too small for a permanent island find portable kitchen islands. The kitchen island is a way to increase storage space and counter space. They also help with your efficiency in the kitchen. Sometimes you only have to turn around to get from the sink to the stove top or from the stove top to the refrigerator. Kitchen islands are a great addition to any kitchen.
Some people install a kitchen island directly out of the box with no modifications or changes and these islands are mainly for extra storage and counter space. You have a large amount of counter space where you can use half for preparing food and the other half to set up a breakfast bar or small eating counter. Other people design their kitchen islands from scratch and then install all the necessary pieces. These islands usually have sinks, appliances, or special features that require plumbing or electrical work.
Some interesting additions to kitchen islands that I have seen include wine refrigerators, wine racks, pet feeding stations, trash compactors, or a prep sink. Wine refrigerators are special refrigerators that are programmed to stay at a certain temperature that is perfect for wine storage. The refrigerator is often equipped with racks so that you can store as much wine as possible in the space provided. Prep sinks are small sinks that are equipped with a garbage disposal. They are not meant for cleaning dishes but rather for washing produce and disposing of the refuse from cutting or preparing food for cooking.
If your kitchen is too small to install a large kitchen island, then you can purchase a portable island. Kitchen islands on wheels are great because you can bring them out when you need them and store them in a corner or against a wall when you don't. The other advantage of portable kitchen islands is that you do not have to keep them in the kitchen. You can put a table cloth over the top of one and wheel it out into your living or dining room and use it as a serving table for wine, cheese, or appetizers. The shelves underneath make a convenient place to store extra napkins, cups, or toothpicks. All of your party supplies can be within easy reach but out of site.
One of the biggest decisions you will have to make when you decide to install a permanent kitchen island is whether to do the work yourself or hire a contractor. I think a good rule of thumb is that you should hire someone to do the work if it requires any plumbing or electricity work. While it is easy enough to find tutorials on how to put together cabinets, put on counter tops, install tile, or even tear up a wood floor; plumbing and electrical work are things that require a license and are best left to professionals.
