When you think of renovating your kitchen and turning it into the one that you have always dreamt of, the first thought that comes to your mind would be selecting perfect kitchen counters for your kitchen. Although these counters come in various designs and made up of different materials, the basic ones are flat and solid counters. Now day’s counters come with wood chopping blocks attached to it for preparing vegetables and meats. It provides additional space and can even hold all the serving plates that shift food from kitchen to the dining table.
Your vision of turning your simple kitchen into your dream kitchen is incomplete without kitchen islands. Almost 50% of the homes built today incorporate an island into their kitchen design because of its extremely well-organized, contented and attractive features. The most important factor that you should consider before buying the island is the enough room space in your kitchen. The efficacy of the islands cannot be disregarded, but they would become ineffective if it does not allow you to wriggle liberally in your kitchen.
Portable kitchen islands are very famous these days. It gives added countertop area when needed and work as a great alternative for small sized kitchens. It comes in un-assembled way with wheels that makes its portable and allows you to move it out of the way when extra space is required. Following are few ideas that you can consider when setting up your kitchen:-
Islands are most suitable for larger L, G or U shape kitchens.
- An extra deep sink can be included in islands for washing large pots.
- Allow sufficient countertop space on both left and right sides of the islands if a sink will be used.
- Consider using shelf space on the sides of the islands for placing microwave or toaster.
- Maximize the natural light using skylights and windows. Custom islands work enormously by using buried fixtures to direct light into the kitchen work areas.
Today in the market kitchen islands are available in a huge range of colors, materials and sizes. You can look through home decorating magazines and catalogs to have the options and exclusive designs available.
Measure your kitchen first and get the island of exact dimensions leaving between 42 and 48 inches apace nearly the entire island, so that you are sure of opening your fridge, dishwasher and oven easily. Islands can be ended to contest existing counter tops and cabinets.
Along with the islands finding the perfect kitchen counters might be a trouble for most of you. There are several types of countertop available each with their own style and texture:-
- Granite : It is one of the most popular and attractive options, that can be found in many colors like red, white, brown, green, blue and black. The best advantage of granite is that it can resist metal and heat scratch.
- Soapstone: It has a soft and natural feel and is anti to acids and heat.
- Wood: Oak, maple, cherry and red beech are preferred choices for wood countertops. It can be bacteria protected
- Concrete: It is absorbent in nature and soak stains faster. Mild soap and water can be used for cleaning this type of countertop.