Approximately eight years ago, I remodeled my kitchen. I had waited a long time for this, but finally all my visions were going to become reality. The two things highest on my wish list were more storage and more counter space. I decided that adding an island would give me both. I wanted to include an overhang for seating and eating, so the island would be the center of activities.

In larger kitchens, an island can often be added without enlarging the room; unfortunately, I wasn’t that lucky. We decided to knock down a wall between the then combination dining room/family room, which was L-shaped. This space then became an informal eating area/great room, and the former family room became a formal dining room.

If an island is in your future, consider the following planning ideas I used in building my own kitchen island.

Countertop: I choose a Corian surface, which has turned out to be super easy to clean up. It is great for rolling out cookies or piecrust. This was definitely a worthwhile upgrade.

Electrical outlets: Install one on each end. You need at least one outlet for any appliances, such as a mixer, you might want to use. (If you’re like me and often work in the kitchen, you may also want to plug your laptop in at the island.) It doesn’t take much to install a second outlet, especially if you are already running electricity to the island.

Cooktop: We decided to install our cooktop in the island. We installed a Jenn-Aire with a downdraft exhaust vent. For me, the island was the best placement for the cooktop. But base your decision on how the rest of your kitchen is laid out. It may be better for you to put a countertop/work area or a sink in your island instead of the cooktop.

Overhang eating area: I extended the countertop on one side–12″ at each end, curving slightly to 18″ in the middle. This has become one of the most enjoyable parts of our new kitchen! There’s plenty of room for breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. When there’s company, the cook can visit with guests while keeping the meal under control. We also use this space as a buffet and serving area.  Sometimes, I even keep food warm by turning the burners low.

Definitely add the overhang to your island, whether you end up going with a cooktop, sink or cutting board. Even if you only have the space for a solitary stool, you’ll have a nice place to sit while doing food prep.  You can even just sit, read the paper and have a nice cup of coffee!

Lighting: Remember the lighting over your island. You don’t want to leave this area too dark. Over our island we installed three recessed canister-style fixtures and put them on a dimmer switch.

Keep in mind: You will need a minimum of two feet around the island for traffic flow, and if you plan on having an eating area, you’ll need even more space.

Avo Barsoumian has been part of the interior decorating and home flooring community for the past 25 years. He is the owner of Carpet Wagon, a family owned carpeting company in Glendale. They have a huge selection of elegant hardwood flooring, beautiful laminate flooring and plush carpeting. Searching for that perfect wide plank laminate flooring for your new condo or carpeting costs to makeover your older house? Then give Carpet Wagon a call.

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