Islands in the sand...... well at least in the kitchen

Islands in the sand...... well at least in the kitchen. So many times clients ask about the possibility of installing an island as an option for their kitchen. Magazines boast the use, model homes cram them in. Unless you have the space to accommodate one it is a better idea to keep the work area clear and make best use of cabinet area while maintaining the U-shape or introduce a peninsula to the mix.
The criteria for using an island are to consider the walk area available and the work triangle. The uninterrupted triangle is most important when making the most of your kitchen, especially if you are a serious cook or you have more than yourself living there. Bumping into each other, blocking the fridge opening or the dishwasher gate can become a frustrating experience when an island is installed in a too small area. If you have 4 ‘of space available around the island, then you can consider installing one. If you want to have a sitting area with stools then add another 2’ to that. So many times people install sitting areas near the fridge and when sitting on the stool access to the fridge becomes difficult to say the least. Seating should go to the side away from the work triangle. Which means fridge to sink to range is unobstructed.
One last important item to note, if you are changing to a gas range the area directly in front of the appliance must be a minimum of 4’ from the next cabinet. This means that if you are adding an island it must start at a minimum 4’ from the cooking area. Islands can be a wonderful addition IF the space allows for it.