Kitchen Island Design

Host Joan Kohn learns about design possibilities and trends for the kitchen island.

Good island design follows the general shape of the room.

The farm table provided a much-needed work surface in the kitchen 100 years ago. In today's kitchens, islands perform the same function, as well as adding seating, storage and a personal design statement. Host Joan Kohn joins Cameron Snyder of Kitchen Concepts for design possibilities and trends for the kitchen island.

: Islands help define the kitchen space that may be open to other areas.
: Islands can be densely packed with appliances for a highly functional space.
: Multi levels on an island can provide a visual barrier for kitchen messes as well as the appropriate heights for comfortable dining and food preparation.

The island currently is the single most popular design element in today's kitchen. It offers endless design possibilities, with a wide range of choices in styles and materials.
Islands can help define the kitchen workspace in today's open floor plans by separating the cook from the rest of the room.
Islands are used to help establish the traffic pattern by directing the traffic away from the work triangle.
The island should parallel the shape of the room and have plenty of clearance around all sides.
A variety of appliances and accessories can be built into an island: sink, microwave, dishwasher, trash compactor, cooktop and a warming drawer, which is especially convenient to keep plates and food warm when the island is used for buffets.
Islands can have several levels, depending on function. Counters can be high or dining table height. A raised level above the eating level can hide kitchen mess from the rest of the room.