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Kitchen Island Options
Black and White Open Plan Kitchen With Striped Countertop
There is elegance in spades when it comes to this Chanel-inspired open plan kitchen, starting with the black backsplash and the dazzling gold range hood. Twin chandeliers light the way over the zebra-striped island countertop. A quartet of gold-and-black stools finish the posh look.
Photo by: French Blue Photography
French Blue Photography
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Designing the perfect kitchen island—one that best accommodates the needs of not only your space but also your family—can feel overwhelming.
100 Beautiful Kitchen Island Inspiration Ideas
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Kitchen island options are endless: counter-height or bar-height breakfast bar; open shelving for display or cabinets with drawers for storage; extra sink or cooktop. And each decision informs another.
Installing a cooktop in the kitchen island, for example, means you'll need to add a hood overhead—along with the appropriate ventilation. As you evaluate your needs, understand that placement here is key.
If you're building in appliances like a dishwasher, you'll want the cabinets in which you store the servingware close by. If you're specifying other bells and whistles, like a warming drawer, microwave oven or under-counter refrigerator, make sure there's enough countertop space above to place a hot bowl without spilling, or place a few cold drinks when guests pull up a seat.
Beyond built-in, storage and counter options, determine if your kitchen allows enough room for seating, whether at a table-style island or breakfast bar.
When friends, family members or guests can pull up a chair (or stool) and stay a while, seating at the kitchen island becomes a necessary luxury, allowing the cook to stay in the conversation, help with homework, or request help with prep work—any cook's dream.
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