Will It Fit: Deciding if a Kitchen Island is Right for You.

We see it all the time. Nearly every new construction home has them. Versatile, functional; a Kitchen Island is a 'hallmark' to a functional kitchen layout. Or is it? Let's explore the requirements for a kitchen island is whether it fits in your home.

Why?

Open concept is not and was used in homes throughout time. However, the 21st century saw a rise in open concept living spaces due to economic attractiveness of a smaller space and design simplicity on the rise. Minimalistic, natural lighting, and flexibility are what homeowners look for in a 21st century home. It eventually evolved into large homes utilizing this attractive feature. The 2010s open concept took off with the help of a certain Texan lady who created a whole new design style. This created a boom in 'tearing down walls' for an open concept living space. Obviously, other factors were in play, but everyone wanted 'open concept' after the takeoff.

When open concept took over, kitchen perimeter cabinets were no longer on 3 or 4 walls but on 1 to 2. If you're working with a smaller kitchen, that doesn't leave much room for prep work or counterspace. Kitchen islands became commonplace for tasking and even seating.

As time went on, homeowners became less thrilled about not having walls and difficulty segmenting space in open concept living. Open concept evolved from a completely open room with multiple spaces to open spaces that have strategic wall placements allowing more segmentation. Closed concept is also on the rise in an age of balance from one extreme to another. Kitchen islands are here to stay. However, the segmentations require additional planning to ensure your island as appropriate spacing.

Spacing Requirements:

When planning your kitchen space for either a remodel or new construction, be sure there is enough planned space according to interior design principles.

Island Seating?

• Seating (whether stools, chairs, benches, etc.) require a minimum of 24" between the countertop and the back of an occupied chair.

  • An additional 12" is needed behind the seat for someone to 'shimmy' past the chair. This is a total of 36" between the countertop and the walking space

    • These dimensions are minimum - it is actually recommended to have 30" for seating space plus 12" for a walking path. That is 42".

  • Countertop Overhang

    • Recommended a minimum of 12" from panels to countertop edge.

      • Suggests 12-18"

Walking Paths?

• Between an island and perimeter cabinet requires a minimum of 42"

  • 48" is recommended for more than one person to use the space at a time.

    

    • Prevents appliances from hitting parallel cabinets or blocking a walking path

    • allows more than 1 person to walk through the space

• Between island and a wall requires a minimum of 36"

  • based on typical hallways minimum widths

  • recommends 42-48" if it is a path of travel.

Island Size?

When creating an island for either seating or function, keep in mind a few dimensions:

• If using appliances in the island, the cabinets generally require a minimum of 24 3/4" depth (with doors).

  • some appliances vary; see specs and installation guide for details

• When designing for seating, plan for a minimum of 24" for each person to occupy

  • Examples: an 8-foot island can seat up to 4 people and a 10-foot island can seat up to 5 people.

    • some factors could impact the number of seats possible in a given space.

  • Some island configurations can sometimes occupy additional seats. Discuss with your designer.

With these dimensions in mind, a typical kitchen with a 3-foot deep island (for seating seating) needs a minimum of 24 3/4" perimeter cabinets +42"walk-way +24 3/4" for the island depth (though this usually requires at least another inch or two) +12" (countertop overhang +30" for seat clearance =157 1/2" or (13' 1") from the perimeter wall to the back of the island seating (width of the island will vary dependent on needs).

• (these dimensions are not equal to the recommended minimum dimensions; which would be 14' 1")

NOTE: Please understand the above total does not take into factor countertop overhangs, island panel backs, or other nuances that are typical in a kitchen; those dimensions generally add at least an additional 3-6" to the total required length).

To have a Kitchen Island?

Kitchen island - whether for tasking or tasking and seating - are both functional and pleasing. However, depending on many factors, they can require more space than some may anticipate. Sometimes, if an island does not work for your space, a peninsula may. Work with your cabinetry designer to create a layout that works with your space and needs!