There is demand for kitchen islands. More than 80 percent of homeowners say they want an island in a home they are buying or when undergoing a kitchen renovation. A kitchen island creates more counter space and more storage space. It also helps maintain an open floor plan, allowing people to move easily around the room.
What do you do if your remodeled kitchen doesn’t have enough space for a kitchen island? Here are some ideas.
Portable island: A portable island is a cart that you can roll and store when not in use. As well as adding workspace, it also provides storage for the items you use most frequently while cooking or entertaining.
Peninsula: If you can’t get into an island during your kitchen renovation, consider a peninsula. A peninsula is similar to an island except that it is attached to the countertop at one end. Like an island, it offers counter and storage space while allowing access from different sides. You can also turn your peninsula into a breakfast bar by placing stools to the side.
Kitchen sideboard: If you are renovating to create additional storage space, a hutch could be the solution. In addition to the traditional styles, you can also find booths to fit in the corners, some of them quite small. Many hutches provide open shelf space for display and cabinet space underneath. You can find them with pull-out desks that allow you to keep your computer in the kitchen, and others include a convenient space for a microwave.
Kitchen table: Some tables can double as work areas or eating surfaces. Such a table would have a food prep area, perhaps made of stainless steel, that opens when needed. Some models even incorporate ceramic cooktops so you can heat food directly at the table. When you’re not cooking, the table top folds up to create a dining surface.