Pack Storage and Style Into a Kitchen

As designer kitchens continue to trend toward a warm and inviting aesthetic, cabinets and islands are taking on a furniture look. This custom island was designed to have an architectural appearance to serve as a focal point rather than a utilitarian surface.

X-style furniture pieces featuring steel frames contribute a high-end, industrial touch that melds with most kitchens. While the welded steel serves as a structural support for the countertop, it also ties in the charcoal color of the painted perimeter cabinets. This frame was fabricated by welding several strips of tubular steel into top and bottom supports, then mitering corners to create the X, which was then welded to connect the two together. For a refined look, the frame was powder-coated in a shade of charcoal several shades darker than the painted perimeter cabinets.

It's important to add storage that is easily accessible during food preparation. In this kitchen a custom island was designed with open storage along two sides, keeping pots and pans, cookbooks and glasses within arm's reach, yet hidden from view outside of the work triangle. Anytime cabinetry and shelving are custom-fabricated, measure existing cookware, serving pieces or dishware to ensure that the height, width and depth will accommodate kitchen components.

Custom serving buffets are bigger investments than ready-made sideboards or china cabinets. But ready-made pieces are only available in standard sizes, so it's unlikely a homeowner will find exactly the dimensions they require. When commissioning a custom serving buffet, it's important to ensure that the finish coordinates with or matches other finishes in the kitchen. This will keep the overall look cohesive and avoid making the custom piece appear as an afterthought.