Thinking About An Island This Winter

As the weather gets nippy, homeowners often turn their attention to the interior of their homes, according to Heidi Morrissey of Kitchen Tune-Up, and the kitchen is often high on the list of home improvement projects.

Cabinets and countertops are always an issue when planning a kitchen remodel. While refacing or painting cabinets can change the look of everyone's favorite meeting room in the home, this cosmetic makeover will do little to help with the age old problem of space.

Everybody - for both aesthetic and functional reasons - is drawn to an island, says Tad Trolio, manager for Yardley, PA-based Cranmer's Kitchen by Design, "so we are constantly challenged to do two things: Fit an island in - sometimes in relatively small kitchens - and then make it something extra special."

When space allows, this popular kitchen addition is a great addition whether you're building a new home or remodeling the old. Island's add more counter space and storage possibilities and enhance the traffic pattern by providing that central location that everything emanates from.

Kitchen designers are incorporating islands as well as multi-layers on countertops in new home construction. According to one designer, seating is a big issue for clients. If an island is situated properly, it can serve as the kitchen's main eating area while offering counter space for cooking and underneath storage space.

The typical one-level plopped in the middle of the room, is no longer attractive to the general consumer. Homeowners are exploring the different possibilities of Island shapes and surfaces. Designers are now creating islands in almost any imaginable shape, from octagonal to half-moons, to bi-level and more. The higher one's budget, the more variety of options.

Portions of this article edited from Kitchen & Bath News/August 2004

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