Every single homeowner, almost without exception, when asked what their biggest remodeling project would be, would say add a kitchen remodel. And there are as many different sizes of kitchen remodeling projects as there are people who have kitchens. These projects can range from a total kitchen makeover to something as simple as a new range hood over your stove.

A simple kitchen remodeling project that many homeowners want is to add a kitchen island. Homeowners find that the addition of a kitchen island can serve several functions, including providing a central point of focus in the kitchen, as well as providing additional space for kitchen prep and storage.

When a homeowner works with a designer on their kitchen remodeling project, their designer will make them think outside the box, literally because a kitchen island doesn’t have to be just your usual boxy island. A kitchen island can have different ranges of style and function, and your designer will work with you and help you utilize the available space in your kitchen.

Many designers will tell you that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the actual design of an island, but there are some basics that they do follow and will advise the owner on. The designer will advise the homeowner where work surfaces for the island should be placed, in relation to existing appliances such as a stove and refrigerator. Designers know that work aisles should be between 42 and 48 inches. to accommodate one or two cooks working in the kitchen at the same time. Most designers also recommend that the island’s work surface area be at least 36 inches. so both cooks have more than enough work space without bumping into each other while working together on the island surface.

The design of your kitchen island will depend on the design of your floor plan. In an older home, you will most likely find a closed floor plan. This type of floor plan dictates the use of what is called a workhorse configuration. This type of island setup is basically the four-sided box we mentioned earlier. For homes with an open floor plan, the designer and homeowner have more layout selections to choose from because they have the ability to use angular layouts that include L, Y, U, or V shapes. These shapes function as walls, but are not totally blocking the eat-in kitchen or a smaller adjacent kitchen area.

The owner must realize that the larger the actual island, the more functional it will be. The island can be more than just a cooking prep surface. It can also be a smaller eating area, separate from the main kitchen or dining room. It can also contain a small TV and a compact DVD player. Your kitchen island can be as unique as you are, with custom moldings, brass accents, and custom pulls and bases, creating a one-of-a-kind look that reflects your personal style and taste. And this can be achieved no matter how big or small your island is.

The great thing about having a kitchen island installed is that it can be a relatively inexpensive project, depending on your size and scope, it is possible to bring this type of kitchen remodeling project under $700 for a basic basic island, but when you start to adding things like a sink and other accents can add significantly to the cost.