Adding a kitchen island or improving an existing island are often on our clients’ wish lists for both refacing and new cabinet projects, but it’s not always straightforward. Let’s look at some things to consider during the planning phase of your kitchen update.

If you want to add an island…

Start with your existing kitchen’s shape, size, and, importantly, passages and entries to other parts of the house – can you add cabinetry without stopping traffic flow or decreasing functionality? How many people work in the kitchen at one time? How will adding an island affect how people move about and use the space? Can you easily open and get into cabinets and appliances now? How will more cabinets affect your access? Remember that you need clearance for the cabinet and appliance doors to open and for someone to stand before them. Space planning is critical when you’re considering adding something large and immovable! 

Some kitchens need more room to add an island of any size. At a minimum, you want 36” between rows of cabinets and more like 42-48” if appliances or work areas are involved. Ideally, another person should be able to slide by even if the appliance doors are open safely. A typical base cabinet is 24” deep and 26-27” deep if you add a counter without an overhang for seating. Some islands are one cabinet deep, and others employ back-to-back cabinets. Seating overhangs need to be 8-10”, and anything more than 12” will require bracing or supports. So, if you want an island with seating, you likely need an island at least 32-36” minimum in one direction for the overhang. Tape together cardboard boxes to play around with your ideas for adding new cabinetry. They can give you a good feel for how new cabinetry will affect your space. 

“L” shaped peninsulas can sometimes be removed, and an island can be added to their place. If the kitchen is wide enough, we can cut off the peninsula and turn the island so it’s running parallel to the other cabinets instead of the peninsula's perpendicular direction. This assumes there would still be enough space between the island and anything surrounding it. 

If you want more from your existing island…

  • Increase or add seating? We recommend 20-24” of width per person you want to seat and an 8-10” minimum counter overhang for stools. Also, consider whether you will have room behind the stools for them to move back when someone pulls one out to sit or stand.  
  • To limit costs, try to make the new island as big as the existing one to avoid a flooring repair or replacement project. 
  • Banish the trash can? Let’s ensure the new island has a pull-out for enough trash and recycling to meet your needs. 
  • Hide the microwave? We’re getting many requests for microwave drawers or open cabinets in the island for small counter-style microwaves.
  • Say goodbye to old wall ovens and have a slide-in range. Moving the cooktop out of the island and replacing wall ovens with a single range are priorities for many new kitchen designs. 

If it turns out that you can’t have the island of your dreams, there may still be other ways to give you the features you desire. At Kitchen Tune-Up, we want to help you make the most of your home. We would love the opportunity to see your kitchen, show you door and hardware samples, and create a plan to update and upgrade your space to meet your needs. Contact us today for a free design appointment and estimate. 

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